Can a vertical muscle tightening of upper stomach be done at same time as 360 body lift?

Hello Wannabesexy2. Thank you for your question regarding upper stomach muscle tightening during a 360 body lift.

Yes, the upper abdomen can be corrected during a lower body lift. During a 360 circumferential lower body lift, the rectus abdominis muscle is plicated from the sternum to the pubic region. This means the foundation of the abdomen is flattened from the chest to the pubic area. Additionally, excess skin and fat are permanently removed from the lower abdomen, hips, and upper buttocks. These areas are lifted and flattened, and the pubic region is also lifted and reduced. The belly button is re-oriented to match the new contour. Therefore, the upper abdomen is effectively flattened with a 360 circumferential lower body lift.

Good luck. I hope I’ve answered your questions regarding flattening the upper abdomen with a 360 circumferential lower body lift.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

Hello and thank you for your question! Yes, a rectus plication or muscle tightening/repair is commonly part of an abdominoplasty, which is the anterior portion or "front part" of a body lift surgery. Of course, everyone's anatomy, medical history/risk factors, goals etc will be different, so it is ultimately best to undergo a full consultation with detailed physical exam with a board certified plastic surgeon in order to come up with the best plan for you. Good luck on your journey!

Dear Wannabesexy2,
I understand your concern. It is best however that you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine whether you can have several aesthetic surgeries in one session, as this would depend on various factors including but not limited to your general health condition, the type of anesthesia that will be used, and the type of surgeries that will be performed among others.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

it is usually possible and many times desirable tighten the abdominal muscles when having a body lift.

Personally, I consistently incorporate muscle repair into every abdominoplasty procedure to ensure optimal outcomes for my patients.
Best, Dr Rodolfo Castillo.

It is routine procedure to repair and reapproximate the muscles, if they separated, when doing either an abdominoplasty, or a lower body lift. This assures that the foundation of your stomach is as flat and tight as possible prior to the redraping the skin over it. The best results from this occur if patients are as close to their normal body weight as possible so that there is no intra-abdominal fat, preventing the muscles from coming together. Best wishes.

Yes, addressing abdominal wall laxity is commonly done during an abdominoplasty that is performed part of the circumferential (360) body lift. I've included a video that I hope you find helpful. I welcome you to visit us in our Houston office for a consultation!

The answer to your question is yes.
Whether it is appropriate is another question.
Some plastic surgeons may restrict undermining when doing certain types of body contouring procedures like a total body lift. Typically during a full tummy tuck the skin and fat layer is separated from the muscle fascia up to the rib cage and muscle tightening of the upper abdomen is typically included, especially on patients with a history of muscle separation.
Muscle tightening should typically be included when doing a tummy tuck on patients with previous pregnancies. Patients who do not have muscle separation may not need muscle tightening.
Muscle tightening will not correct a bulging abdominal wall due to access visceral fat.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD .

Yes, a vertical muscle tightening of the upper stomach can often be performed at the same time as a 360 body lift. This combination of procedures can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have concerns about both the upper and lower abdominal regions, as well as the surrounding areas.During a 360 body lift, excess skin and tissue are typically addressed circumferentially around the abdomen, including the lower and mid-back areas. The procedure may involve some degree of muscle tightening in the lower abdominal region. If there are specific concerns or laxity in the upper abdominal muscles, a vertical muscle tightening procedure (upper abdominal muscle plication or repair) can be added to the surgical plan.Combining these procedures can provide a more comprehensive improvement in the overall contour of the abdominal area. However, the decision to combine procedures should be made based on an individual assessment of your anatomy, aesthetic goals, and your plastic surgeon's expertise.It's important to have a thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience with both the 360 body lift and vertical muscle tightening procedures. Your plastic surgeon will evaluate your specific concerns, anatomy, and overall goals to determine the most appropriate surgical plan for you.Combining procedures can have benefits in terms of consolidating recovery times, but it's essential to understand the potential impact on the duration and complexity of the surgery, as well as the postoperative recovery process. Always discuss your goals and expectations with your plastic surgeon and make an informed decision based on their recommendations and your individual circumstances.