Can paraplegics have a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty surgery) to improve the atrophy of stomach muscles?

Question

Despite not being quadriplegic many paraplegics or those with a spinal cord injury can workout, eat clean/healthy, but still develop a disproportionate "belly" while the rest of the body is fit.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Gscepi,
It is hard to tell for sure without an examination. You will need to get a clearance from your doctor. 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

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello. 
Great question. A medical clearance from your specialist is needed to undergo a cosmetic procedure. An abdominoplasty procedure is not intended to improve muscle atrophy.

Nakul G. Patel, BSc, MBBS · Answer

You raise two important issues here. 
Being paraplegic is not a contraindication to an abdominoplasty. However, the risks versus benefits needs to be considered and you would need a full medical work-up for this. 
Regarding the muscle atrophy, surgery will not improve the 'atrophy' but may tighted the gapping between the rectus muscles. The atrophy would need assessment to see there is any other pathology and whether this requires repair with a sutures only, mesh or another technique. 
 I hope this has been helpful. Good luck. Nakul Patel

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

A tummy tuck will remove excess fat and skin, as well as repair abdominal wall laxity.  It will not be able to reverse muscle atrophy.  If you have been given medical clearance it should be fine for you to have the surgery.

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

A tummy tuck can help tighten the muscles which may have become weak or thin over time, however it does not reverse the atrophy of the muscle itself. For patients with a bulge due to severe thinning of the abdominal wall and muscles, they may be better served with mesh reinforcement if the bulge is becoming uncomfortable or a medical problem. Hope this helps!Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Nestor Julio Mallen Tejeda, MD · Answer

thank you for your contact, in your specific case, i don’ t think the surgery improve your muscle atrophy.

Daniel Zeichner, MD · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!Your state of health will determine your candidacy. If your respiratory function is normal, if there are no significant contractures, if there is no active urinary tract infection, and if a complete medical evaluation reveals no other problems (and medical clearance can be obtained), you would certainly be considered a candidate for abdominoplasty. If the abdominal fullness is due to atrophy of the abdominal wall musculature, tightening of the wall may offer a degree of improvement.Visit a board certified plastic surgeon for in-person evaluation and discussion.Best wishes...

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for the question and if cleared medically you certainly can have the procedure.   So go on some complimentary consultations with experts and compare recommendations after a full examination and discussion of desired results 
Dr Corbin

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

Hi, thank you for your question! You may be a perfect candidate for a tummy tuck, but clearing this procedure with your specialist before is highly recommended. A common complaint from patients seeking a tummy tuck is a protruding abdomen and excess abdominal skin. A tummy tuck consists of re tightening the abdominal muscles and pulling the abdominal skin over the tightened muscle. Excess skin is removed and high definition VASER liposuction is used to create amazing definition and contour around the abdominal region. In addition, renuvion skin tightening is used to create a very pleasing abdominal aesthetic. The most important part is finding an experienced surgeon. A Skype or FaceTime consultation with a specialist will help you get an accurate recommendation and pricing.
Respectfully, 
Arian Mowlavi MD, FACS
Realself 100 Hall of Fame Inductee

Can paraplegics have a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty surgery) to improve the atrophy of stomach muscles?

Answers (9)

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