Tummy tuck with muscle repair and lipo

An abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is utilized to improve the appearance of the abdomen.  Whether it’s an extended, standard, umbilical float or mini tummy tuck, one of the most consistent parts of the surgery is repair of the abdominal muscles.  So why is this necessary?  To answer this we need to look at some anatomy.

Tummy tuck with muscle repair and lipo
The abdominal wall, meaning the tissues deep to the skin and subcutaneous fat, is composed of two sets of four muscles. The rectus abdominis (six pack) muscles are vertical and attach between the ribs and the pubis in the center of the abdomen. The other muscles run transverse and include the external and internal obliques and the tranversus abdominus.  These muscles are surrounded by tissue called fascia (faSH(ē)ə) which connects them to each other and the surrounding tissues.

Muscles are very elastic and can stretch and contract very easily.  In contract fascia is composed of material that is similar to ligaments.  It is used to stabilize the soft tissues in the way ligaments stabilize the bones-so it is relatively inelastic.  During any event in which the abdominal cavity expands relatively slowly, for example pregnancy, the fascia stretches accordingly.  After the pregnancy the muscles return to their prespregnancy state but the fascia, being somewhat inelastic, never returns to its original state and therefore the abdominal wall has laxity.

The most common manifestation of this is rectus diastasis.  Rectus diastasis refers to separation of the rectus muscles in the midline.  The normal separation is about 1cm or less.  After pregnancy the diastasis can be several centimeters.  When this is combined with overall abdominal fascial laxity the result can be a protuberant belly.

To correct this muscle separation heavy, permanent suture is used to stitch the two edges of the rectus muscles together.  Permanent suture is used because studies have shown that diastasis can return if they are not used.  Typically the stitch is buried within the repair so it is never felt by the patient.  This repairs the abdominal wall in the vertical directions.  If there continues to be fascial laxity, corset sutures are placed on either side in the oblique direction.  These reduce the laxity in the horizontal direction.

Abdominal muscle repair during a tummy tuck allows us to restore the abdominal wall architecture and achieve a flatter more youthful abdominal appearance.

Tummy tuck with muscle repair and lipo

14 Sep Do I Need Muscle Repair With My Tummy Tuck?

The goal of a tummy tuck is to improve the appearance of the midsection by removing excess skin and fat. During most tummy tuck procedures, abdominal muscles that have become stretched and weakened as a result of pregnancy or extreme weight loss are sutured and repaired. But how do you know if you need muscle repair with your tummy tuck from John Park MD Plastic Surgery? Here’s some more information about muscle repair and when it is needed.

Abdominal Muscle Separation 101

Abdominal muscle separation, also called a diastasis, is very common in patients who are considering tummy tucks. The abdominal wall is made of two bands of muscles that run parallel in the middle of the stomach. These are the muscles that give you that “six-pack” look. The band of muscles is connected via a thin sheet of tissue known as the fascia. During pregnancy or weight gain, the abdomen becomes bigger, in turn, stretching the abdominal muscles as well as the fascia creating a gap.

Following weight loss and childbirth, the stomach slowly returns to its pre-form, however, some muscle laxity can remain. This can cause a protruding belly or the dreaded belly pooch. When this occurs, there’s very little aside from surgery that can correct the abdomen. Diet and exercise are unable to tighten the weakened abdominal muscles naturally. During a tummy tuck, sutures are placed in the connective tissue pulling it tight and back into position.

Is Muscle Repair Always Necessary?

Although muscle repair usually produces better results with a tummy tuck by achieving a flat and toned abdomen, it is not always necessary. Not all weight loss patients suffer from muscle separation. Sometimes adding liposuction to remove the extra fat is enough to achieve optimal tummy tuck results. Women who have a caesarian do not always require muscle repair either due to the fact that when they were sewn shut during their C-section, the muscle separation was corrected at that time.

Bridge the Gap with a Tummy Tuck at John Park MD Plastic Surgery

The best way to determine if you should include muscle repair with your tummy tuck is to schedule a consultation with Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon Dr. John Park. Together, you will go over your options and devise a treatment plan that will help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Contact John Park MD Plastic Surgery at (949) 777-6883 to schedule your consultation today!

How long does it take for a tummy tuck muscle repair to heal?

You may not feel fully healed for up to 3 months to as long as 4 or 5 months. Some patients say their healing felt like it took 6 months to up to a year – remember, every person's different. But in general, most patients get back to the majority of their normal day to day activities within a period of a few months.

Does a full tummy tuck include muscle repair?

Not all tummy tucks include a muscle repair because not all bellies that can benefit from a tummy tuck have a diastasis recti. Even when the linea alba is stretched out, it can sometimes return to its normal size on its own.

What happens after tummy tuck and muscle repair?

Some people experience numbness or a pulling sensation for weeks or months after a tummy tuck, but this is typically normal and often fades with time. It can take up to three months for the swelling and bruising to go down completely, and it may take longer than that for your scar to fade.

What is the benefit of muscle repair with tummy tuck?

In flattening the abdomen and removing excess stomach fat, a tummy tuck surgically tightens the weakened muscles, resulting in much-needed abdominal support that can alleviate your back pain. To improve posture: A byproduct of stronger abdominal muscles and decreased back pain is improved posture.