Can Muscle Repair in Tummy Tuck Improve Posture?

Question

We're always told to strengthen our abs for better posture and I'm curious as to whether the surgery might also help.   Thanks!

Scott C. Sattler, MD, FACS · Answer

Some women report improved core strength after tummy tuck surgery -- this is a subjective report, and I don't think its been studied scientifically. You certainly will look better and more athletic after a tummy tuck- that's enough to help anyone walk with a bit more confidence.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is hard to provided with a valid medical opinion without photos.  I would suggest to be treated by board certificated plastic surgeon with experience in this procedure, to get the best desired results.
Kind Regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Elizabeth Slass Lee, MD · Answer

Part of a tummy tuck involves repairing the separation of the midline abdominal muscles that can spread with pregnancy. Repairing this rectus diastasis can restore muscle stability of your "core" and therefore improve back support and posture.
Your post does not say whether you have rectus diastasis, but if you do, tummy tuck may help your core strength and posture.

Armando Soto, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there-
I have been told many times by my tummy tuck patients that (once recovered) they feel their abdominal muscles are stronger and more effective after the surgery.
This does make sense anatomically- all muscles and the joints they act on are basic cable and pulley systems- when the force of the cable (the muscle) is applied in line with the pulley (the joint), efficient motion occurs.
Returning the abdominal muscles to their anatomic positions should improve their performance, and this is likely to be something you experience in many activities, including your posture.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

SEE VIDEO BELOW: A tummy tuck does not strengthen your abdominal muscles, It simply repositions or re-aligns them which makes it easier for you to exercise and flatten your tummy. It has often been said that Pilates excercise make s you taller. I often encourage patients to perform these exercises following a tummy tuck which does improve their posture and occasionally their back pain.

David Whiteman, MD · Answer

In addition to the aesthetic benefits it is most known for, a tummy tuck can also provide a number of medical benefits including improving a patient’s posture. Posture issues are common for people carrying excess skin and fat on the abdomen and those who experience a loosening of the abdominal muscles. By tightening these muscles, a tummy tuck can restore muscle stability of your core and improve your back support and posture.

Nick Masri, MD, FACS · Answer

The tummy tuck procedure typically involves the tightening of the rectus abdominus muscles. This may improve posture by balancing the synergistic forces created by the spinal muscles and the abdominal wall musculature.

If there is a deficiency or weakness in one muscle group the other may compensate thereby creating a shift in posture.This developes over time and may improve with the tummy tuck. Immediately following the procedure a shortlived  forwardly displaced shift in posture may occur.

It is quite possible that the procedure allows those who are always trying to" hold their stomachs in", or those who are always wearing tight garments to keep their tummy flat,  see some relief. The back muscles and abdominal muscles may work together once again to achieve a better posture.

I am not sure that everyone will see this effect. Most do. There is certainly a mechanical component...maybe a psychological one as well.

Scott E. Kasden, MD, FACS · Answer

It is unlikely that a tummy tuck will change your posture. The procedure may move your center of gravity closer to your spine and this may help with back pain.

David Shuter, MD · Answer

Repairing the Diastasis Rectii during a Tummy tuck accomplishes many things. Not only will it tighten your abdomen, making it flatter, thinner, and mored toned, it alsoacts as an anterior stabilizer of the spine. Many women report improvement in lower back pain and improved posture- this is certainly not guaranteed, but I have seen it in many of my own patients.

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD · Answer

The abdominal contour is govern by three factors:
1. Anatomy: Intra-abdominal contents including fat, functional muscle in its appropriate anatomical location, amount and distribution of fat, and amount and quality of skin.
2. Muscle function affected by hernias or denervation.
3. Muscle tone and posture.
If you have a anatomical problem with the muscle such as hernia, weakness, or diastasis, surgical correction or tightening might help but this is dependent on the relative contribution of the other anatomical componentssuch as intra-abdominal and extra-abdominal fat. If your muscle is normal, but you have poor posture and resting tone, only you can train yourself to correct this. Contouring by muscle tightening will be limited by poor posture and this should be analysis prior to surgery.

Can Muscle Repair in Tummy Tuck Improve Posture?

Answers (12)

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