Could I be a candidate for a TT without muscle fascia repair? (Photo)

Question

I workout daily (weightlifting, crossfit, endurance etc) and focus heavily on my nutrition. I had a TT about 10 years ago, had a child 3 years ago and lost more weight. I would like a revision done but don't feel I need muscle repair. I have laxity in my skin, i never liked my belly button and would like that revised and also a reduction of the mons pubis area. What are your thoughts?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding whether a tummy tuck can be done without muscle repair. The answer is yes. A tummy tuck can be done without muscle repair. Most tummy tucks are performed with muscle repair. If a patient has strong abdominal core muscles, it is possible to have a tummy tuck without muscle repair. Since you lost weight and have skin laxity, I recommend a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty revision. Your belly button can be revised and the mons can be reduced during this procedure. Please seek a board-certified plastic surgeon who has performed hundreds of tummy tucks and tummy tuck revisions. I hope this answer helps. Good luck.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. Based on your photos, I think that you would be a better candidate for 360 Lipo rather than a revision tummy tuck. Skin laxity is not very apparent in the photos so another tummy tuck may not be needed. I hope this helps.

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions and photos. A tummy tuck will address excess skin & repair of the abdominal muscle. The abdominal wall can be weakened after pregnancy and (or) significant weight gain & loss. By repairing the muscle, not only does the appearance of your abdominal area improve, but your core strength as well. The repair of the muscle will cinch your waist like an inner corset, which will accentuate your curves. Liposuction will remove excess fat from unwanted areas with some skin retraction. Your expectations and health will dictate the best procedure(s) for you. I suggest a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to go over the options that best address your goals. Best of luck!

Dhaval Patel MD
Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Chicago
South Barrington
Oakbrook
Orland Park

Dhaval Patel MD 
Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon 
Chicago 
South Barrington 
Oakbrook 
Orland Park

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

The benefit of the muscle repair will vary depending on individual anatomy. The repair will generally be recommended when there is a separation of your muscles. After discussing the anticipated benefits of the muscle repair with your surgeon, the choice to proceed is up to you.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It’s difficult to say based on your photos. If you don’t have any muscle separation, then a repair wouldn’t be necessary. Your surgeon would be able to let you know during your consultation. Belly button reshaping and skin removal could be performed during your revision.

Christopher Pannucci, MD, MS · Answer

Hi CaliGirl,
Your primary concerns are not about muscle bulging, but about excess skin and your belly button. A tummy tuck can address those concerns, with or without muscle repair. When you meet with your plastic surgeon, he or she will examine you to determine if your six pack muscles have a split (rectus diastasis). You and your surgeon can then have a discussion about the pros and cons of muscle plication/muscle repair.
Hope this helps.
Best,Christopher Pannucci MD MSBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Tummy tucks can be done with or without fascia repair.  The muscle itself is not repaired but the overlying fascia is repaired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

You would have to be evaluated. In general, any live birth usually leads to some muscle laxity, even if the separation of muscles is minimum. Further, to get the best belly button possible, is submerge the umbilical stalk into the plication so the that it is as deep as possible. I understand the muscle work increases discomfort and length of recovery slightly, but if you are going to do an abdominoplasty again, you should do what is best (as determined by you and your surgeon).

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear CaliGirl009,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you 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

Manuel Diaz, MD · Answer

In your specific case, we can improve your results by  having liposculpture to your abdomen and pubic area with Tummy tuck scar revision to fix loose skin, and a Belly button scar revision.

Could I be a candidate for a TT without muscle fascia repair? (Photo)

Answers (16)

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