TT Without MR, Are the Results Worth it?

In my opinion, the muscle repair is not an option part of a tummy tuck but an integral part of the procedure responsible for a significant portion of the result.

The majority of patient having a tummy tuck have had 2 or more pregnancies and the muscle-fascia layer has been stretched and weakened and accounts for the rounded appearance of the abdomen after pregnancies compared to the flatter appearance of the abdomen before pregnancies.

To have the rest of the procedure and leave out one important part really doesn't make sense to me since the flatter appearance after a tummy tuck is what most patients like most.

Thank you for your question and best of luck.

The short answer is: It depends.

Consider for a second WHY you are having a Tummy Tuck in the first place. It is usually to get rid of excess abdominal skin caused by either weight loss or pregnancy.  In BOTH processes the abdomen expanded permanently stretching out EVERYTHING in front of it, muscles and skin. The skin could not have stretched if it was not pushed forward to the point of cracking (Stretch Marks) were it not for the muscles being stretched and split.

It is a rare to see a woman with excess abdominal skin who does not have stretched and even split six pack muscles. If you are in this group then foregoing the muscle repair may work out. In the majority of people, failing to tighten the muscles always results in a poochy, ugly result which was already paid with a long transverse scar. In other words, in them failing to repair the muscle is a missed opportunity for a MUCH more attractive result.

Peter A Aldea, MD