Degeneration of lumbar disc after tummy tuck. What could have happened to my muscles during the procedure?

Question

I had an extended tummy tuck in July of 2021 to mainly remove excess skin. I didn’t have abdominal separation or anything wrong with my muscles before my procedure. I chose a reputable doctor in Scottsdale, AZ and paid almost 18,000 cash for this procedure. It has been over a year and I am now in physical therapy due to abdominal weakness and degenerative disc disease which I did not have before this procedure. What could have happened to my muscles during the procedure? I am desperate for help!

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @JinPhx, thank you for your question. Abdominoplasty is a procedure in which the muscle is plicated and excess skin is cut from the abdomen. At no time during the procedure are the walls of the spine touched or in contact with this area. So probably what you feel is something degenerative that may come from a process before or after your surgery. For more information and recommendations, it is best to consult with one or several board certified plastic surgeons. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I question whether your tummy tuck could have caused degenerative disc disease over such a short period of time. You probably developed disc disease over many years but it was not symptomatic. I have never seen a tummy tuck cause back problems as you describe

Bryan Curtis, MD · Answer

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure that typically focuses on removing excess fat and skin from the abdominal area and tightening the abdominal muscles. The procedure is usually performed on the front of the body, and the surgeon may make an incision along the lower abdomen.Degeneration of lumbar discs is a condition related to the intervertebral discs in the lower back (lumbar spine). These discs can degenerate over time due to various factors, including age, genetics, lifestyle, and mechanical stress.Here are a few considerations regarding your question:1.) Surgical Positioning: During a tummy tuck, patients are typically positioned on their backs with their legs elevated. This positioning shouldn't directly affect the lumbar discs since the lumbar spine is not under significant strain during the procedure.2.) Muscle Tightening: The abdominal muscles are tightened during a tummy tuck to achieve a flatter and firmer abdominal contour. This tightening primarily affects the muscles in the front of the abdomen, not the muscles of the lumbar spine. However, the redistribution of tension in the abdominal area may indirectly affect your posture and the way you use your back muscles, potentially influencing your lumbar spine.3.) Postoperative Care: It's crucial to follow postoperative instructions carefully. Your surgeon may provide guidelines for activities, lifting restrictions, and posture to avoid putting undue stress on your abdominal area and lumbar spine during the recovery period.4.) Consult Your Surgeon: If you are experiencing issues with your lumbar discs after a tummy tuck, it's essential to discuss your symptoms with your surgeon. They can provide you with the most accurate information regarding any potential connections between the procedure and your current condition.Keep in mind that lumbar disc degeneration is a complex condition influenced by multiple factors, and it may not be directly related to your tummy tuck. Other factors such as age, genetics, posture, physical activity, and overall health can contribute to disc degeneration.If you're concerned about your lumbar disc health or experiencing discomfort or pain, consult a healthcare professional, such as an orthopedic specialist or a physical therapist, who can conduct a thorough evaluation and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Your disc issues and muscle weakness are not related to the tummy tuck, but due to your back problem. Muscles are not removed or weakened during the tuck.

Cagil Meric Erenoglu, MD · Answer

Hi, JinPhx! Thank you for your question.
More information is needed to fully understand your exact situation. However degenerative disc disease is not a known complication of tummy tuck, instead because it helps to lower the front weight it helps to reduce the disc pathologies. This condition probably is not about tummy tuck but rather an ongoing other issue instead.

Degeneration of lumbar disc after tummy tuck. What could have happened to my muscles during the procedure?

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Degeneration of lumbar disc after tummy tuck. What could have happened to my muscles during the procedure?

Answers (7)

Answer: Back

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Answer: Tummy Tuck and Degenerative Disc Disease

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