Muscle Repair with Lower Body Lift?

The rectus muscles (abdominals) are the only muscles that I am aware of that are repaired during a body lift or a tummy tuck. They are tightened/repaired along the midline to flatten your abdominal wall. This helps the overall result of the tummy tuck/lift.

Thank you for your inquiry regarding muscle repair with a lower body lift. The 360 circumferential lower body lift begins with an incision across the buttocks that extends to the hips. The tissue beneath the buttocks is manipulated, leading to a lift and reduction of the buttocks. Simultaneously, the hips are also lifted and reduced. If desired, the buttocks can be augmented using a tissue flap or fat transfer.

Once the patient is turned over, the anterior part of the body lift is addressed. Here, an incision is made low in the abdomen, extending up to the sternum and the flanks. The anterior abdominal flap is then dissected and freed. Given that many patients seeking a lower body lift have experienced massive weight loss, the rectus abdominis muscle (commonly referred to as the "six-pack") is often weakened, distended, or separated, a condition termed 'rectus diastasis'. This muscle stretches from the sternum to the pubic bone and usually requires tightening during the procedure. Although there are various techniques, the prevalent method involves a double-layer closure of the rectus muscle from the sternum to the pubic bone, ensuring a lasting flat abdomen. Once tightened, any excess abdominal skin is tailored and removed.

Thank you for your question. I hope this information provides clarity on the process.

Dr. Katzen

The lower body lift circumferentially removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen and back. This procedure simultaneously tightens the abdominal muscles while lifting the lateral thighs and buttocks in an upward direction. The only area where the muscles are tightened during this procedure is the midline of the abdomen. If you have questions regarding muscle tightening, don't hesitate to discuss this issue with your plastic surgeon.