Enough skin for tummy tuck? (photo)

Concerns about the appearance of the abdomen are very common among patients consulting with a plastic surgeon. Just like every patient is different…so too is every abdomen. Different problems require different solutions. Your board certified plastic surgeon is uniquely trained to identify the problems as well as the appropriate solution.

The abdomen is commonly addressed via liposuction or abdominoplasty (“tummy – tuck”). Which procedure is best is dependent upon the source of the problem.

Excess fat deposits underneath the skin can be addressed via liposuction. Liposuction will not address any other issues and may worsen the situation if there are other factors at play (such as skin excess and muscle laxity, see below)

Commonly patients concerns are centered around issues of excess skin as well as fat. A third factor, which is often overlooked by most patients is abdominal wall muscle laxity (typically seen in post partum mommies). The tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to eliminate excess skin and fat and tighten the muscles in the abdominal wall to create a smoother and slimmer contour. The tummy tuck is designed to target areas of the abdomen that have not responded to diet and exercise, making it particularly popular among people that have a lot of loose or sagging skin around the abdominal area due to significant weight loss, as well as women with excess skin and stretched abdominal muscles following pregnancy and childbirth.

Based upon your photos and narrative, you are a reasonable candidate for abdominoplasty. Questions of scar placement and skin laxity are difficult to answer without an exam. However, patients will often have to weigh the costs of scars against the benefits of abdominal rehab (skin excision/muscle tightening).

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Hi from Istanbul!Thank you for your question.Regarding on your photos you have muscle laxity and not much excess skin in the abdomen.Floating belly button technique can be suitable for you. With this technique you will not have a scar around umblicus, muscle repair will be done and excess skin will be removed above pubis. Only concern of this technique is lowering the level of your umblicus position. It will be still in a normal position because you already have a highly located belly button.Best luck !

In your case, since you are not planning future pregnancies, I recommend abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement. The mesh creates a more hourglass figure by compressing the abdominal wall resulting in early satiety and helps maintain a reduced weight. I do not believe you have enough skin to do a full tummy tuck without the scar ending up high. You may undergo a partial resection of the skin lower with a low scar and move the umbilicus down a few centimeters.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.