How Realistic to Expect Oblique Muscles Plication During Abdominoplasty? Why Is This Only Done Overseas?

It is realistic to expect oblique muscle plication if you request it and you are a candidate for it.

Oblique muscle plication is not limited to overseas plastic surgeons. It is done here in the United States. Some plastic surgeons routinely do it on all of their tummy tucks, and others do it on a case-by-case basis.

Oblique muscle plication can contribute to increased discomfort after surgery.

Ask your plastic surgeon. If he/she has never done it or is unwilling to do it, you can always get another opinion.

Oblique muscle plication during an abdominoplasty is done in the US all the time when indicated. In virtually every case the rectus muschle is plicated, and if the patient has a large waist, the obliue muscle plication can help. If the abdominal content is excessive, plication sutures will not help much. It's best to lose down to the weight that is practical for you to maintain before such a procedure. This will also allow the oblique muscles to tighten with plication.

E. Ronald Finger, MD, FACS

there are many ways to tighten the abdominal muscles


vertically , or straight up and down

permanent or dissolving sutures

rectangle repair

oblique repair

lower abdominal repair


i use these methods in combination or alone as needed