Alexandria Plastic Surgeons

What Can I Do to Get The Waist I Had Before Children? I Don't Want a TT, But My Muscles Feel Loose. (photo)

If I get lipo on my back and tummy will i look ok(not saggy)? I have 1 11mo son. I began 140-150 and was 216 when pregnant and down to about 180-185 now, I fluctuate back and forth when bloated. I am not sure the reason my belly feels loose. might have separation in muscles? I definantly would love to avoid a TT.I love my curves and dont want to be super skinny. I wouldnt mind losing 20 lbs because its hard to find jeans however. I just want that tiny waist I had before the baby.

That thank you for your photographs and for your question. 

You're already on the right track by using diet and exercise to help regain your figure.  Unfortunately, as a consequence of childbearing it seems from your photographs that you have significant skin laxity and even significant separation of the abdominal wall muscles.  These muscles separate during pregnancy as the uterus enlarges.

Diet will make you thinner internally which is always good,  but that will not take away the laxity of the abdominal muscles or the loose skin.  In fact, as you do everything correctly and return to your ideal weight you will likely find that the abdominal skin becomes looser.

Never let anyone push you into surgery, but given your photographs, ultimately if you're looking to restore your figure a full tummy tuck with muscle tightening would probably be your best bet.  As you approach your pre pregnancy weight you'll be doing yourself a great service because if you do embark upon tummy tuck a slender patient will generally see a better and more lasting result and also have a safer surgery.

Whether you embark upon tummy tuck or not you may wish to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon simply to learn more about your options.

I hope that this answer helps and I wish you the best.

Adam Tattelbaum, MD

Washington DC Plastic Surgeon

Pubic Area Appears Bigger After Tummy Tuck

I'm now 6 weeks post-Tummy Tuck, and I am pleased with the results. However, I'm bothered that my pubic area appears to be 2-3 centimeters higher/bigger that it was pre-operation. My underwear used to cover the area completely, but now they don't. Is this normal? Will the skin eventually stretch back to its place?

Thank you for your question. 

When I perform a tummy tuck I always try to bring the scar down as low as possible because the pubic skin and pubic mound tend to be elevated by tension from the upper abdominal skin.    I will often take a layer of fat out from under the pubis as well to help it look thinner and to help it line up with the thickness of the upper abdominal skin.

If you have already had your tummy tuck you may wish to discuss liposuction of the pubic area as a next best alternative.

Hope this helps.

Adam Tattelbaum, MD

Washington DC Plastic Surgeon

Nerve Damage Years After Tummy Tuck and Breast Lift, Is There Anything I Can Do?

I had a tummy tuck, breast lift and implants about 6 years ago. I still have no feeling on my stomach in a large area below my belly button. As well, I've lost some sensation in my nipples. Can anything be done to restore feeling in any of these areas once the damage has been done?

By definition in performing a breast lift or tummy tuck we are changing the nerve supply to the tissues that we are moving or tightening.  In many cases the nerves that have been cut will regrow to the skin improving sensation to some of the numb areas within the first year.

In the areas that are farthest away and farthest moved such as the tummy skin above the pubic area after tummy tuck it is common to have some permanent numbness. In some cases the nerves to the nipples in breast augmention or lift can be stretched or damaged as well. This does not mean you had a bad surgery or surgeon. It is simply a know consequence of embarking on these procedures.

While sensation can sometimes improve up to a year, I think it is unlikely you will see improvement six years later. I know of no treatment currently that will restore sensation. 

I hope that you still find great satisfaction in your surgery non the less.

Adam Tattelbaum, MD

Washington DC Plastic Surgeon