How Do You Know if You Need Muscle Repair During a Tummy Tuck? my Muscles Feel Tight?

This is a great question and one that I am asked quite often during consultations. In general, most patients would do better with a muscle plication (stitching the muscles together in the middle) in order to achieve a "corset" like tightening of the abdomen and sides.  This is especially true in a female with multiple gestation. That said, I have seen many women who truly have tight abdominal muscles and require only skin excision and belly button repair. This is easily achieved with a "skin only" tummy tuck and usually costs less than the standard tummy tuck.  Ask your board certified surgeon during the consultation to assess your abdominal wall tightness to determine the best procedure for you.

  An easy test for you to try is to lay flat on your back with no shirt on and perform a half sit up.  Notice if there is a long bulge down the midline of your tummy.  If so, then you need a muscle repair to improve the results. If the tummy stays tight and strong, you likely won't need a repair. Hope this helps, good luck.

A muscle repair is not an absolute must during tummy tuck.  The best way to determine if you need the repair is to have your surgeon examine your abdominal muscles and feel if there is a space in between the muscles.

Thanks for your question. Without seeing your picture it is hard to know. Most TT surgery plicates the muscle in the center to restore it back to its natural position. Often with pregnancy and age the muscle will splay to the side. The diastasis repair reorients the muscle centrally and provides a stronger/flatter abdominal wall. Skin only TT can be done in the patient with exceptional tone and musculature. Every person is unique and it is important to disucss this with a Board Certified surgeon. Best of Luck!