Can a tummy tuck be performed without muscle repair?

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.)

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.

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.