TT Without MR, Are the Results Worth it?

Thank you for the question.

One of the steps of a tummy tuck procedure involves reapproximation (plication)  of the rectus muscles.  These muscles have spread apart during pregnancy and/or weight gain. Bringing them together again in the midline helps to “tighten” the abdominal wall as well as to narrow the waistline.

Occasionally,   a patient will present with excess skin and adipose tissue but without  separation of the abdominal wall muscles.  For this ( unusual)  patient a tummy tuck without muscle repair may well be “worth it”. Unfortunately, most “mommies2four"  do have muscle separation and benefit from the muscle plication portion of the procedure.

In person examination will be necessary for precise diagnosis and recommendations.

I hope this helps.

 

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