Is a mommy makeover a possible option for me? Does my gall bladder scar make a tummy tuck more challenging? (photos)

Question

Hi! I have had 3 kiddos and I need some work! I am sure I have diastasis and my weight gain has caused my stomach to grow as well, I look pregnant still. I'm considering a tummy tuck and breast implants or a lift. I do have a gall bladder scar and have been told this will make the tummy tuck challenging. I have an appt soon and just want to see if it's even work considering at this point. Also, I don't want to lose weight as I'm happy at 140 pds!

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, you have not told us your height, just your weight.  Depending on your BMI, you may or may not be a good candidate for surgery.  In terms of your breasts, I recommend The Bellesoma Method.  This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage.  Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.  In terms of the abdomen, the previous gall bladder scar does make the situation for a tummy tuck more difficult.  The skin underneath the scar may turn black and die after a tummy tuck.  However, I would recommend you lose weight before considering a tummy tuck.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @alexistrav, thank you for your question and showing your pictures. I suggest an extended lipectomy with muscle plication from the first branch of the line to the end, that is, up to the pubis. You could also have a liposculpture to improve body shapes and harvest fat to make a fat injection in the buttocks with micro seeding not so much to generate more volume but to lift the base of the buttocks. For improving the breast consider breast lift through the nipple and an inverted J incision with fat transfer. The best course of action is to consult one or several board certified plastic surgeon for more information and options tailored specifically to your needs. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez, MD FACS.

George Bitar, MD · Answer

The gallbladder scar affects how the skin of the tummy will get blood and nutrients after tummy tuck, so it can limit how much skin can be removed from your tummy.  Based on your photos, your abdomen does bulge outward like you are pregnant as you mentioned.  You would need an exam on whether that is related to spreading of the muscles (diastasis) or fat inside the abdomen.  If you have significant fat inside the tummy and the previous scar limits the amount of skin removal, you may not have a completely flat stomach even after tummy tuck surgery. The fat inside the tummy can be reduced with weight loss.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear alexistrav,
generally speaking, you want to reach your goal weight before you consider a tummy tuck, otherwise your results will be suboptimal if you continue to lose weight after the surgery.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

Paul E. Chasan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Gallbladder scars certainly increase the risk of complications.  That being said, I have performed dozens of tummy tucks on patients who have the exact same scar as yours with excellent outcomes and very few complications.  Best wishes to.

Is a mommy makeover a possible option for me? Does my gall bladder scar make a tummy tuck more challenging? (photos)

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Is a mommy makeover a possible option for me? Does my gall bladder scar make a tummy tuck more challenging? (photos)

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