Tummy Tuck best corrects skin laxity

Peter E. Johnson, MD answers: Tummy Tuck vs Laser Skin Tightening for minimal loose skin after pregnancy

I've had three children via C-section, and a hysterectomy. I am 5'2 and 112 pounds and exercise a few times a week. Although my stomach looks flat when I am standing up, I have skin that hangs down when I bend over, with a few stretch marks that make it look gross. Would laser skin tightening be effective, or would I need a Tummy Tuck to correct this?


Peter E. Johnson, MD
10 months ago

The procedure that you choose should have the best chance of acheiving the result that you want. If you bend forward and the loose skin that you have is "gross" to you it would be best to choose an abdominoplasty.

The tummy tuck can be tailored to the problems present in your abdomen, and often after three pregnancies the muscle is loose and the elasticty of the skin severely compromised. As in all cosmetic procedures tummy tuck is not a single technique and can be modified as a lower tummy tuck often called a mini tummy tuck, or designed to address the entire abdomen if needed. In either case the procedure must correct the skin issue you note in you question.

Laser liposuction is a new technique which is as yet unproven. The laser creates heat which ruptures the fat cells and causes a thermal effect in the surrounding tissue, simply put a burn. The ruptured fat can be removed like traditional liposuction or ultrasonic liposuction or left to reabsorb in localized areas. The heat effect is felt to shrink the skin, but the jury is still out.

I still beleive that if fat is the problem and your skin tone is good, liposuction with any technique is for you, however if the skin is lax make sure you find a board certified surgeon who can provide the best tummy tuck for you.

Best of luck.

6 of 7 found this helpful
Helpful?

Request info from Dr. Johnson

50 words maximum (0 words entered)
Your info is protected by our privacy policy

A: A Mini Tummy Tuck sounds like your best option

David A. Dreyfuss, MD
10 months ago

You are thin and exercise, which puts you ahead of the pack for an abdominal procedure.  Most women have excessive skin in the lower abdomen and the upper abdomen is tight. 

Laser skin tightening/Titan is effective for small areas or fine wrinkling.  A mini-tummy tuck would remove your old C-section scar and put a new scar below that area.  It would tighten the skin without a visible belly button scar.

It is done as an outpatient procedure, and the recovery is significantly shorter than a full tummy tuck.

Find a qualified Plastic Surgeon in your area for a consultation and make sure they are comfortable with a Mini.

Good Luck

1 of 2 found this helpful
Helpful?
Post your question

Tummy tuck before & after photos

Post your question
IMPORTANT: As noted in our Terms of Service, the information found on RealSelf.com, including that provided by professionals in the Questions & Answers area, is a general educational aid. The Questions and Answers contain opinions and views created by community members. RealSelf.com is not responsible for the accuracy of any information posted by community members. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical or healthcare advice, or for diagnosis or treatment purposes.