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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Back disease is extremely common and even if you didn’t have symptoms before your operation you probably had the beginning of disease all along.
Tell me a tug is not going to cause arthritis of your back or any other back pathology.
They are two separate conditions.
Something must’ve led you to needing an extended tummy tuck so either you had multiple pregnancies in which case muscle tightening was indicated or you were morbidly obese.
The fact that you were having back problems and that happens to be a year after the tummy tuck does it mean the tummy tuck caused it. During extreme muscle tightening which is only done for those who have a significant muscle separation the rectus muscles are turned in on themselves. The innervation to the muscles is still present and they can still actively contract flexing the torso. The oblique muscles used together can also accomplish the same movement but without the strength that both rectus muscles add. There are lots of patients who’ve lost both their rectus muscles functioning fine though doing sit ups becomes a challenge. having a tummy tuck does not denervation or eliminate your muscles. It moves their position if muscle tightening is done.
Personally I don’t do muscle tightening unless someone has had previous pregnancies but each plastic surgeon will have their own view of this.
My best guess is that your conditions are not related to your surgery.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Hi and welcome to our forum!
I am sorry that you are going through this difficulty.
The performance of abdominoplasty does not involve muscle cutting (the fascia is tightened at anterior midline) and does not expose or involve any major nerves of the abdominal wall. It is a considerable distance from the lumbar discs. It seems more likely that the lumbar disc disease may be responsible for your symptoms. In addition, physical inactivity after surgery may cause weakened back and abdominal muscles which then may not support the spine properly.
I cannot contribute more as much more information is needed. A complete history and full examination is required. What is the opinion of your surgeon? What is the opinion of your neurologist or neurosurgeon? This isn't a simple issue that can be handled over the internet.
Best wishes...