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Lipo or Tummy Tuck for Muffin Top After Myomectomy?

I am 5’5”, 174 lbs, and 3.5 weeks post op from abdominal myomectomy for fibroids. Prior to surgery, I needed to lose 15 pounds and had mild abdominal fat, but I could “suck it in”. I now have the dreaded "muffin top," this excess skin or fat hanging over my C-section scar, in 1-inch shelf-like distribution.

Is 3.5 weeks too early to expect this to be gone? Anything non-invasive I can do? Will I need invasive techniques, is Vaser or Smart Lipo, or would I need abdominoplasty? I’m interested in liposuction, but, I don’t want hanging skin.

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abdomen fat

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by KatrinaWashington

Doctor Answers (6)
Community Comments (1)

Muffin Top

Yes it is too early to tell. I would wait and see what things look like at 4 months out. Also it would be nice to see your body to determine what would be the best route for you. You can certainly have scar release or revision along with liposuction to contour the area, or you may need a tummy tuck. At about four months time go see a board certified plastic surgeon who can exam you and go over the details. Good luck.

There are a few options

Three and a half weeks is much too early to expect this to resolve on its own. Velashape or endermologie deep massage may help significantly. Liposuction may help also and the skin can retract. Thermage may also help to tighten the skin. The only treatments that I would recommend at this early stage now would be Velashape, with your surgeon’s permission.

You need at least a mini tummy tuck.

Hi! This is a very common problem. Don't do anything for another 3 or 4 months, but this probably won't go away, unfortunately. The muffin top is caused by a scar tissue shelf, that needs to be released downward. No kind of liposuction will do this. You will need a full tummy tuck, or a mini tummy tuck, depending on your anatomy.

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Changes after Abdominal Myomectomy

At only three weeks there is no way to tell what the final outcome of the appearance of your "muffin top" and scars will be. I would recommend at least 6 months before you consider any procedure since at that time all scars have pretty well matured internal wound healing and skin contracture has been achieved. Only then can it be determined what would be best in your particular situation. It may range from a simplke scar revision, to mini-abdominoplasty, to laser assisted... more

Choice of surgery

As has been said, it is too soon to tell what would be the best procedure for you. One thing to realize though is that at 5'5" and 174 pounds, you are carrying extra weight. It would be wisest and safest to lose some weight before deciding what to do. You will probably need a tummy tuck though if you already have some overhanging skin. Please visit some Board Certified Plastic Surgeons in your area who can help you sort out what is best.

Eliminating the dreaded muffin top

First of all, a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon is the only way to determine what procedure will help you to achieve your aesthetic goals. Additionally, three weeks after major surgery is certainly too early to determine what your abdomen will look like in several more weeks as the swelling of surgery dissipates. Given your height and weight and your description of excess skin, it does sound like an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and liposuction, and possibly... more

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Comments (1)

SaraBlueSara
6 months ago

Yes there is something you can do - IMMEDIATELY start wearing an abdominal binder made out of neoprene. Most people don't realize that wearing an abdominal binder after a myomectomy or c-section serves multiple purposes. First, it helps with inflammation. It helps your system absorb excess fluid. It functions like a tourniquet. Second, it helps to shape your belly. Worn regularly, it functions much like a corset - helping to shape your midsection. Third, it functions like the lap-band by making you feel full quickly after eating. You tend to eat far less when you are wearing an abdominal binder than you do without it. Fourth, it provides support to your back and abdominal area. So get yourself a strong, neoprene abdominal binder and wear it as much as you possibly can (I actually slept in mine and wore it about 20 hours per day for weeks after my myomectomy) and you will see results. It won't be perfection, but it will help GREATLY until you are ready for a tummy-tuck!

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