When Do The Muscles Need Repair With A Toronto Tummy Tuck?

By Jerome Edelstein, MD

A tummy tuck addresses three common concerns: loose sagging skin, stubborn pockets of fat, and weakened or separated abdominal muscles. As a result, it dramatically transforms the patient’s silhouette by tightening and toning the abdomen. However, since each patient has unique needs and goals for the procedure, it is not always necessary to tackle all three concerns, as some patients do not have excess fat or do not require muscle repair. Muscle repair is only necessary in Toronto tummy tuck patients who are affected by diastasis recti, a condition in which the right and left side of the abdominal muscles are separated.

What Is Diastasis Recti?

Diastasis recti is characterized by a ridge, which runs from the middle of the stomach up to the bottom of the breastbone and downward towards the pubic area. This ridge represents the separation of the abdominal muscles and typically ranges in width from two to five centimeters. It is often most visible when tensing the abdominal muscles while lying down, and tends to be more pronounced during exercise which strains the abdominal muscles. While the term diastasis recti is used to describe muscle separation, the primary issue is the fascia, a band of tissue, which holds the muscles together. During pregnancy, this tissue is stretched, and although it is capable of contracting, there is a chance that it may become permanently stretched, particularly after several pregnancies. As a result, individuals who suffer from diastasis recti experience a reduction in core strength and muscle performance, which cannot be resolved through diet and exercise alone.

How Often Do Patients Require Muscle Repair?

Approximately 80% of patients require muscle repair when undergoing a Toronto tummy tuck. Individuals who undergo abdominoplasty following significant weight loss often do not require muscle repair as their primary concern is excess loose skin and they do not have diastasis. In addition, patients who have undergone a Caesarian section may not require muscle repair, as the muscles are sewn together following their c-section, which often eliminates the gap that may have developed in the abdomen during pregnancy. Finally, male patients often do not need muscle repair.Approximately 80% of patients require muscle repair when undergoing a Toronto tummy tuck. Individuals who undergo abdominoplasty following significant weight loss often do not require muscle repair as their primary concern is excess loose skin and they do not have diastasis. In addition, patients who have undergone a Caesarian section may not require muscle repair, as the muscles are sewn together following their c-section, which often eliminates the gap that may have developed in the abdomen during pregnancy. Finally, male patients often do not need muscle repair.While as many as 60% of women experience abdominal muscle separation during pregnancy as their stomach expands to accommodate their growing baby, in most cases, the muscles repair themselves naturally. However, it is estimated that 10 to 15 percent of women develop permanent diastasis recti following pregnancy and these women represent a large percentage of tummy tuck patients.

How Does Repairing The Muscles Affect The Recovery Period?

Repairing the abdominal muscles during a Toronto tummy tuck can have a tremendous impact on a patient’s quality of life, as it acts as an internal girdle, strengthening the core and tightening the abdomen. This enables the patient to achieve and maintain the toned tummy of their dreams, which would not be possible without this procedure.However, patients who undergo a tummy tuck without muscle repair can look forward to a faster recovery, often resuming normal day-to-day activities within two weeks. On the other hand, patients who require muscle repair often take longer to recover and are not permitted to lift for up to six weeks.