5'11, 165lbs, 32 - mini TT? Full TT? Any non-surgical options to tighten & smooth lower belly? (Photos)

Thank you for your question. First, I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your son. It’s understandable that you want to feel better about your body after everything you've been through. Since you plan to have more children, it might be wise to hold off on a full tummy tuck until after you've completed your family. Pregnancy after a tummy tuck can stretch out the skin and muscles again, which might undo some results. A mini tummy tuck could be an interim solution if your issues are primarily in the lower abdomen and you don’t want to commit to a full TT right now, but a mini tummy tuck may not fully address skin laxity or muscle separation above the belly button.

Thank you for your inquiry! An in-person consultation would allow me to determine the laxity of the area to determine what would be your best option. We love to meet with you to discuss your concerns. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgery to help you reach your goals.

Thank you for your question, and I want to express my deepest condolences for your loss. I admire your courage and determination to explore options to feel more comfortable and confident in your body.

By examining your photos, I can see that you have some excess skin and fat in your lower abdomen that cannot be addressed effectively through nonsurgical options. While treatments such as radiofrequency, ultrasound therapies, or laser skin tightening can offer minimal improvement for mild skin laxity, they won’t achieve the significant results you’re seeking.

A mini tummy tuck could be an option if the issue is isolated to the area below your belly button. However, based on your photos, it appears that a full tummy tuck would provide better results by addressing both the excess skin and the muscle separation that often occurs after pregnancy. A full tummy tuck involves tightening the abdominal muscles and removing more excess skin, giving you a smoother, flatter appearance.

If you plan to have more children, it's important to note that pregnancy can reverse some of the benefits of a tummy tuck. I recommend waiting to pursue a tummy tuck until you’re done having children. However, if the physical and emotional impact of your current situation is significant, you could still proceed with the procedure and understand that future pregnancies may necessitate additional revision surgery.

For now, you might also consider body contouring procedures like liposuction combined with nonsurgical skin tightening to improve the area temporarily. These options can be revisited after your future pregnancies.

You’re on the right track by maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle, which will enhance your surgical outcomes. I encourage you to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and create a plan tailored to your needs and long-term aspirations.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

I am so sorry for your loss. If you want more children , I do not recommend any surgery at this point, otherwise your skin will get loose again. Because you have a lot of stretch marks, non surgical options will not tighten your skin, since stretch marks are a tear in the deep part of the skin. However, if you want to do something now, knowing that you might have to do it again, a mini tummy tuck will get rid of the skin fold that you have.

You would be best served with a full tummy tuck. The energy-based alternatives are far inferior. A mini-tummy tuck would not adequately remove your stretched-out skin. I prefer to keep the scar as low as possible so that it can be hidden by a bikini.