Was told by surgeon that pulling abdominal muscles very tight during TT would not affect Pelvic Floor Prolapse Issues, true?

Question

My obgyn and physical therapist said it would be okay that I have a tummy tuck despite some of my mild pelvic floor prolapse issues. During a consult I asked the surgeon to not pull the muscles too super tight as to not add any unecessary pressure. He told me that he will pull them very tight but that I shouldn't worry about it affecting my pelvic floor. Does this sound right or should I keep consulting?

William T. Stoeckel, MD · Answer

Before a week ago, I would have told you that there is not much to worry about. But I just recently had a patient who had a recurrence of a surgically repaired pelvic floor prolapse after her abdominoplasty. This could have been a coincidence or it could be that the increased abdominal pressure from the rectus plication contributed to the recurrence. I think that you need to understand that there could indeed be a relationship between the tummy tuck and the pelvic floor stability and that it will be an additional risk to your procedure. The risk of having pelvic floor problems is still likely quite low, but not zero. Avoiding excessive tightening of the abdominal wall might be a good decision.

Thomas A. Pane, MD · Answer

Its often helpful to have another consultation opinion, even just to confirm your first impression.  The main issue with pelvic prolapse is a loss of support of the pelvic structures, and any increased abdominal pressure will be secondary, and is unlikely to affect the prolapse. I am not aware of any link between plicating the abdominal muscles during abominoplasty and worsening prolapse.

Randy Wong, MD · Answer

You are correct to consider another consultation.  A tummy tuck with tight muscle imbrication will increase intra-abdomenal pressure and could aggravate pelvic floor prolapse, even raise your diaphragm position.  Best to seek a uro-gynecology specialist to work with your plastic surgeon on staging your strategy.

Ricardo Ventura, MD · Answer

Every abdominoplasty surgery should tight the abdominal muscle as much as to reconstruc the normal anatomy of the abdomen and no more, therefore it should not be a problem or repercussion to the pelvic floor. You should worry about getting a good surgeon to repair your pelvic floor and you can do this surgery before or after your tummy tuck.

Craig Mezrow, MS, MD, FACS · Answer

Abdominoplasty procedure removes excess loose skin and tighens the weakened, distended abdominal wall.  The procedure does not influence the pelvic floor.

Was told by surgeon that pulling abdominal muscles very tight during TT would not affect Pelvic Floor Prolapse Issues, true?

Answers (8)

Answer: No link from tighting your abdominal muscle and rectus prolapse

Answer: No link from tighting your abdominal muscle and rectus prolapse

Answer: Abdominoplasty and Pelvic Floor

Answer: Abdominoplasty and Pelvic Floor

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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Was told by surgeon that pulling abdominal muscles very tight during TT would not affect Pelvic Floor Prolapse Issues, true?

Answers (8)

Answer: No link from tighting your abdominal muscle and rectus prolapse

Answer: No link from tighting your abdominal muscle and rectus prolapse

Answer: Abdominoplasty and Pelvic Floor

Answer: Abdominoplasty and Pelvic Floor

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.