Mini Tummy Tuck Vs Thermage for Loose Abdominal Skin?

Question

I am 26 years old and I have a 14-month-old daughter. I am back to my pre-pregnancy weight, but still have a little extra skin around my belly button. I consulted with a plastic surgeon and he suggested either a mini Tummy Tuck to repair my stomach muscles or Thermage treatment. I really don't want to have a mini tummy tuck as it is so invasive, but I am also worried that the Thermage wont work. Any advise?

Jeffrey D. Wagner, MD · Answer

Some pictures would be very helpful to give an opinion, but it is generally safe to say that nonsurgical approaches to loose skin frequently disappoint.  This is especially true if you have many stretch marks  or loose folds.  Excision of the loose skin is probably best solution for most such patients, either through lower abdomen incisions, peri-umbilical incisions, or both.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

I am not a big fan of Thermage as the results seem to be underwhelming. Another option to consider is possibly a "umbilicoplasty" where the redundant skin is removed and the scar brought into the belly button. Ask your surgeon if you are a candidate.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

In patients with significant
abdominal changes following pregnancy, non-surgical methods of treatments are
rarely effective.  Thermage might
create minimal changes, but not enough to make a major difference.  Surgical treatment still represents the
most effective method of treating this problem in the majority of patients.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

I have not been impressed with the Thermage but of course I see the patients who fail treatment and are dissatisfied with teh results. Even a mini tummy tuck may not correct your problem.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Don't waste your money on Thermage. It doesn't work. 
A mini-abdominoplasty will deal with skin and muscle issues below the navel only. I see very few patients that are ideal candidates for that procedure.
A full abdominoplasty will give you a flat abdomen but at the expense of a lengthy scar across the lower abdomen... Usually with time, the scar ends up very acceptable, but it is there nevertheless.

Ben Gbulie, MD, FACS · Answer

HiThanks for your question. The two options you are considering aren't equivalent. While the Thermage may tighten skin it wouldn't do it as well as an excisional procedure like the mini-TT. Also it wouldn't tighten your lower abdominal muscles.So if your concern is only a mild skin laxity, the Thermage would suffice, but if you need more skin tightening and muscle tightening, then pls go the mini-TT route. Of course if you plan to have more kids, you could do the Thermage now and reserve the mini or full TT for later.I hope this helps.....

John J. Edney, MD · Answer

A mini tummy tuck is intended to tighten the skin of
the lower abdomen.This would be the
skin between the bellybutton and the pubic bone.Very often, liposuction of the abdominal wall
is performed at the same time.If there
is significant loose skin of the lower abdomen, then the mini tummy tuck is a
better choice than Thermage.Thermage
should not be expected to provide a significant and long lasting tightening in
this area.For a simple and illustrated explanation of tummy tuck and body contouring procedures, watch my video.

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It's unlikely that a non-surgical procedure will be able to adequately treat your loose abdominal skin.  Usually, surgical removal of loose skin and tightening of the abdominal muscles is required. 

	Of course, a physical exam would be required in order to fully evaluate your situation and give you the most accurate recommendation. I recommend you visit with at least one board certified plastic surgeon.

	I hope that helps and wish you all the best!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	I am concerned based on your question that you will end up doing a nonsurgical or ill advised surgical procedure and be dissatisfied with the results.  Sometimes it is better no surgery then to the  disappointed with the results.

	In my opinion, the mini tummy tuck is an  operation that  produces very limited results and is very rarely indicated. It involves a shorter incision but does not address the majority of the abdominal wall issues present for most patients who present consultation. For example, the area of skin excised is quite small. The abdominal wall musculature is addressed below the umbilicus leaving the upper number wall potentially lax. The appearance of the umbilicus is not necessarily addressed sufficiently.
	 
	For most patients who have had pregnancies and/or weight loss a full abdominoplasty is necessary to achieve the desired results. Of course, there are downsides (including a longer scar and probably a longer recovery time) but for most patients the benefits outweigh the downsides. It is not unusual to see patients who've had mini tummy tuck  surgery present for  revisionary surgery.

	I hope this helps.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

First, if you are planning to have any more children, I would put off any surgical intervention until after that time. Thermage may tighten the skin a bit( say 20-30%) if that is enough for you than do the Thermage. If you are notplanning to have more children, then a mini-tummy tuck may be a good solution.

Mini Tummy Tuck Vs Thermage for Loose Abdominal Skin?

Answers (12)