Muscle Repair Vs Fascia Tightening

Most patients who are candidates for a tummy tuck have a separation of the muscles in the midline, called a diastasis. These musclse are like straps from the bottom of the rib cage to the pubic bone, and they contract in the vertical direction so when they have been pushed apart there is no exercise that can pull them back together. All muscles are encased in fascia, and it is also fascia that comprises the layer between the muscles in the midline. The sutures that are used to pull the muscles together are put into the fascia on the muscle, not into the muscle, so technically it is the same thing. It is possible that some surgeons might use the term differently to describe other things but the issues are basically the same.

Muscle repair and fascia tightening during a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty are two terms for the same procedure. During pregnancy or weight gain the abdominal fascia is stretched, which stretches the abdominal muscles apart. This causes upper or lower abdominal bulges. By plicating or tightening the fascia the muscles are brought back together, giving an enhanced contour. I often perform triple plication, not only correcting the rectus or six pack muscles, put also the oblique muscles, which translates into a more defined waistline.