San Rafael Plastic Surgeons

Should I Get a Full or Mini Tummy Tuck

I have had 3 pregnancies, 2 c-sections. I am 5'4 and weigh 120lbs. I want to get a tummy tuck to get rid of stretch marks and tighten the abdominal muscles. My concern is getting a natural looking belly button. Surgeons have told me I can go either way.

Many patients think only of the length of the scar when  assessing options for abdominal contouring. Much more important is the total result achieved. Restoring an  appropriate "girdle effect of the abdominal muscles not only improves the flatness of abdomen, but actually adds support to the low back which is a common concurrent problemwith diastasis or separation of the abdominal muscles. A well-shaped waist can also be achieved with muscle repair that is not possible with just skin resection. Finally, the more skin to be removed, the longer the required scar. However it is much more important where the scar is placed and how it is shaped than just the length. I  also find that an appropriately reconstructed  umbilicus(belly butoon) after a full tummy tuck usually looks better than a distorted  or malpositioned one which may occur from a mini- tuck. In summary there are indications for a limited or mini tuck but your photos indicate that this procedure would be more likely to give a mini result.

Stanley G. Poulos, MD

Bay Area Plastic Surgeon

What is the Process For Someone Getting a Tummy Tuck After Full Abdominal Hysterectomy ?

I am 38 years old, 5' 2", 155 lbs. I recently had a full abdominal hysterectomy - 27 staples from the belly button down. I also have a very old somewhat concave scar from an appendectomy at age 5 which my belly is already hanging over! I can see that I am going to have some hanging skin after the hysterectomy. What is the procedure for someone getting a tummy tuck after a full abdominal hysterectomy?

Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty usually removes all skin between the belly button(umbilicus) and pubis and repairs the separation of  abdominal muscles that is so common after pregnancy. Almost certainly both of the scars you described would be removed and traded for a much less visible horizontal scar very low in the bikini line. In some cases it is even possible to perform a tummy tuck in combination with the hysterectomy if plastic surgeon and gynecologist can work together.

Stanley G. Poulos, MD

Bay Area Plastic Surgeon

2 Cm Diastasis and Thickening of Fascia Around the Abdominal Wall

I am getting mixed opinions from surgeons.(General and Plastic) I have weakening in my stomach, small bulge in the middle when standing or doing sit-ups. The MRI shows I have approximately 2cm diastasis recti without herniation. I was told 2 cm diastasis recti is nothing. But what causes the small bulge? Is the thickening of fascia causing the pain and weakness? I am very active. I have not been able to do 100% of my workouts since September 2010. I am a Male, 5ft 5inches, 147 lbs.

The bulging will be corrected by abdominoplasty, regardless of its cause. At examination, which in this case is much more important than radiographic findings, your surgeon can discuss the best way to design the procedure to maximize your overall aesthetic result result.

Stanley G. Poulos, MD

Bay Area Plastic Surgeon