Will a tummy tuck help with pain relief?

Question

Last year I had an MRI on my back. Other than a blood tumor on my spine everything is normal. But I'm in terrible pain everyday, lower back, hips and sciatic nerve hurt all the time. I'm wondering if because of pregnancies my abdominal muscles are weak and I'm overcompensating with my back for support. I have about 30 extra pounds to loose and a lot of hanging skin in my lower belly. I have strong abs in my upper tummy but I can't even feel them at all under my naval. Will TT help with this?

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. A tummy tuck removes skin and fat. In addition, at the same time, the muscles can be tightened to fix diastasis of the rectus muscles. In no way is this operation intended to help with pain, discomfort, posture, back problems, etc. Is it possible that people who have undergone a tummy tuck have had improvement in pain? Sure. But it is also just as likely that this operation could worsen pain, or most likely, have no effect at all. Pursue cosmetic surgery for the reasons it was intended, to improve appearance. If you pursue it for other reasons, you are likely to be unhappy.Best of luck!

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

and your doctors should know what the cause of your pains are if you've had the proper studies done.  A tummy tuck is cosmetic in nature and is not done with the pretense that its going to help back pain.  You certainly could have stretched out muscles but no one can tell you that having a tummy tuck will resolve your symptoms.

Nicholas A. Flugstad, MD · Answer

Thanks for posting. From your description, it sounds like you have significant rectus diastasis (separation of your abdominal muscles) Some patients report that tummy tuck with muscle repair (plication) helps restore their core strength and provides some back pain relief. So it's possible. If you have sciatic nerve pain and hip pain, it may not be the answer to your issues. Losing extra fat is always recommended, as this will improve your health, may improve your back pain, and will certainly make you most ready for a great tummy tuck result.

Brian Windle, MD (retired) · Answer

This is not an uncommon question.  Interestingly, there are a couple of studies that have looked at this issue.  They have concluded that patients who have a wide separation of their abdominal muscles or rectus muscles may indeed get relief from their chronic back pain.  These papers do not specify exactly how wide a wide rectus muscle separation is.  There is never any guarantee that a tummy tuck will help with back pain.  A tummy tuck for back pain is not a recognized treatment for back pain by any insurance company.  However, repairing the separation does seem to help with stabilizing the muscles of the back which can help to reduce back pain.I hope that helps.Best regards.

Will a tummy tuck help with pain relief?

Answers (4)

Answer: Tummy Tuck for Back Pain

Answer: Tummy Tuck for Back Pain

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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Will a tummy tuck help with pain relief?

Answers (4)

Answer: Tummy Tuck for Back Pain

Answer: Tummy Tuck for Back Pain

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.