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Tummy Tuck
Is a tummy tuck advisable with back problems?
It certainly depends on the severity and nature of your back pain. Part of the consideration is that many times patients cannot fully stand upright or lie down flat for a few days after a tummy tuck and this can make back problems worse. Interestingly, for patients that have wide separation of the abdominal muscles (common after pregnancy), tummy tucks can actually improve back pain as repair of the separated muscles makes your core more functional.
Clinical Context
Back pain has different causes, and that matters here. Pain from stretched or separated abdominal muscles, common after pregnancy, often improves once those muscles are surgically repaired and the core is stronger. Pain from a spinal disc problem or arthritis works differently — it isn't helped by muscle repair and can feel worse during recovery, when you're limited in standing up straight or lying flat. Tell your surgeon what type of back pain you have so they can help you weigh the risks and benefits.
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