When you undergo tummy tuck without muscle repair, your doctor will remove excess skin and fat from your abdomen while tightening the muscles underneath to give you a flat, smooth surface that is firm and youthful looking. The procedure also helps tighten loose skin around your waistline so you can look better in clothes and feel more confident about yourself.
Pictures Of Tummy Tuck Without Muscle Repair
Tummy tucks are a highly popular plastic surgery in the U.S., with over 130,000 procedures performed in the states annually.
However, as the procedure increases in popularity, there are also more people uncertain of what a tummy tuck achieves precisely, and what it should entail.
In short, a tummy tuck is a procedure administered for either aesthetic reasons, medical issues, or a combination of both. If performed for medical reasons, most patients will require muscle repair. In many cases, muscle repair will enhance the aesthetic results, as well. Some patients will not require any muscle repair during their tummy tuck.
Here, Dr. Farber of Farber Plastic Surgery discusses the different approaches to tummy tucks and whether or not muscle repair will be necessary, according to the requirements of different patients. To learn more about what doctor Farber’s team can do for you, schedule a consultation today.
WHAT IS THE GOAL OF A TUMMY TUCK?
The tummy tuck procedure has two main goals:
- Improve the aesthetic appearance of the patient’s midsection
- Restore the structure and musculature of the abdominal wall
IMPROVE AESTHETIC APPEARANCE
Many patients wish to get a tummy tuck because they have unsightly, excess skin surrounding the abdominal region. This is often a result of significant weight loss, leaving stretched skin around the midsection.
A combination of skin removal and liposuction during a tummy tuck assists these patients in achieving a flatter, smoother, more defined, and visually pleasing abdominal region.
RESTORE THE STRUCTURE AND MUSCULATURE OF THE ABDOMINAL WALL – DIASTASIS
For some patients, particularly those who have recently been pregnant, a medical condition called diastasis is the primary factor compelling them towards a tummy tuck.
Diastasis is the horizontal separation of the abdominal muscles. The rectus muscles, or the ‘6 pack muscles’, commonly become separated down the middle during pregnancy, and medical intervention through a tummy tuck is often required to reconnect them and restore proper structure to the abdominal wall.
HOW DOES MUSCLE REPAIR IMPACT A TUMMY TUCK?
The main difference between a muscle-repairing tummy tuck and a non-muscle repairing tummy tuck comes in the cost and the recovery time.
Patients who undergo a tummy tuck for purely aesthetic reasons have far less downtime because it is the skin that needs to repair and set itself, not the muscles.
Aesthetic tummy tuck patients that did not receive muscle repair can generally return to their full routines within two weeks.
Conversely, muscle-repair tummy tucks involve the surgeon suturing the fascia, or connective tissue, of the rectus muscles together and pulling them in close to one another. This is a significant change in the muscle structure of the abdominal area. The body requires six to eight weeks to adapt, heal, and set the changes in a permanent, stable fixture.
WILL I REQUIRE MUSCLE REPAIR WITH MY TUMMY TUCK?
As we have discussed, whether or not patients require muscle repair from their tummy tuck depends entirely on the reasons behind the tummy tuck procedure.
If the musculature of your abdominal wall has been compromised, such as through diastasis, or by having a weak abdominal wall leading to other medical conditions such as a hernia, then you will need muscle repair.
New mothers may also benefit significantly from a complete abdominal restoration procedure, such as a mommy makeover, which drastically improves both the aesthetics and functional structure of the entire abdominal region.
If, however, you are a patient who has recently lost significant amounts of weight and have excess skin, then it is likely that you will not require muscle repair from your tummy tuck. You will need your surgeon to excise the excess skin, remove some fat tissue with liposuction, and then close the incision and wait for your body to heal over the next two weeks.
As such, muscle repair IS NOT always necessary with a tummy tuck.
In fact, many patients contemplating a tummy tuck will benefit greatly from not having muscle repair, as they will pay less for the procedure and have significantly less downtime as they recover from the surgery.
Nonetheless, an essential step in determining whether or not you require muscle repair from your tummy tuck is consulting a certified, experienced, and credible plastic surgeon.
tummy tuck with muscle repair vs without
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!
tummy tuck without muscle repair recovery
Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a very useful procedure to improve the contour of the abdominal wall focusing on removing excess skin and fat that the patient feels are unwanted. A very large tummy tuck is referred to as a panniculectomy. Often the rectus muscle is repaired as well. This can add a significant improvement to the abdominal wall by tightening this muscle.
It’s not required however to achieve the best result in some cases. So, therefore, the answer to the question is yes, you can have a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty without muscle repair. With very large patients who are morbidly obese removal of the lower skin and fat is usually the most impressive and desired procedure with or without muscle repair.
Multiple pregnancies tend to distort the normal anatomy of the rectus muscle and create a separation of the two medial borders of this muscle which can be sutured closer together to improve the overall result. This however is not necessary in some very large cases, as a result, may not be visible.
Tummy Tuck
Often with very large hanging skin and fat in obese patients removal of this lower abdominal skin and fat will serve as an impetus to lose more weight and improve the overall health and appearance of the patient. To maximize safety, we prefer to do our procedures at a certified outpatient procedure affiliated with the local large hospital. We require significant preoperative clearances, which include chest x-ray EKG, and multiple labs to determine suitability for this very impressive procedure.
Also, we require these patients to stay overnight in an observation facility to maximize safety and avoid any immediate postoperative burden on the family to render postoperative care during this crucial period of recovery.
We take great pride in our focus on safety and the absolute maximum best result. As stated previously tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a very special and fulfilling procedure when performed on the right patient by a trained qualified surgeon.
exercise after tummy tuck without muscle repair
An abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is a procedure that reduces and removes unwanted fat and skin in the abdominal area. It also tightens the abdominal muscles when necessary. Getting a tummy tuck is an exciting process, but what should you expect post-op? After the surgery and throughout the first few weeks of recovery, you will likely see a tremendous difference in your body and will probably be excited to resume your regular activities and workouts. But, before you jump on the treadmill or pick up a kettlebell and start lifting, it is important to follow these six steps to working out after a tummy tuck.
Tummy Tuck Guide
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1. Listen to Your Doctor
Before you do ANY physical activity, talk to your doctor about what you should expect from exercise after an abdominoplasty surgery and how long you should wait to get started after your procedure. Your surgeon’s response will depend upon your condition prior to surgery, your personal surgical experience and how your body is recovering. If you were a marathon runner before your procedure, you will most likely return to your active lifestyle more quickly than someone who spent more time on the couch. The doctors at Belcara Health will recommend an exercise schedule that aligns with your fitness level and recovery needs. The physical demands of your job will also influence your surgeon’s advice on when you should return to work; those with sedentary jobs usually return to work more quickly than those with jobs that require vigorous physical exertion.
2. Sit Up and Get Up
Immediately following a tummy tuck procedure, even the most physically fit people may need support with seemingly simple tasks like sitting up and down. It is important to move around a bit in the first 24 hours following your abdominoplasty surgery to help promote blood circulation. But, make sure to have someone present when you first begin, because you may be unsteady. Walking after tummy tuck surgery is important; each day following your procedure, you should walk a little bit longer and a bit farther, to increase your strength and facilitate healing.
3.Perform Light Cardiovascular Activity Soon After Surgery
Should your tummy tuck require tightening the abdominal muscles, as in most cases, it usually takes about 2 weeks before you will be able to begin light cardiovascular exercise. Again, it is important to consult with your doctor before beginning any exercise after plastic surgery. Once you receive approval, you can begin with light exercise activities that raise your heart rate without directly engaging your abdominal or core muscles, such as walking, elliptical or stationary cycling. If your tummy tuck is “skin-only,” meaning only the skin is excised and tightened but no tightening of the muscles is necessary, then recovery is quicker and you will be able to return to pre–surgery exercise levels sooner.
4. Strengthen Your Upper Body and Legs, but Avoid Your Abdominals
Once you are comfortable with light cardiovascular activity, most patients can begin performing light weight lifting activities about 3 weeks after a tummy tuck procedure. These should be exercises that strengthen your arms, chest, shoulders, and legs – in addition to light cardio activities. Again, it is important to avoid heavy weight lifting during this time. You will want to avoid pull ups, power lifting, planking, sit-ups or other abdominal or lifting exercises. (Who doesn’t love an excuse to avoid burpees?) This is a time when having a personal trainer is crucial to your recovery. They can provide you with targeted exercises that do not put undue stress on the abdominals, ensuring your tummy tuck recovery timeline remains as short as possible.
5. Start Working Out Those Abs
After about 5-6 weeks following your tummy tuck procedure, and once your surgeon has given you approval, you can gradually start to expand your exercise program, including pilates and yoga. Again, a personal trainer is an invaluable resource during this time. They can coach you on form, duration, and even progression of exercises as you regain strength in your abdominal muscles. You should still avoid any heavy weight lifting or exercises that target the abdominal muscles until your physician permits it. This is because ab toning exercises after a tummy tuck only lead to stress in the region, which can adversely affect your recovery.
6. Resume Your Normal Workout Routine
Congratulations! At around 7-10 weeks after your tummy tuck procedure, you should be cleared to ease into your normal exercise routine. You can begin doing crunches, sit ups, and planks, as long as you progressively increase your repetitions. We recommend focusing on performing these exercises with impeccable form. Be sure to pay attention to your body as you resume your routine. Start slow, set reasonable goals, trust your body, and listen to what it needs.
Every patient is unique and every recovery process is personal; your recovery will not be the same as your sister’s or your friend’s. Your genetic makeup, pre-surgery fitness level, nutrition habits, environment, and support structure all play a part in your recovery time – and your surgeon’s advice takes these and many other factors into account. In order to achieve the results you desire, it is critical to follow your surgeon’s recovery instructions for care after a tummy tuck with precision. Trying to skip recovery steps or pushing through the recovery process too hard not only yields frustration, it can undo the results you have already achieved.
Is a Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty Procedure Right for You?
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen, while also tightening the abdominal muscles. This procedure is often sought after by individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight, or women who have had multiple pregnancies and are left with loose, sagging skin in the abdominal area. While a tummy tuck can be a life-changing procedure, it is important to carefully consider all aspects of the surgery before making a decision.
At Belcara Health, we understand that undergoing a tummy tuck is a big decision, which is why we offer private in-person consultations with our experienced doctors. During your consultation, your doctor will discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, as well as any concerns you may have. They will also evaluate your overall health and determine if you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck. Additionally, we offer virtual consultations for those who may have scheduling constraints or prefer the convenience of meeting with their doctor remotely.
To schedule your private consultation with one of our skilled doctors, you can contact us online or call 410-296-0414. Our team at Belcara Health is dedicated to providing personalized care and ensuring that you are comfortable and well-informed throughout the entire process. We will work closely with you to create a customized treatment plan that meets your specific needs and goals.
In conclusion, a tummy tuck can be a transformative procedure for individuals who are looking to achieve a flatter, more toned abdomen. By scheduling a consultation with one of our experienced doctors at Belcara Health, you can take the first step towards achieving the body you desire. Contact us today to learn more about our tummy tuck procedure and how it can benefit you.
