Tummy Tuck or Laser Skin Tightening? (photo)

Alright, so everyone thinks i'm nuts...but here goes. I have excess skin on my stomach from five years post-pregnancy. From a professional opinion, would I benefit more from a mini tummy tuck surgery, or a laser tightening procedure? (that concept is new to me). I have stretch marks, but they have faded out white. I'm 22, 5'7 and 115 lbs. All I really want is to enjoy my young adult body, as I've never really had the opportunity to. I've attached several pictures to elaborate on my scenario. Thanks :)

Tags:

Comment on this

13 Doctor Answers | Asked by EmberEmpress

Doctor Answers (13)
Community Comments (0)

Tummy Tuck Vs Laser Skin Tightening

In the post-pregnancy period, Tummy Tucks are the best option for addressing the excess skin and muscle loosening. After pregnancy, some patients experience natural skin tightening and improvement in contour with weight loss, but many are not quite so lucky. There are collagen type related issues that contribute to the amount of stretch marks and skin laxity that you end up with after pregnancy. In your situation, the laxity is significant. While laser and... more

Tummy tuck or laser question

Surgery will require a low incision but will work well to tighten the skin. Other non surgical devices are very unlikely to make you significantly improved, Good Luck!

Nonsurgical skin tightening is unlikely to be satisfactory. A tummy tuck works best.

First of all, I would not recommend any type of nonsurgical "skin tightening." I'm not aware of an external system that is really effective. If you do anything, choose a surgical option that producea results. One is ultrasonic liposuction. You can get some skin tightening from this procedure along with fat removal to reduce the bulk. If you want to eliminate skin laxity, then choose a tummy tuck. Although your skin is not terribly loose, you are able... more

Abdominoplasty vs Laser Skin Tightening

Thank you for the question and the inserted pictures. While an in-person exam is always best for a more accurate opinion, it appears from your pictures that neither a mini-abdominopasty (tummy tuck) or any amount of laser therapy will provide what you seek. The laxity typically seen after pregnancy is both above and below the umbilicus (belly button). A mini-abdominoplasty will only correct the laxity below the umbilicus and a laser will provide minimal amount of skin tightening and do... more

Best Operation/Procedure for My Abdominal Wall?

Thank you for the question and pictures. Unfortunately, I do not think that you will benefit from mini tummy tuck surgery or any type of laser therapy. A full tummy tuck operation will the necessary to achieve a significant improvement but this operation may be “too much” from the scarring and risk/benefit ratio standpoints. You may benefit from in person consultation with well experienced board certified plastic surgeons. During these consultations carefully... more

Laser: No; Tummy Tuck: Maybe

Do not waste your time or money on a laser. You will not be happy. A tummy tuck is an option, but you will not look much different. It will simply tighten your skin at the expense of a long scar.

Laser tightening or TT?

Laser treatment really doesn't contribute to any significant tightening. Pregnancy usually results in some loss of elasticity as well as weakening of the adominal muscles. These are best repaired with an abdominoplasty. But you should seek consultation with a Board Certified plastic surgeon who can examine you and discuss the tummy tuck with you in detail. Good luck!

Tummy tuck or laser skin tightening

My advice is that some anatomical conditions do not have good surgical solutions. You have an elasticity issue, not a contour issue. A tummy tuck is primarily a contouring procedure and will have minimal effect on your contour. Sometimes it is best to leave well enough alone. There is a fine line with laser skin tightening between a modest, unpredictable effect and disaster. Robin T. W. Yuan, M.D.

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

4 reviews

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck versus laser skin treatment

I am sorry to say that no treatment other than tummy tuck surgery will provide you with the result that you want. And yes, a full tummy tuck is the best procedure to tighten your waist, skin and flatten your belly. A tummy tuck will also give you a lasting result. These are too many treatments out there that simply don't work. Laser, heat, ultrasound, chemicals etc.... won't solve your particular complaint. If you are willing to undergo the surgery and a few weeks of... more

Skin tightening techology doesn't really do much.

There is no way to obviate a tummy tuck with electromagnetic skin tightening. Mini-tucks are only rarely indicated. A full abdominoplasty will solve your problem but you might consider it too aggressive.