Loose Skin, Muscle Separation or Fat? What is Wrong with my Tummy?

You'll have a great result with a tummy tuck procedure. You'll very likely lose a portion of the tattoos that are along your groin - but the tradeoff will be a substantially improved abdominal contour. Liposuction will not work for you - you've got too much loose skin.

Muscle separation and loose skin will remain even if you lose weight.A tummy tuck can help. However, if you would like to try the nonsurgical route, you can try laser skin treatments or micro needling to firm up the skin. Unfortunately results tend to be less predictable and can take longer to achieve. Best of luck!

I have prepared a video discussing a variety of the different tummy tuck procedures. It is my opinion that you will need the full tummy tuck. See the description to understand what is done to the skin, fat and muscle.

The answer is . . . It depends on the condition of your rectus abdominis muscle, the vertical muscle in the middle of your abdomen. It functions much the same as how shoe laces work in a shoe. If your rectus abdominis muscles are intact (tightened), congratulations! – you may only need exercise to firm your tummy.

However, if your rectus abdominis muscles are separated, you can only firm up your tummy with a repair of the muscle, or a tummy tuck. Since your muscle is separated, no amount of exercise can tighten that gap in the muscle. Instead, it must be stitched together.

Watch my video to help determine if you just need more exercise or if what you really need is a tummy tuck. Then get in touch with a board certified plastic surgeon for a consult!

Based on your photo, it appears to be a combination of Loose Skin, Muscle Separation and Fat. An in person examination will be helpful. Consult in person with 3 board certified plastic surgeons to understand your options, and choose the surgeon/surgical plan that best meets your needs/objectives.