Skin laxity above belly button - Would Lipo help me with this issue? Would love non-surgical options if possible.

Question

Hello- I had a tummy tuck back in 2017 with Lipo after two C-sections. I weighed around 153 pounds at 5’6” and did not realize later in life into my 30s. I would continue to lose weight and get into better shape I now weigh 133. I feel like I have a fair amount of skin laxity above the belly button. It’s still pretty tight below the belly button.button, but I don’t know if Lipo will help this issue. I don’t know if it’s fat being stored or loose skin. I have been doing Pilates four days a week to try to strengthen, but can you please look at these photos and see what would help this loose skin above the belly button and I feel like there’s a fair amount on the side but Im not overweight. Please help with suggestions

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your history and photos—it really helps to understand your concerns. From what you’ve described, it sounds like the main issue above your belly button is loose skin rather than excess fat, especially since you’re already at a healthy weight and your lower abdomen feels tight. Liposuction works best for removing fat, but it does not tighten skin. In areas where the skin has lost elasticity, like the upper abdomen after pregnancies and prior surgery, liposuction alone may not achieve the improvement you’re hoping for and could even make the laxity more noticeable.

Non-surgical options for mild to moderate skin laxity do exist, though their effects tend to be more subtle and gradual than surgical correction. These include:

Radiofrequency or ultrasound-based skin tightening: These energy-based treatments can stimulate collagen production, helping the skin appear firmer over time.

Topical treatments and skincare: While limited, some retinoid-based creams can improve skin texture and elasticity.

Targeted strengthening exercises: Pilates and core work are excellent for underlying muscle tone, which can give the abdomen a slightly smoother appearance, though they don’t directly tighten loose skin.

Ultimately, if the laxity is significant, the most predictable improvement would come from a surgical approach, such as a mini-tummy tuck or revision abdominoplasty, but your current concerns could potentially see some improvement with energy-based treatments first.

It’s understandable to want to avoid surgery, and exploring these non-invasive options could help you gauge whether you notice enough improvement before considering more invasive steps.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I can’t see any pictures so my response is based on your question only.
Some people might recommend a reverse tummy tuck.
I personally don’t think it’s a good procedure.
It may be appropriate for someone having a breast lift or breast reduction to be done in combination.
Most likely your best option is to redo the full-time we talk if you’re willing to do that.
It’s going to have some drawbacks, including a new scar from the new bellybutton position.
 Liposuction is not going to deal with skin laxity and it’s unlikely you have a fat problem after having had a tummy tuck and further weight loss.
The further weight loss and continued aging is most likely what’s contributing to your skin laxity which part is probably slight loss of skin elasticity that comes from age.
If you like Medspa procedures and don’t mind subtle changes, then you can try things like radio frequency, micro needling.
Personally, I don’t think anything other than a proper skin surgery is going to do anything for skin laxity, including treatments with Renuvion or other devices.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Skin laxity above belly button - Would Lipo help me with this issue? Would love non-surgical options if possible.

Answers (2)

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