The Role of Muscle Repair in a Tummy Tuck

Our flesh is designed to withstand a fair amount of wear and tear; the body even produces proteins like collagen and elastin to ensure our skin and muscles can accommodate all the ways we grow and change over the years. However, significant changes like major weight gain, rapid weight loss over a short duration, and pregnancy can push our bodies beyond their natural ability to snap back. In some cases, patients look to abdominoplasties, also known as tummy tucks, to rejuvenate their stomach and repair their abdominal walls after damage. Tummy tucks are most often associated with the goal of removing excess fat and loose skin, but abdominoplasties holistically target the midsection, addressing the muscles that are vital for many movements in day-to-day life. Not all tummy tucks include muscle repair, but it's a life-changing component of the procedure for patients seeking to correct separated abdominal muscles. Barrett Plastic Surgery offers highly customizable Beverly Hills tummy tucks with dramatic body contouring results and precise muscle tightening that last a lifetime when paired with a healthy lifestyle. 

‍

What is an abdominoplasty? How is it performed?

‍

Abdominoplasties are a surgical procedure that eliminates loose skin and fat while tightening the muscles in the abdominal area. Tummy tucks are considered one of the most influential and life-changing operations because of their dramatic results. To perform an abdominoplasty, the surgeon makes a horizontal incision between the belly button and pubic hairline, strategically placed low enough that bathing suits and undergarments can hide any visible scarring. To ensure minimal visible scarring, the surgeon creates a second incision around the belly button within the skin’s natural creases. 

‍

The surgeon removes excess tissue, fat, and skin through the incisions and tightens the abdominal muscles if necessary. From there, the surgeon will pull the skin firmly across the midsection and suture it closed. Barrett Plastic Surgery uses a double reinforcement plication technique that ensures the abdominal wall repair doesn’t relax over time and a meticulous five-layer closure method to minimize tension and scarring. Finally, the surgeon may make adjustments to belly button placement for the most natural-looking results. 

‍

Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck?

‍

Patients who have met their weight loss goals and are finished having children are ideal candidates for abdominoplasties. Individuals who have loose skin due to weight fluctuations, experience a change in body type after pregnancy, or retain excess fat despite long-term diet and exercise are also great candidates for the procedure. Patients with significant abdominal scar tissue, have a BMI greater than 30, or plan to lose weight in the future may be advised against abdominoplasties. 

‍

Some patients may only need a partial abdominoplasty or mini tummy tuck for small changes. Still, a traditional tummy tuck will offer more correction and is particularly helpful for patients with significant skin laxity. Tummy tucks are also popular as a component of a post-pregnancy Mommy Makeover. 

‍

When is muscle repair surgically necessary?

‍

The most common reason for muscle repair during a tummy tuck is a condition called diastasis recti, which occurs when the abdominal muscles in the stomach separate, leading to noticeable physical changes and discomfort. Women frequently experience this condition during pregnancy or after childbirth; it occurs when the band that holds the left and right abdominal walls becomes overstretched due to pressure from the growing uterus, causing a gap between the muscles. About 60% of people develop the condition, and while it can repair itself within eight weeks after delivery, around 40% of people still deal with it six months post-partum and may opt to get it surgically corrected. However, specific exercises can improve the condition without having to get surgery. 

‍

Factors that may increase the chances of diastasis recti include carrying multiples, delivering a baby larger than average, delivering vaginally, having an abundance of amniotic fluid, or having multiple pregnancies in close succession. It’s also possible to experience the condition without pregnancy — excessive weight gain and rapid weight loss over a short amount of time can also cause the abdominal muscles to separate. Diastasis recti is not painful, though it may cause discomfort, lead to pain in other parts of the body, or cause medical conditions like a hernia. 

‍

Side effects of diastasis recti include:

• Soft, jelly feeling around the bellybutton
• Lower back pain
• Pelvic or hip pain
• Indigestion
• Poor posture
• Urinary incontinence 
• Difficult lifting objects
• Visible bulging above or below the belly button

How does the surgeon repair abdominal muscles during a tummy tuck?

‍

To correct damaged muscles during a tummy tuck, the surgeon sutures the connective tissue between the abdominal muscles, pulling them back together like an internal corset. 

Adding muscle repair to an aesthetic abdominoplasty makes the surgery and recovery more complex, and in some cases, insurance will help cover the procedure.  

‍

What are the benefits of a tummy tuck with muscle repair?

‍

Having a strong, intact core is vital as those muscles support the “trunk” of our bodies, allowing us to move correctly and holding internal organs in place. When these muscles are separated, it throws the body off balance, making the back take on more to support everything else. Repairing separated abdominal muscles restores harmony and stability. 

‍

Other benefits of abdominal muscle repair include:

• Improved workouts and daily activity
• Reduced C-section scars
• Improved digestion and bowel movements
• Reduced pain during intercourse
• Better posture
• Flatter stomach

‍

Are there risks to abdominoplasties?

‍

Like any surgical procedure, abdominoplasties have risks, including infection, blood clots, scarring and other associated risks. Finding a qualified, board-certified surgeon with a reputation for successful procedures significantly reduces the risk of complications. 

‍

I’m interested in an abdominoplasty with muscle repair — what are the next steps?

If you’re curious to find out whether you’re an ideal candidate for abdominoplasty, Barrett Beverly Hills offers in-person and virtual consultations for potential patients. Our practice sets the standard for natural-looking results with a holistic approach to effectively minimize post-procedure downtime and scarring. For more information about us, call (310) 398-2648 or complete a virtual consultation form. Keep up with us on social media via TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, Realself, and YouTube, and subscribe to our blog for updates. We look forward to guiding you on your journey!

‍