Is a Six Pack After Abdominal Muscle Repair Possible?

During an abdominoplasty, usually a mid-line muscle repair is performed. This repair targets a condition called diastasis where the muscle is separated after multiple pregnancies. The repair does not affect the function of the muscle and it is still possible to form a six pack with exercise after and abdominoplasty. 

Yes, it is possible to contract and tone your midsection to get the six pack you want. You just need to make sure you wait for at least six weeks after your surgery before you start strength training again, and please start slowly.  

Once your muscles are tightened after a tummy tuck and the excess skin is removed, you will have a good chance at achieving a "six-pack" abdomen. However, for the muscles to become visible, you will need to get your percent body fat down to a very low number with strict diet and exercise. You may even need to consult with a personal trainer and/or dietician for some guidance.

Best wishes,

Dr.Bruno

Yes, it is easier to have a six-pack after abdominoplasty with muscle repair because some of the fat has been removed over the muscles, so that any definition you have will be more visible.  Also, the muscles are realigned in the midline so the six-pack will not be pulled to the side.  Whether you can have a six-pack depends also on your body weight (or more precisely your BMI), abdominal muscle tone, and genetics.  Some people can never really develop a six-pack because they don't have well-defined tendinous intersections to their rectus muscles.  "Sculpting" with liposuction does not create a six-pack, as is sometimes claimed.  Getting a six-pack is hard work, but a tummy tuck, if you are a candidate, will make it easier if you are genetically favored.

It is certainly possible to have a six pack following a tummy tuck.  Typically the muscles are tightened to restore a normal muscle (rectus abdominis) position.  Usually the limiting factors for having a six pack are the thickness of the superficial (subcutaneous) fat and the size of your abdominal muscles.  Diet and exercise are the best ways to achieve this before or after your tummy tuck.