Is there a nonsurgical way to tighten an undone muscle repair? (photos)

Question

Hi, I partook in a mommy makeover two years ago. After healing and consultation from a surgeon my left abdominal wall of my muscle repair was unsuccessful my stomach looks lopsided. Is there a way for me to tighten? as one surgeon informed me that I do not have enough skin to endure another tummy tuck. I dont know if you can tell from photos but when I am bloated the top part of my belly inflates and its uncomfortable. Please help

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @courtjeff18, thank you for your question. As part of your surgical plan, you might want to consider a modified abdominoplasty, where you can achieve a complete muscular application and strengthen your abdominal wall. In my personal experience, I always performed this surgery under general anesthesia. For more information and recommendations, it is prudent to consult with one or several board certified plastic surgeons. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

I understand your concern about the asymmetry and discomfort you're experiencing after your mommy makeover. While there are nonsurgical treatments available to tighten skin and address some muscle laxity, such as radiofrequency treatments or ultrasound therapy, these treatments may not provide the same level of correction as surgical intervention.

In your particular situation, a muscle repair revision could potentially be performed to tighten the muscle plication, which may address the issue without needing another full tummy tuck. However, it is essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can assess your individual case in person and determine the most appropriate course of action.

Each case is unique, and a personalized approach is necessary to ensure the best possible outcome. Your safety and satisfaction should always be the top priority. A qualified plastic surgeon can discuss the various options available to you and help you make an informed decision about your care.

Thank you for your question. I hope this information is helpful.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

If your muscles are in fact still separated, it is unlikely you will be able to significantly tighten the muscle without additional surgery. This can be done without removing additional skin. It is difficult to weigh the anticipated benefits without an actual physical examination. Your photos do not suggest you have a major problem.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures and questions. The best non-surgical way to treat your issue is weight loss. This might help. If not, then you may need some type of revision with additional contouring in that area. Without an in person consultation and exam it may be hard to determine exactly what would help.
Best of luck!
Dallas Buchanan, MD
VIVIFY plastic surgery
Tampa, FL

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear courtjeff18,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Generally speaking, surgery is the only way to get a full repair of muscle separation. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Justin K. Williams, MD · Answer

There are some nonsurgical procedures that can help with abdominal wall tightness. Devices like EM sculpt and EM sculpt neo are able to tighten the skin, and tighten abdominal wall muscles. The makers of the device also note that patient's could potentially have an improvement in muscle separation.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

The muscles could be tightened using the scope. Not all surgeon, however, do this procedure.  A smaller incision could also be made to tighten the muscles.

Brad M. Gandolfi, MD · Answer

Abdominal tightening really can only be done with full access to the abdominal wall. You dont need to remove skin but the tummy tuck would have to be redone. Upper abdomen tightening can sometimes be limited by the ribs and liver. 
Sometimes, liposuction can be done on the outside to drop the belly down further. 
I hope this information is helpful!

Cagil Meric Erenoglu, MD · Answer

Hi, courtjeff18 ! Thank you for your question and photos.
From your pictures I can not see a significant abdominal bulging. So the question here is that “Will it worth to have another surgery for this?”
It is very difficult and often unsuccessful to have an endoscopic muscle repair, especailly after a tummy tuck. So an open surgery will be needed again. Muscle repair is more painful than tummy tuck itself. There will be another recovery period. 
I would not recommend to go under surgery again for this. (My personal opinian as a plastic surgeon.)

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You will want to first confirm that the fullness that concerns you is not related to visceral/internal fat.  If it is then weight loss should improve it.  If it is not the way to address your concerns is through surgical correction of the muscle wall.  Further skin removal is not necessary, but the incision will need to be reopened in order to access the trouble area.  See a board certified plastic surgeon for an evaluation.

Is there a nonsurgical way to tighten an undone muscle repair? (photos)

Answers (14)

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