Mini Tummy Tuck Vs Thermage for Loose Abdominal Skin?

asked 3 years ago by lmeltzer09 in tampa, fl
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 6,244 times
Tags: abdomen, loose, skin

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?

6 answers to Mini Tummy Tuck Vs Thermage for Loose Abdominal Skin?

Mini or full tummy tuck?

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... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Http://www.sullivancentre.com

The best results typically come from surgical removal of the skin. If you are not finished with pregnancies, I would suggest you wait prior to have any abdominal procedures. Consult with a BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON (check credentials!) for an evaluation and recommendation. Best wishes!

Christine Sullivan, MD
Columbus Plastic Surgeon

Thermage versus tummy tuck for loose skin

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.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Mini tummy tuck vs thermage

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.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Thermage doesn't work

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.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

What are you willing to accept?

Those are 2 very different procedures. A mini-abdominoplasty with remove some of the skin below the belly button and can tighten the muscles to a limited degree, but you have to accept the scar that will be present as a result. It is generally designed to be very low and concealed by a bikini, but it's still a scar. Thermage might (MIGHT) tighten the skin a little, but there's no scar. It also does nothing for the muscle. There is also the full tummy-tuck, but that would also put a... more

Robert S. Houser, DO
Columbus Plastic Surgeon

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