Ask a Surgeon - Tummy Tuck - Are the stomach muscles always repaired during a complete abdominoplasty? What...

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Are the stomach muscles always repaired during a complete abdominoplasty? What would...

Q:

Are the stomach muscles always repaired during a complete abdominoplasty? What would be the point in not repairing the muscle?

A:

Thank you for your question regarding muscle repair during full abdominoplasty. In general, a full abdominoplasty would include removal of redundant skin on the abdomen, repositioning of the umbilicus (belly button) and tightening of weakened abdominal muscles. In very rare instances, the musculature is sufficiently tight and only the sagging skin needs to be repaired. In such a rare case, I subscribe to the adage, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

David M. Lavine, M.D., FACS - View Other Answers by this Doctor

Ft. Worth, TX

Practice Website

A:

Almost all patients needing a Tummy Tuck suffer from both loose skin and a loose abdominal wall. Muscle Tightening is the sculpture to the abdominal wall. If the abdominal wall was not loose nor if there were no Diastasis Recti (stomach wall muscles spread apart), nor hernia present, then the deeper sculpture would not be needed.

Hope this helps,

Michael Bermant, M.D. Board Certified American Board of Plastic Surgery