Female, 27, 5'7", 120 lbs. Would any type of surgery fix my b belly? (Photos)

Question

Hello, I am a 27-year-old female. I’m 5 foot7 and I weigh about 120 pounds. I’ve always been quite slim, but since I can remember, I’ve had an indent in the middle of my stomach that causes a B shape of my belly. It causes an upper and lower pooch, no matter how small I am. I have tried everything except surgery, because I’m unsure of surgery can help?

Robert M. Lowen, MD · Answer

Dear Smiley,
   The first place I would start is liposuction because the problem appears to be excess fat causing the upper abdominal bulge.  The transverse attachments causing the groove between the upper and lower pooch should be addressed by blunt cannula undermining during the liposuction as there will be a tendency for this feature to persist.  By debulking the tummy of fat, it should be much improved even if some indent persists.  There are natural zones of fascial attachment around the torso, especially the bra roll area.  By doing liposuction perpendicular to these adherence zones, they can be flattened out and the skin redistributed substantially.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

In my opinion, surgery can help some “B belly” patterns, but the best operation depends on what is creating the crease. From the photos, this does not look like a simple fat-only problem. It may involve skin quality, a tethered fold, abdominal wall shape, or muscle separation, and those are things that liposuction alone often does not correct well.
A tummy tuck or modified abdominoplasty can sometimes release the crease, tighten the abdominal wall, and remove or redrape loose skin, but it comes with a lower abdominal scar and may be more treatment than a slim patient expects. If your skin is tight and there is little excess tissue, the improvement may be limited. I would have an in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon to check for diastasis, hernia, skin laxity, and the exact cause of the indentation before choosing between liposuction, mini tummy tuck, or full tummy tuck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear smileymiley1,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Warren Schutte, MD · Answer

Being rather young, with good quality skin, you should be a great liposuction candidate. It appears that you have excess sub-q fat and liposuction alone will help improve abdominal contour and overall aesthetics.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photos. It does not appear that you have redundant skin and you are young so your skin should have good elasticity.  It appears your pouches are secondary to fat deposits.  Therefore, to flatten and contour your abdomen, liposuction would be an excellent option.  This would thin and flatten the pouches you are concerned with and make your abdomen a uniform thickness.   Best wishes.

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

If most of that fullness is fat, liposuction might help.  It seems you have could skin quality.  There is always a trade off, and you would have looser skin.  This would probably be most obvious at the lower abdomen.  A plastic surgeon could probably give you a good idea what to expect.

Muge Sevindik, MD · Answer

We can recommend Vaser liposuction for the fat accumulation in your abdominal area. With this technique, through small incisions, we first melt the internal fat using ultrasound energy and then extract it using the liposuction technique with the help of negative pressure. This way, you can achieve a flatter abdomen.This technique is the method by which you can achieve the fastest and most effective result with the least amount of scarring. You will also get a very good result that complements your body shape.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

The indentation may be smoothed with liposuction or a tummy tuck, depending on the quality of the your skin. If your skin is elastic, liposuction may be sufficient to remove fat to give you a more even contour. If you have loose skin, a tummy tuck would be more suitable.

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. Based on these and your previously posted photos, you are very good candidate for VASER Hi Def Liposuction. This technique delivers athletic, feminine shape without an operated look. See a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in advanced body sculpting techniques for an in person consultation/evaluation. Good luck.

Guray Yesiladali, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

The photos are limited for a definitive assessment, but based on your description, this concern typically falls within the scope of liposuction.
In slim patients who maintain a stable weight, a central indentation creating an upper and lower fullness is usually related to localized fat distribution rather than overall body weight.
If the issue is primarily localized fat, liposuction can help smooth the contour and reduce the separation between the upper and lower abdomen.
A proper examination is still necessary to confirm the anatomy and plan accordingly.
I wish you clarity in choosing the right approach and a result that feels proportionate and natural for your body.
&mdash; Güray Yeşiladalı, MD

Female, 27, 5'7", 120 lbs. Would any type of surgery fix my b belly? (Photos)

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