Would muscle plication improve my contour? (Photos)

Question

I had an extended tuck 6 months ago, with muscle plication only below the belly button. My results are great, but I have to engage my core/"suck it in" to look flat from the side. When i relax my core, it rounds out a bit. If i were to have the procedure redone in order to have full muscle plication, is it realistic to think my stomach could be flat like the third picture without having to hold it in? Pic 1,totally relaxed Pic 2, mildly engaged Pic 3 flexed (possible w/ plication?)

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I encourage you to wait 3-6 more months before considering a revision to allow the area to fully heal.  An exam would be needed to determine if further plication would be beneficial or if the contour is related to internal/visceral fat.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear mango88,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Having done partial muscle tightening makes little sense and going back and re-doing the procedure may or may not justify the potential improvements.
The shape of the abdomen is typically made up of four components. These are skin laxity, excess subcutaneous fat, muscle of separation from previous pregnancies a.k.a. diastasis recti and lastly excess visceral or intra-abdominal fat.
If your abdomen is bulging due to muscle separation then muscle tightening will definitely improve your abdominal wall.
Your post leaves numerous?‘s And we need much more information to give you are worthwhile recommendation.
When posting regarding the outcome of a cosmetic procedure patients should always include before and after pictures. Without seeing before pictures it’s difficult to assess the outcome of the procedure.
Likewise, knowing if you’ve had previous pregnancies i.e. you have children would also be useful information.
Some explanation on why you or your surgeon opted for partial muscle tightening may also give useful information.
Redoing a tummy tuck with full muscle tightening will be a more intense recovery than the first time around.
Talk to your plastic surgeon. If you want a proper second opinion consultation then scheduled those as in person consultations and come prepared with a copy of your previous operative report and all before and after pictures.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Would muscle plication improve my contour? (Photos)

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Would muscle plication improve my contour? (Photos)

Answers (3)

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