I’m a 27 year old female who lost 145lb. I have a lot of loose skin on my abdomen but it retracted pretty well for how much weight I have lost. I’m in my 4th year of veterinary school and currently on rotations, so I have a limited amount of time (4 weeks) for recovery before returning back to clinics. I was contemplating a TT with no muscle repair as I think it would cut the healing time, but am afraid of looking boxy. I had a consultation with one surgeon who said that I probably could get by without muscle repair, but I’ve seen some really bad TTs and am scared.
July 18, 2025
Answer: Tummy tuck without muscle repair If you haven’t had children and you have minimal muscle separation you could likely have a great result without repairing the muscle. Boxy results are often a result of skipping the liposuction when it would’ve been helpful. Make sure you choose a board certified plastic surgeon who has a lot of results that you like and you trust. Get a couple opinions. Don’t choose the ‘easier’ surgery if it’s not the right one for you. You only want to have one tummy tuck.
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July 18, 2025
Answer: Tummy tuck without muscle repair If you haven’t had children and you have minimal muscle separation you could likely have a great result without repairing the muscle. Boxy results are often a result of skipping the liposuction when it would’ve been helpful. Make sure you choose a board certified plastic surgeon who has a lot of results that you like and you trust. Get a couple opinions. Don’t choose the ‘easier’ surgery if it’s not the right one for you. You only want to have one tummy tuck.
Helpful
July 18, 2025
Answer: A tummy tuck can still be worth it Congrats on your weight loss, 145 lbs is an incredible achievement! Given how well your skin has retracted, a tummy tuck without muscle repair could be an option, especially if you're on a tight recovery timeline during vet school. That said, muscle repair isn't just about looks it helps define your waist and prevent that “boxy” shape you're worried about. If your core feels strong and you’re not dealing with diastasis or back pain, skipping it might be okay, but only with a surgeon who truly understands post-weight-loss bodies. If you're hesitant, consider getting a second opinion. Not all tummy tucks are created equal and a well-done result should leave you feeling confident, not concerned.
Helpful
July 18, 2025
Answer: A tummy tuck can still be worth it Congrats on your weight loss, 145 lbs is an incredible achievement! Given how well your skin has retracted, a tummy tuck without muscle repair could be an option, especially if you're on a tight recovery timeline during vet school. That said, muscle repair isn't just about looks it helps define your waist and prevent that “boxy” shape you're worried about. If your core feels strong and you’re not dealing with diastasis or back pain, skipping it might be okay, but only with a surgeon who truly understands post-weight-loss bodies. If you're hesitant, consider getting a second opinion. Not all tummy tucks are created equal and a well-done result should leave you feeling confident, not concerned.
Helpful