Tummy Tuck with Muscle Tightening (Wide Plication)
Consultations offered at our three convenient locations in Austin, TX, San Antonio, TX and Westlake Hills, TX
A tummy tuck with wide plication muscle tightening is a body contouring procedure that removes excess abdominal skin and simultaneously tightens the core muscles to sculpt a smooth, toned midsection. A tummy tuck is one of the most effective body contouring methods for patients who have experienced changes to their appearance from weight loss, pregnancy, or aging. With the added focus of wide plication muscle tightening, a tummy tuck can improve your self-esteem, body satisfaction, core stability, and intimate relationships, all of which may enhance your quality of life. (1)
At Austin Plastic Surgeon, we have helped thousands of patients enhance their appearance with treatments customized to their underlying anatomy. If you are interested in rejuvenating your midsection, schedule a consultation to explore your options today. If you have any questions or would prefer to schedule over the phone, please call any of our offices in the greater Austin area:
Contents
Before and After Photos
About Tummy Tuck with Muscle Tightening
A tummy tuck removes excess skin from the abdomen to help you achieve a smoother, more proportionate appearance. Many patients find that removing the excess skin can improve their self-esteem and clothing options. This procedure can also address a condition called diastasis recti, which is characterized by weakened or separated abdominal muscles. We often incorporate a technique called wide plications, which effectively tightens the waist and repairs the muscle separation. (2) While most tummy tucks include some level of muscle plication, a wide plication involves reinforcing the abdominal wall across a broader area for increased support and visible muscle definition.
Our practice offers a few different tummy tuck variations, allowing us to tailor treatment to each patient’s circumstances.
- Mini tummy tuck: This procedure uses smaller incisions and removes a smaller amount of skin.
- Traditional tummy tuck: This procedure addresses excess skin and loosened muscles along the abdomen.
- Extended tummy tuck: The extended tummy tuck builds on a standard tummy tuck and addresses concerns on the abdomen, flanks, and hips.
- Male tummy tuck: This variation is performed with more masculine aesthetic features in mind.
Wide Plication Muscle Tightening
A key feature of a tummy tuck is tightening abdominal muscles. This can be accomplished with a few different techniques, but wide plication often produces the best results. A wide plication treatment brings the separated muscles together and sutures them in place. This technique can help improve core stability, enhance the waist, and even provide relief from lower back pain in some cases. (2)
Benefits
Tummy tucks with wide plication muscle tightening provide several benefits, including:
- Improved core stability: Improving your core stability can improve posture, flatten the abdomen, and possibly even help you find relief from back pain.
- Improved clothing options: You can enjoy feeling more comfortable in different types of clothing.
- Balanced proportions: Removing excess skin can accentuate your curves and balance your appearance.
- Improved self-confidence: Patients frequently report feeling better about their appearance after addressing loose skin concerns.
- Long-lasting results: Combined with a healthy lifestyle, the adjustments made during a tummy tuck are durable and long-lasting.
- Less skin irritation: Reducing folds of skin with a tummy tuck can reduce frequent skin irritation and rashes.
- Natural-looking results: All procedures are tailored to your unique anatomy, and all incisions are placed in inconspicuous locations.
Candidates & Consultation
A tummy tuck with muscle tightening can benefit anyone who would like to reduce excess abdominal skin, accentuate their curves, enhance their muscle appearance, improve their core stability, and achieve a more youthful-looking or flattering silhouette. All prospective patients should be in good general health and have realistic expectations for their results.
Your candidacy will be determined during your personal consultation, where we will assess your skin and muscle quality, explore your medical history, listen to your treatment goals, and perform a physical examination to create a personalized treatment plan. We will ask you to come prepared with any questions you have, so you can go into treatment confident and prepared. Other body contouring procedures, like liposuction, can also be explored at this time, especially if they will help to enhance your goals.
Schedule your consultation today by submitting our online contact form, or call your closest Austin Plastic Surgeon office directly:
How to Prepare for a Tummy Tuck
You will receive personalized preparation instructions before your tummy tuck with muscle tightening. Any nicotine or tobacco use should cease at least six weeks before and after the procedure, and alcohol and blood-thinning medications or supplements should also be avoided. You will need to arrange transportation home and have someone assist you during the first 24-48 hours of your recovery. Additionally, taking time away from work, filling prescriptions, and preparing meals will also help decrease stress during your recovery. Following these guidelines and any others you receive will help ensure a safe, smooth, and effective procedure.
Procedure
Your procedure will begin with general anesthesia administration. Patients usually also receive a supplemental local anesthetic on their abdomen to reduce discomfort during their initial recovery period. Following this, your surgeon will make an incision across your abdomen. After gaining access to your underlying tissues through this, they will carefully reattach the muscles with the wide plication technique, then they will remove excess skin around the abdomen. (2) Once the required corrections are made, your incisions will be closed, and you can begin your recovery.
After Your Surgery
You can return home after your monitoring period. The time it takes for your body to recover will depend on the amount of excess skin and fat we remove during your procedure. We will provide detailed instructions to help optimize your recovery. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common after a tummy tuck, but these can be managed with rest, cold compresses, and prescribed medications. Most patients can return to work after two to three weeks, but strenuous activities will need to be postponed for several more weeks. Patients will attend follow-up appointments where we will monitor their recovery and make sure that results are progressing as expected.
Results
After your tummy tuck with muscle tightening, you can enjoy a smoother, more athletic appearance. Many patients feel more comfortable in different types of clothing, and many report heightened confidence. (1) You can enjoy long-lasting results if you maintain a healthy lifestyle and a stable weight.
Body Contouring After Weight Loss
Tummy tucks with wide plication muscle tightening are very common among patients who have lost significant amounts of weight. These procedures can also be easily combined with other body contouring procedures, one of the most effective of which is liposuction.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a body contouring treatment that removes excess fat with suction that preserves the surrounding tissue. Austin Plastic Surgeon performs SAFELipo treatments, which are a three-step process that uses a basket-tip cannula. During the treatment, we will administer tumescent fluid to the treatment area, causing the fat cells to swell for easier removal. Removing excess fat can also highlight your muscle definition and further balance your body proportions. (3) Liposuction is not limited to the abdomen, either. It can address stubborn fat on the arms, thighs, hips, neck, flanks, and more.
Cost of Tummy Tucks with Muscle Tightening in Austin
The cost of your tummy tuck with muscle tightening procedure depends on your specific treatment plan, your goals, and whether you include additional treatments. After planning your treatment during your consultation, you will receive a comprehensive price quote.
Explore your treatment possibilities by scheduling your consultation today by submitting our online contact form or calling your closest Austin Plastic Surgeon office:
FAQ
How long does a tummy tuck take?
The procedure typically lasts between 2 to 4 hours, but this will depend on your specific treatment plan.
Is a tummy tuck with muscle tightening painful?
During a tummy tuck, we place you under anesthesia for a comfortable treatment. Afterward, you will experience some temporary soreness and discomfort, but we will tell you how to manage this.
When can I return to work after a tummy tuck with muscle tightening?
Most patients can return to work after 2-4 weeks, but this will depend on the physical demands of your job and your recovery process. We can discuss returning to work during your follow-up appointment.
Will I have visible scars after a tummy tuck with muscle tightening?
We make incisions along the natural curves of your abdomen near the underwear line to keep it hidden in most clothing. As you heal, any scarring will fade.
Can I combine a tummy tuck with liposuction?
Yes, you can combine a tummy tuck with liposuction to simultaneously remove fat and skin, sculpting your body to an optimal appearance.
References
- Saariniemi KMM, Salmi AM, Peltoniemi HH, Helle MH, Charpentier P, Kuokkanen HOM. Abdominoplasty Improves Quality of Life, Psychological Distress, and Eating Disorder Symptoms: A Prospective Study. Plastic Surgery International. 2014;2014:197232. doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/197232
- Oneal RM, Mulka JP, Shapiro P, Hing D, Cavaliere C. Wide abdominal rectus plication abdominoplasty for the treatment of chronic intractable low back pain. Plastic and reconstructive surgery. 2011;127(1):225-231. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0b013e3181fad2f7
- Orr Shauly, Goel P, Gould DJ. Painless, Drainless Lipoabdominoplasty: A Retrospective Study of Pain Following Lipoabdominoplasty Utilizing Liposomal Bupivacaine and a Modified Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol. Aesthetic surgery journal. 2022;4. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojac049
