What are my options for minimal loose skin on abdomen? (Photos)

Question

After the second large baby, I have a minimal amount of loose skin on my abdomen, no stretch marks. I am very self-conscious of it as I have always had a toned abdomen and I miss wearing two piece bathing suits. I eat a balanced, nutrition packed diet and exercise regularly -- running/spinning. Sometimes when I exercise a lot, it looks better. Can a laser fix this? If so, what kind? A tummy tuck will probably not be something I will consider but I would like to hear from the experts. Thank you.

Jose Perez-Gurri, MD, FACS · Answer

No laser will tighten your skin. You look great considering you've had two kids. If you are unwilling to place a scar on your abdomen, then simply leave it alone. A mini-tummy might be of benefit only if you accept a scar. Good luck, Dr. PG

Richard G. Schwartz, MD · Answer

There is always a trade-off regarding body contouring treatment options for the abdominal wall.  More invasive procedures achieve much more improvement but have much more downtime during recovery.  For really minimally loose skin without any other problems, non-surgical treatments with various radio-frequency devices can be helpful.  If there is just a little extra fat along with the minimal skin excess, then perhaps a non-surgical treatment for fat freezing might help.  These treatments have negligible downtime but usually create modest changes.  Next up the treatment ladder would be a mini tummy tuck, which could be performed through a relatively short incision in line with a typical c-section incision.  This would create more skin tightening and fat sculpting, but obviously has more recovery time and post-op restrictions.  Finally, a full tummy tuck is the standard procedure for treating significant skin and fat excess, along with any muscle laxity.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Numerous plastic surgeons in LA, including those at Hughes Plastic Surgery, are offering the BodyTite radio-frequency assisted lipolysis with exceptional surgical results without the excision, scars, or downtime.  Sedentary activities can be resumed in two to three days and full activity with exercise within two to three weeks.Bodytite is used for treatment of all body areas with large volume to tighten skin on arms, abdomen, knees, inner thighs, and bra rolls.  If you have stubborn fat that remains after conservative treatment, liposuction will provide the result you probably seek. Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Ira H. Rex lll, MD · Answer

From the photographs, it is apparent that you have a very aesthetic abdomen. You have a small amount of excess skin above your umbilicus which usually does not have a good way to be corrected. Below your umbilicus, liposuction would remove some of the fat but increase the looseness of the skin, and may not be a good option for you.

David Bogue, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, there is no laser that will significantly tighten abdominal skin. A mini-tummy tuck may help, but if you are reluctant to have a scar - I would recommend leaving everything as is. You look great as is.

What are my options for minimal loose skin on abdomen? (Photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: What is the best procedure for you?

Answer: What is the best procedure for you?

Answer: No laser cure for excess skin.

Answer: No laser cure for excess skin.

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

What are my options for minimal loose skin on abdomen? (Photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: What is the best procedure for you?

Answer: What is the best procedure for you?

Answer: No laser cure for excess skin.

Answer: No laser cure for excess skin.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.