Is a Tummy Tuck with No Muscle Repair Going to Give Me Good Results?
A few issues are concerning to me. You state a boarded certified PS, are you sure? Because it is obvious to me you need some tightening of the recti muscles.
And as Dr. Rand states, it is a mistake to “skip” the repair. Also the height vs weight ratio demonstrates some pre operative weight loss would be a good idea. Maybe 15 pounds.
Finally, the term realistic and buckling down are of concern in that the patient dictating to the surgeon will cause issues. Maybe best to seek other opinions. (Darryl J. Blinski, MD, )
Tummy tuck without muscle repair recovery
It is likely that you will be disappointed, as most patients have some element of muscle weakness after pregnancy – particularly if you have had multiple pregnancies.
You should consider multiple opinions from other surgeons. (William Loutfy, MD, Albuquerque Plastic Surgeon)
Why skip the muscle tightening in a tummy tuck?
Patients have gotten it all wrong now on line trying to see if they can “skip” the muscle tightening part of a tummy tuck and still get a great result. The answer is almost universally, “No.” The muscle repair is what gives the flat abdomen and the skin removal takes out the lower abdominal roll and its fat. Together, they give the great result, neither alone will do that especially if you had kids. If you truly want a great result, see some other doctors and lose 20 pounds before surgery as you are carrying excess weight beyond what will allow a great result right now. (Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS, Seattle Plastic Surgeon)
Muscle repair with tummy tuck
Physical examination is necessary to determine whether you need to have the muscles repaired but, from the lateral view, you appear to have a bulge in the abdomen and skin tightening alone will not achieve a good result.
I recommend that you see another board certified plastic surgeon for a second opinion. If you’re going to go through the expense and pain of the surgery, don’t do it halfway. (Robert L. Kraft, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)
Muscle repair with tummy tuck
I cannot tell by the photos if a muscle repair will help. However, one way that may give you an idea is to look at yourself in a mirror and relax the stomach muscles completely, let it all hang out(this is the looseness pose). Next, suck it all in and see how you look(this is the muscle tightening pose).
If there is not much difference don’t do the muscle tightening, it just increases the pain, recovery and complication rate. If there is a big enough difference, you would be a candidtae for the muscle tightening. (John P. Stratis, MD, Harrisburg Plastic Surgeon)
Tummy Tuck and muscle tightening
If you’ve had kids, then it is very likely you have some degree of muscle separation. Getting a tummy tuck for abdominal contouring without the muscle tightening is like buying a car without the engine. Furthermore, the muscle plication (tightening) will help to flatten your abdominal wall giving you a much better result. (C. Bob Basu, MD, FACS, Houston Plastic Surgeon)