Will my muscles and fascia stretch again if I get a tummy tuck revision?

Question

I had a Tummy Tuck and at first it looked great. Then at about month 2 my stomach started to bulge back out and now it’s back to a 50% reduction with a bulge in my lower abs. I saw my surgeon and he said my fascia stretched out because I’m just the 1% of patients that this can happen to. He thinks my stitches are fine, but my muscles and fascia are just stretch after pregnancy. He doesn’t usually do revisions, and he thinks if I get a revision it may just all stretch again. Is that true?

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) revision is a surgical procedure to correct or improve the results of a previous tummy tuck. Whether your muscles and fascia will stretch again after a revision depends on several factors, including:

Surgical Technique: During a tummy tuck, the surgeon typically tightens the abdominal muscles and removes excess skin and fat. If the revision surgery involves re-tightening the muscles and repairing the fascia, the chance of them stretching again might be reduced. However, how well this holds depends on the skill of the surgeon and the techniques used.

Healing and Recovery: Proper healing and following post-operative care instructions are crucial. Adequate rest, avoiding strenuous activities, and following a healthy diet can help ensure the surgical repairs remain intact.

Individual Factors: Your body’s unique characteristics, such as skin elasticity, muscle tone, and overall health, play a significant role

Roni Prucz, MD · Answer

Without photos it is difficult to specifically answer your question. However, abdominal bulges can happen after any abdominal procedure including tummy tuck. Sutures can become loose, the fascia can stretch, and the muscles can lose their tone. Fortunately, repeat plication can often be successfully performed during a tummy tuck revision. The repair can also be reinforced with mesh. I have successfully eliminated abdominal bulges from other surgeons with long lasting results. You should discuss your care with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who will be able to provide more information. Thank you for your question!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

If you choose to have a revision it is possible that the abdomen could stretch again.  Sometimes the culprit for a rounded abdomen after surgery is that the repair failed, or more often it is due to visceral fat.  This is internal fat behind the muscle wall that surrounds your organs.  This fat cannot be addressed with a tummy tuck or liposuction, but will improve with weight loss.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

In many cases situation like yours arises from additional weight gain. Intrabdominal fat content  and increased abdominal pressure will stretch any facial/muscle repair.; too early vigorous excersize would do the same. It is very likely that condition may return after new facial repair even after using a  mesh. Sometimes this bulge is due to weakness and separation of multiple components of abdominal wall and repair may need a more  complex repair than muscle/fascia plication.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You can stretch anything except bone. There may be a reason for your tissue to stretch again that is due to internal things. Please get checked for food allergies because food allergies can cause your colon to swell.

Will my muscles and fascia stretch again if I get a tummy tuck revision?

Answers (6)

Answer: Durability of abdominal fascia repair

Answer: Durability of abdominal fascia repair

Answer: Abdomen

Answer: Abdomen

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

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Will my muscles and fascia stretch again if I get a tummy tuck revision?

Answers (6)

Answer: Durability of abdominal fascia repair

Answer: Durability of abdominal fascia repair

Answer: Abdomen

Answer: Abdomen

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.