Can a tummy tuck be performed without muscle repair?

Question

Can a tummy tuck be performed without muscle repair? I did a diastasis self-test and there seems to be minimal separation. I am a fitness trainer and have strong abdominal muscles. My stomach was completely flat until I turned 50. I'd like to have excess fat and a moderate amount of loose skin removed. Does a TT without muscle repair still involve DRAINS?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding whether a tummy tuck can be done without muscle repair. The answer is yes, a tummy tuck can be done without muscle repair. Most tummy tucks are performed with muscle repair. If a patient has strong abdominal core muscles, it is possible to have a tummy tuck without muscle repair. In regards to the insertion of drains, I always use drains for my tummy tucks. Whether you plicate the muscle or not during a tummy tuck, in my opinion, drains should always be used. Drains absorb blood and serous fluid. They help to minimize any fluid collections. What do you repair the muscle or not, there is always fluid. Therefore, you could have your tummy tuck without muscle plication but I would still suggest the drains. Good luck and I hope this helps to answer your question regarding whether a tummy tuck can be performed without muscle repair.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. ("Verified" Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. ("Verified" Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It is possible to get a tummy tuck without abdominal muscle repair. However, an in person assessment with your board certified plastic surgeon would be needed to make sure that you don’t have abdominal muscle separation. Even with muscle repair, not all surgeons require the use of drains. This would depend on the opinion of your surgeon.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The reason for using a drain after a TT is to reduce the fluid collection which could become a problem. It makes no difference whether diastasis repair is performed or not.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  It is possible to perform a skin-only tummy tuck, which involves a much shorter recovery.  Likely will still need one drain but that's dependent on your starting appearance and degree of skin excess.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear vtgirl,
generally speaking, it is possible to get a tummy tuck without muscle repair. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. Tummy tuck can be done without muscle repair if you do not have a diastasis. Drainless TT is a decision you should make together with your plastic surgeon. I hope this helps.

Jonathan McCue, MD · Answer

No a TT does not require plication. Skipping it makes the surgery much less painful. If you do a sit up or straight leg raise and you're not bulging then maybe you don't need it. It should be an intraoperative decision, and helps reduce your profile from the side view. Drains happen irrespective of the muscle work.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Yes, a tummy tuck can be performed without muscle repair.  Excess fat and skin would still be addressed.  Drains are used to collect fluid from the healing abdomen and to prevent seroma formation.  This is not directly related to the muscle repair, so drains may still be used.

Lourdes Rodriguez, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. Yes a tummy tuck can be done without the muscle repair but it depends on each case.

Make sure to approach to a certified surgeon to help you clear all your doubts.

Best wishes!

George Lefkovits, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

A Tummy Tuck does not always require muscle repair. For women who have had pregnancies and/ or patients who have lost a lot of weight, muscle repair is generally needed. But if there is no real muscle separation, then just skin excision may be all that is necessary. Drains are usually used whether or not muscle repair was performed.  However, there are some surgeons who don't use drains. You should consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Good luck!