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Is There an Option For a Skin Only Tummy Tuck? (photo)

asked 4 months ago by MomOfThree7004
Latest answer by Walter D. Gracia, MD
Question viewed 269 times
Tags: loose skin, planning for pregnancy, skin

I had a perfect stomach; even after my 1st pregnancy. Now, I just had twins 3 mths ago & there's so much excess skin on my upper & lower abdomen (the muscles all seen to be intact). I have just 11 more lbs to lose. Am I a candidate for a skin only abdominoplasty w/o touching the muscles? Also, if I was to proceed with the surgery would it be ok to have another baby 3 yrs from now if the muscles are excluded from the surgery? I understand it may be best to wait, but I'd rather get this resolved.

16 answers to Is There an Option For a Skin Only Tummy Tuck? (photo)

+1

Abdominoplasty after child birth

Based on the picture that came with your question if that is your abdomin and you are planning to have another child in three years I recomend that you not have any procedure until after the last child you plan on having. When an abdominoplasty is done after a having a baby the muscles are separated and it you had twins they are likely much further apart and a muscle plication is almost always benificial .
Walter D. Gracia, MD

Arlington Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy Tuck and Muscle Plication?

Thank you for the question and picture. If I were you, especially after a twin pregnancy, I would have the muscle plication performed during the tummy tuck procedure. Do not compromise the end results of the procedure. The abdominal wall muscle plication is an important part of most tummy tuck procedures. This plication serves to reappriximate the rectus muscles in the midline, tightening the abdominal wall as well as narrowing the waistline.... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

+1

Tummy Tuck After Twin Pregnancy

The decision as to whether or not to have a muscle repair with tummy tuck should always be in the hands of the patient with input from your surgeon. Having said that, it would be very unusual not to benefit from a muscle repair after a twin pregnancy. I would also recommend waiting until child bearing is completed vbefore having your tummy tuck.
John Whitt, MD

Louisville Plastic Surgeon
+1

Is There an Option For a Skin Only Tummy Tuck? (photo)

Yes there is, but based upon the one photo I can not answer exactly. Seek in person opinions from boarded PSs in your area.
Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

It is best to wait for a real tummy tuck

A skin only Tummy Tuck would have a mediocre result now and could compromise a beautiful result later. It is best to wait until you are done with children. At that time your belly could be treated correctly tightening the muscles and skin. You can take advantage of the C-section scar for a great result.
Richard D. Nadal, MD

San Juan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Just wait

Thanks for your excellent question. Congratulations on your growing family! The last pregnancy placed a toll on your body which is obvious in your pictures. A skin only abdominoplasty is always an acceptable option, but a future pregnacy probably will cause more skin as well. I never perform muscle repair if a patient desires future children. Frankly, you should just wait till after you have had your last child and by the way have the muscle repaired... more
Vishnu Rumalla, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Skin-only tummy tuck not a good idea

Almost every woman who has had children needs the muscles tightened and even more so after twins. It is much better to wait to have an abdominoplasty until you are completely through with child bearing.
Donna Rich, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy tuck after twins

It is unlikely that you would benefit by a skin only tummy tuck after twin births. The muscles and fascia are likely quite flaccid. Donald R. Nunn MD Atlanta Plastic Surgeon.
Donald Nunn, MD, DDS

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy tuck

All surgeries, especially tummy tucks, should be customized to an individual's desires and anatomy. I especially believe that muscle tightening can be over-done. It will often lead to excess pain and possible risk of shallow breathing, pulmonary complications and increased risk of deep vein thrombosis. If it won't contribute significantly to the result, it doesn't have to be done. Timing of the surgery should take into consideration your lifestyle, relative weight, health, and... more
Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Skin only tummy tuck is an option

If the abdomen is sound and there is very little muscle separation or diastasis, it is possible to have a tummy tuck without muscle repair or plication. After twins it is hard to imagine that you would not benefit though. The pregnancy three years after tummy tuck is not the best idea. If you are certain your family is not complete wait things out and let the tummy tuck follow. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd.com
Peter E. Johnson, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy tuck without muscle tightening before pregnancy is okay

Yes, you can have a tummy tuck without the muscle tightening part. You may not get your tummy completely flat but it still would be an improvement. It is a good idea not to do the muscle tightening if you are considering another pregnancy in your future. To be sure this is the best option for you, see two or more board-certified plastic surgeons in your area for a full evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have surgery. I hope this helps. more
J. Jason Wendel, MD

Nashville Plastic Surgeon
+1

Cutaneous abdominopasty

A cutaneous abdominoplasty is always possible. the risk is that you dont get a firm abdomen afterwards. things tend to be a little bit boggy. it would be unusual after twins not to benefit from some muscle tightening. dont do the operation halfway. if you are the type of woman who cant wait till after having all your children, you will not be happy unless you get the full effect
Jonathan Saunders, MD

Newark Plastic Surgeon

www.drjonathansaunders.com

+1

Do them both

I have never seen a woman who had kids, especially twins who did not need her muscles tightened. There is no harm in doing it, and if it is not done and your tummy pooches out, you will not be a happy camper and no one will want to do it after a tummy tuck.
William B. Rosenblatt, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy Tuck Without Muscle Tightening?

Yes it is possible to do a "skin-only" tummy tuck, but the decision should be based upon your exam and physical findings. It appears that you can have a good outcome with this alone, but keep in mind that future pregnancies will change your overall outcome. How much is based upon your anatomy - but it is possible that you would need a secondary tightening if you decide to become pregnant again. Best of luck, Vincent Marin, MD San Diego Plastic Surgeon
Vincent P. Marin, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy tuck without muscle tightening

Your decision to do a muscle tightening procedure with a tummy tuck should be based on physical exam and your desired outcome. Tightening the muscle definitely adds to the overall outcome by creating a more slender and taught abdomen. There is a little more discomfort with this procedure and doesn't add a lot of time to the overall procedure. The skin only procedure still elevates all the skin and fat above and below the belly button. Having children after a tummy tuck... more
Young R. Cho, MD, PhD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+1

No harm from tightening the muscles in a tummy tuck

I don't know what scares patients on line about a little tightening of the muscles in a tummy tuck. It is easy, safe and gives the flattest tummy you could get. Sure, it does add a little pain in recovery, but that it only temporary. After 3 kids including twins, there is virtually no way a little tightening wouldn't be wise and help. At least yours would be minimal from your photos. You can have kids later either way, muscle repair or not, but it really... more
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

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