Horizontal stomach crease? Tummy tuck? Stomach band / muscle issues / separation? (Photo)

Question

I've had this crease above my stomach since birth. 2 1st pics are normal, the last 3 are hunched over pushing stomach out. When I'm skinner it’s not AS bad but still obvious I have a separation of the upper and lower stomach. Never been pregnant only 25 years old. The stomach has always been an issue. Do I need a tummy tuck to fix the muscles or the stomach band? I’m still really not THAT chubby, but the uneven stomach makes me appear bigger than my 120 weight.

Ryan Hoffman, MD · Answer

My normal answer is that a tummy tuck is needed, but in your case, I don't think that is the case.A band or crease like yours is caused from attachments from the skin to the abdominal wall. This can usually be divided and corrected with liposuction and lipo-equalization (a technique to move fat around during liposuction.)  These techniques would improve the appearance of your abdomen without large scars. Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon and good luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Cassied92,it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to 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

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!
Thanks for the question and provided information as well.
Considering your age, I would suggest to go with liposuction and fat transfer, to improve your abdomen and then have the tummy tuck with muscle repair, once you have kids.
l recommend you to make an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon to talk about your goals and anything you need to know.
Good luck :)

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

Recommendations would depend on what your expectations are but I am biased in that I try to avoid tummy tucks in young women who are fit.  Yes, a tuck and release of those bands would resolve this but at considerable costs, scarring (absolutely), that will be destroyed when you decide to have children.  If it is really bothersome, you can consider liposuction with cutting of those adherent bands with a large pickle fork cannula with possible fat grafting if deemed beneficial at the same time.  If this was something tolerable (but annoying), would simply do nothing and waiting until you are done with childbearing so that you can get the most lasting and durable outcome.

Vincent D. Lepore, MD (retired) · Answer

Although, a tummy tuck may be a good option, you may also be a candidate for liposuction, possibly with ultrasound assist, with or without fat transfer to the area of the crease.  Seek out a board certified plastic surgeon who have extensive experience with abdominoplasty, liposuction and fat transfer.  Once you have been examined, your surgeon should be able to give you options which will help.  Best wishes, Dr. Lepore.

Horizontal stomach crease? Tummy tuck? Stomach band / muscle issues / separation? (Photo)

Answers (5)

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