Is there a difference between the terms muscle repair and internal corset?

Question

I’ve heard many women talk about having muscle repair done during their tummy tucks and I’ve heard the term internal corset used in blogs and videos. Just wondering if everyone is referring to the same thing or if there is a difference. Thanks!

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The abdominal wall is composed of two major components: muscle and fascia.  Muscle increases tone with physical fitness.  However, fascia is damaged, in women, after pregnancies.  Both contribute to the  mechanical strength of the abdominal wall.  At the time of tummy tuck, muscle is not repaired.  However, the fascia envelope surrounding the muscle is repaired and that makes the muscle stronger by LaPasse's Law.  The muscle is returned to a more normal length.  There is a difference between abdominoplasty and abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement.  Mesh is used to create an internal corset that extends from side to side at the level approximately 1 inch above the umbilicus.  This changes the capacity of the abdominal cavity and complies with the abdominal wall, results in early satiety and helps maintain a reduced weight.  I recommend this technique on women who are not planning future pregnancies.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The abdominal wall should be reconstructed anatomically by correcting diastasis which consists of stitches that pull the muscles together in the midline. A nonanatomic corset or undue tightening has the potential to create undue and prolonged abdominal pain, prolonged recovery, increased abdominal compartment pressure, reduced lung expansion, increased pressure on the pelvic venous structures and implications on DVT.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

All of these terms generally mean the same thing but there are variations on how it is done. If there is a muscle separation (diastasis) then it will be securely repaired with a routine tummy tuck. If the tissues are weak and/or the diastasis wide, then the addition of mesh reinforcement may be done, using Galaflex or Durasorb, or more rarely a permanent material. The term "internal corset" might imply that extra effort will be made to tighten the waistline as much as possible, but really this is always the goal.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Yes, these terms mean the same.  It is a reference to the repair of the muscle wall during a tummy tuck.  This will correct laxity and separation of the abdominal muscles.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question. Yes, these terms are synonymous and refer to the abdominal muscle tightening procedure.

Is there a difference between the terms muscle repair and internal corset?

Answers (7)

Answer: Tummy tuck terminology

Answer: Tummy tuck terminology

Answer: Is there a difference between the terms muscle repair and internal corset?

Answer: Is there a difference between the terms muscle repair and internal corset?

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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Is there a difference between the terms muscle repair and internal corset?

Answers (7)

Answer: Tummy tuck terminology

Answer: Tummy tuck terminology

Answer: Is there a difference between the terms muscle repair and internal corset?

Answer: Is there a difference between the terms muscle repair and internal corset?

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.