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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.