Springfield Plastic Surgeons

I'm Getting a Tummy Tuck March 26 Can my Whole Tattoo Be Removed and Should I Lose Weight? (photo)

I'm thirty years old with four kids. I'm schedule to get a mommy makeover March 26 and I'm scared!!! Can my tattoo be completely removed and do I need to lose weight?

Dear ZE30,

While it hard to tell from photos alone, it appears that you would be able to remove your entire tattoo with a tummy tuck though it may require your incision to be a bit higher than some other patients.  Again, using your photos, it does not appear you need to lose more weight prior to your surgery but again, only an examination can truly determine this.

While it is normal to be scared and nervous before your surgery, try to focus on the good things to come; a tight, firm tummy and the ability to wear almost anything you want.

Best of luck.

Herluf G. Lund, Jr, MD

Saint Louis Plastic Surgeon

12 Days After TT and Belly Button is Looking a Little Gray Inside. Is This Normal? (photo)

It is looking better since last week (using bacitracin) and less irritated looking. No drainage, just the bleeding and scabs, and no foul smell. Will the inside pink up with time or is the color a sign of my BB not healing properly?

Dear Katapple,

Belly buttons are funny things.  They are really the only scar anyone wants on their body.  Because they are a leftover of the umbilical cord, they have a less than optimal blood supply and frequently take longer to heal than the rest of the incisions.  As long as there are no signs of an infection and the incision is intact, it should heal with time.

Please stay in contact with your plastic surgeon and if you have any concerns, discuss them with your surgeon who can advise you best.  Hopes this helps

Herluf G. Lund, Jr, MD

Saint Louis Plastic Surgeon

Will a TT with Muscle Repair Help Strengthen Stomach Muscles After C Section?

I have had two C-sections and since my second c-section I have had great difficulty building the strength back up in my abs. I have a large separation down the middle of my stomach and excess skin. I am a very active person and I am very frustrated that I cannot strengthen my core. I am considering a tummy tuck to correct the stomach muscles. Will this make a difference in me being able to strengthen my stomach msucles?

Dear lee2012,

Every muscle in the body has an optimal position to be in to obtain its maximal function.  When a muscle is displaced or malpositioned, even with maximum contraction, there will not be maximum function.  For many women after childbearing there is an inability to regain the full strength to their abdominal muscles despite aggressively working out, dieting, and nutritional efforts because their abdominal muscles are displaced and therefore cannot produce the maximum function.  This can occur with or without a C-section.  This malposition is called a diastasis.

Re-positioning the muscles back into their previous location will often allow a significant return of function for these patients.  However, sometimes with a C-section, there has been damage to the muscles or the nerves that will not allow the complete return of maximum function even if the muscle seperation is repaired.  Still even in these patients, they often will experience a significant increase in abdominal core strength after a tummy tuck and a diastasis repair.

Please consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can perform a detailed examination and recommend the treatment that is best for you.  Best of luck.

Herluf G. Lund, Jr, MD

Saint Louis Plastic Surgeon