Here’s the Thing about Tummy Tucks and Muscle Repair

Everyone considering plastic surgery wants to minimize their downtime after the procedure and have as easy a recovery as possible. So if you’ve heard that tummy tucks can be performed without repairing loose or stretched abdominal muscles, you are probably hoping that’s the best option for you. But is it really a good choice for most people considering abdominoplasty?

A Tummy Tuck with Muscle Repair

The most common techniques utilized during a tummy tuck surgery involve not only trimming excess skin and removing unwanted fat in the abdominal area, but also suturing and re-tightening abdominal muscles. One obvious example of why this is needed is for women who are post-pregnancy. The abdominal muscles naturally stretch out during pregnancy to allow for room for the baby (a condition known as diastasis recti). In many cases, these muscles will not fully tighten on their own. By addressing this muscle laxity during the procedure, your plastic surgeon is able to achieve a toned and tightened appearance with lasting results.

But this type of technique is not just for moms. For people who have achieved significant weight loss, the former excess weight often puts strain on the abdominal muscles and can cause similar stretching and muscle looseness. Still other people may have an abdominal hernia that is contributing to their belly appearance.

A Tummy Tuck without Muscle Repair

All that said, some people considering abdominoplasty actually have firm abdominal musculature, but are bothered by “flab” – loose skin and excess fat tissue that sits on top of the muscle layer. For these patients, a tummy tuck without muscle repair is a better option, due to shorter recovery time, less cost, and an easier recovery.

So how do you tell which option is best for you? By scheduling a consultation with Dr. Martin, you can learn all about tummy tuck surgery and get a custom recommendation about which technique will help you meet your aesthetic goals. Call our office today at 575-521-7111 to schedule a consultation.