Tummy tuck without muscle plication?

Thanks for your question. Yes it is possible to do a tummy tuck without muscle repair. You definitely have to choose your surgeon correctly and make sure that he/she has the training and experience to meet your goals with absolute safety.  Don’t settle for less than a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with specialized expertise in this procedure.

Dear Momto5loves, Congratulations on having children and being a mother. I understand the need to a quicker recovery given you have little ones. You can definitely have a tummy tuck without muscle repair. Some patients do not need muscle repair but other will benefit from muscle repair as one can achieve a better aesthetic result. An in-person examination with a board certified plastic surgeon can help evaluate your anatomy and can help direct your decisions. In the end, it is your decision! Good luck. Sincerely, Dr. Suzette Miranda; Board Certified Plastic Surgeon 

It is possible to have a tummy tuck without muscle repair. Be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon that will be able to explain to you what to expect in your particular case. Good luck.

TT without muscle repair may make the recovery easier, but, if you have laxity in that area, the result will be better with plication. In general, the muscles should be brought to anatomic norms. The smaller the separation, the less tightening required and probably the less discomfort. Swelling will occur irrespective of muscle repair, and almost every patient requiring a TT will benefit from the muscle repair even though you may require a revision after another pregnancy.

You are correct that your recovery and return to unrestricted activity will be quicker without the muscle separation (diastasis) repair. If you have a wide separation, it is not always the best advice to leave it alone however. Good communication with your plastic surgeon about expectations is important.

Hi and welcome to our forum!
During pregnancy, the growing fetus stretches the anterior abdomen, including skin, soft tissue, and muscle. The paired vertically oriented rectus muscles are often pulled apart, resulting in a bulge at the center of the abdomen. Repair of the rectus musculature during abdominoplasty is accomplished to tighten the abdominal wall and eliminate the bulge. It does not significantly impact recovery, especially if a long acting local anesthetic is injected into the muscle during surgery. 
Everyone does not require muscle repair.  An examination is required to make that determination.
I am sure you will be able to find a plastic surgeon who will respect your specific wishes.
Best wishes.

A tummy tuck without muscle repair can be done. However, if you have a weakened abdominal wall from pregnancy, the tummy tuck alone (without muscle repair) may not give you the flat result you are seeking. Consult with a plastic surgeon in person to see what is best for your particular case.Best wishes,Dr.Bruno

Actummy tuck can certainly be done without muscle plication.  It will certainly make the recovery easier.  You also need to consider if the muscle plication would make much difference anyway.  In some patients it makes a big difference but often not so much in others,  especially where loose skin is the major issue.  

The vast majority of women undergoing a tummy tuck could certainly benefit from muscle plication. During the tightening of the rectus muscles, we always inject a long acting local anesthetic called Exparel under the fascia (covering of the muscle).  This helps tremendously with post operative pain. Certainly, the choice is up to you as to whether or not you'd like the muscle tightened. A tummy tuck may be performed to remove the excess skin that bothers you without touching the muscle. Definitely meet with a board certified plastic surgeon (ASPS Member) to find out more!

Dear Momto5loves,
Muscle plication is used to repair diastasis recti. But if the patient doesn't want to get it, then the surgeon should respect that decision. Generally speaking, it is possible to remove loose skin and fat and not do muscle plication. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to 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