Will bodytite minimize my moderate loose skin or should I consider a mini tummy tuck?

Question

After a 12kg (26 lbs) weight loss (with propoer resistance training), I ended up with reasonably flat tummy when I stand up straight as in 1st photo; but when I crunch or bend then I see moderate loose skin around my tummy as in 2nd photo. If I go on all 4s then seen from below I can see 'hang' of the loose skin. I am around 14% body fat as per the scale, so there is not much fat there, just loose skin. Will bodytite be enough or will this require a mini tummy tuck?

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your impressive weight loss and obvious hard work with your training!  From the photos the skin laxity would be best addressed through a tummy tuck.  You could consider skin only since subcutaneous fat is not a concern for you.  Visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

The decision between BodyTite and a mini tummy tuck depends on several factors, including the extent of loose skin and your desired outcome. Here’s how each option may address moderate loose skin:

BodyTite (Radiofrequency-Assisted Liposuction):

Mechanism: BodyTite uses radiofrequency energy to heat the underlying tissues and coagulate fat, which can tighten skin to some degree.
Effectiveness: It can provide mild to moderate skin tightening, making it suitable for individuals with mild to moderate skin laxity.
Advantages: BodyTite is less invasive than a mini tummy tuck, involving smaller incisions and typically resulting in less downtime and recovery.
Mini Tummy Tuck:

Procedure: A mini tummy tuck focuses on the lower abdomen and involves removing excess skin and tightening the abdominal muscles below the belly button.
Effectiveness: It is more effective for moderate to severe skin laxity and excess skin removal compared to BodyTite.
Advantages: Provides more dramatic and longer-lasting results compared to non-surgical or minimally invasive treatments like BodyTite.
Considerations:

Skin Laxity: If your loose skin is moderate and primarily located below the belly button, BodyTite may be effective in improving skin tightness. However, if you have significant skin laxity above the belly button or along with muscle laxity, a mini tummy tuck may be more appropriate.

Muscle Tightening: BodyTite primarily addresses skin laxity and fat reduction. If you have muscle separation (diastasis recti), which is common after pregnancy or significant weight loss, a mini tummy tuck can tighten the abdominal muscles in addition to removing excess skin.

Expectations: Discuss your aesthetic goals with a board-certified plastic surgeon. They can evaluate your abdomen, discuss the pros and cons of each option based on your anatomy and goals, and recommend the most suitable procedure for you.

In summary, BodyTite can be effective for moderate loose skin by providing some degree of skin tightening and contouring. However, if you have more significant skin laxity or muscle concerns, a mini tummy tuck may offer more comprehensive and long-lasting results. Consulting with a qualified plastic surgeon is essential to determine the best approach for achieving your desired abdominal contour.

M. Scott Haydon, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and the photos. Not sure if you've had children or what the muscle situation is like (diastasis).  I'm very intrigued as to how differently your skin excess looks in the different photos. I'm not sure that a miniTT is going to be able to address that much skin excess, even if BodyTite is done in the upper abdomen. If your goal it to have the flattest and tightest tummy, a standard TT is your best bet. The lack of subcutaneous fat means there is less target to remove, but I would be worried there would not be much of a result w/ regard to tightening w/ BT alone. Best of Luck!

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

The most important thing that you should be looking at is how you look when you’re standing upright. In the pictures provided you actually look quite well.
Personally, I believe you need an in person consultation and knowing if you’ve had children or not, would also be very important.  Every individual who will get down on their fours and not tense their abdominal muscles, and take a picture of themselves, will not be happy to see what they will see. I think if there’s just an issue with looseness of the skin, the best procedure, for you would be to have Renuvion tissue tightening. On the other hand, if your muscles are somewhat weak, and there is looseness of the skin, which can only be determined on a physical exam, a Tuck of some kind may be required. I hope this helps and good luck from New York City Plastic Surgery.

Mark Eberbach, MD · Answer

Your pictures tell the story. You will need a full tummy tuck. Loose above and below with muscle separations.

Will bodytite minimize my moderate loose skin or should I consider a mini tummy tuck?

Answers (5)

Answer: Which procedure would be best for loose abdominal skin

Answer: Which procedure would be best for loose abdominal skin

Answer: Mini vs body tight

Answer: Mini vs body tight

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Will bodytite minimize my moderate loose skin or should I consider a mini tummy tuck?

Answers (5)

Answer: Which procedure would be best for loose abdominal skin

Answer: Which procedure would be best for loose abdominal skin

Answer: Mini vs body tight

Answer: Mini vs body tight

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about BodyTite

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