Select Page
Is a rectus plication always necessary with a tummy tuck?

Is a rectus plication always necessary with a tummy tuck?

Is a rectus plication always necessary with a tummy tuck?

Is a rectus plication always necessary with a tummy tuck?

Q: Apart from a consult, and being in surgery, how would a patient know if they need to have a rectus plication during a TT and not just a removal of the excess skin? Is having both done more riskier? Are both procedures dependent on each other?

A: A rectus plication is surgical repair of the abdominal muscles. Most, but not all, patients desiring a tummy tuck need one, but the surgery can be performed without it. Some of my tummy tuck patients have never been pregnant and don’t need one. Others have mild separation of the abdominal muscles (we call this rectus diastasis) but are planning to become pregnant, so I don’t perform a plication. The best way to know what you need is to meet with a board certified plastic surgeon. If you want to get a general idea on your own, lay on your back and do a crunch. While you are holding yourself up and tensing your abs, feel the area above your belly button. If you have a separation in your abs, you might benefit from a rectus plication.

Is a rectus plication always necessary with a tummy tuck?

How does a tummy tuck affect future pregnancies?

How does a tummy tuck affect future pregnancies?

How does a tummy tuck affect future pregnancies?

If I was to get a tummy tuck, could I still have children in the near future or is it best to have kids first?

Having a tummy tuck will not affect your ability to conceive or carry a child to term, but becoming pregnant after a tummy tuck may lead to your needing another tummy tuck! During a full tummy tuck, your plastic surgeon will tighten and repair your abdominal muscles and remove excess tummy tuck leaving you a nice flat stomach. If you become pregnant afterward, your body will still stretch to accommodate the growing baby. You may find you need a tummy tuck again afterwards. You may be left with excess skin and loose muscles after pregnancy. This is why most plastic surgeons recommend waiting until your family is complete before having the surgery. If I know my patient is planning a future pregnancy, I will often perform a J-tuck. This is a tummy tuck I have modified that does not involve repair of the abdominal muscles.

Is a rectus plication always necessary with a tummy tuck?

I would like a tummy tuck and a butt lift. Which would you recommend doing first?

I would like a tummy tuck and a butt lift. Which would you recommend doing first?

I would like a tummy tuck and a butt lift. Which would you recommend doing first?

Q: I was thinking the butt lift so the fat from stomach may be used

A: I perform several combination Brazilian Butt Lift and tummy tucks each week. Many of my patients only want to recover once and opt to lay on their sides for the first few weeks following surgery. If you want to stage them, I agree with doing the butt augmentation first.

Is a rectus plication always necessary with a tummy tuck?

Long-term planning for Tummy tuck?

Long-term planning for Tummy tuck?

Long-term planning for Tummy tuck?

Q: I have had 3 c-sections. I used to have really great abs, but after number 3, I still have enough of a tummy to look pregnant. I’m at a healthy weight and I like to exercise. My youngest is now 2 and I want to plan ahead to fix this when he is more independent and I can manage the recovery time. What kinds of exercises and preparations should I be making to get the best results? Pilates? Does any of that matter? I’ve got about a year before I’m ready. Advice?

A: It sounds like you are a great candidate for a tummy tuck– you are in good shape and at a healthy weight and are looking to restore your midsection after pregnancies. About a year before is a great time to start meeting with plastic surgeons. It will give you a chance to get a professional opinion about the best course to take and will give you plenty of time to arrange for post-operative childcare and time off work. Exercise and diet are important to good overall health but won’t repair the damage that multiple pregnancies can wreak on your body.

Is a rectus plication always necessary with a tummy tuck?

Baby after Tummy Tuck?

Baby after Tummy Tuck?

Baby after Tummy Tuck?

Q: What are the implications/issues if someone has a baby after a tummy tuck besides ruining the results from the tummy tuck? Thank you!

A: You have already stated the only implications/issues in your question. Pregnancy after a tummy tuck may ruin the results. A successful term pregnancy is absolutely achievable after a tummy tuck. Your abdomen will expand to accommodate your growing uterus.