Are there non surgical options that would be effective in tightening loose skin or should I consider a tummy tuck? (photos)

Question

Early 40s, two pregnancies, one twins. Is a full tummy tuck the only solution for the loose skin? Any non surgical options that would be effective?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Morpheus 8 is a non-invasive skin and soft tissue tightening treatment that is consistently amazing in our patients. We use the Morpheus to exact fractional induced RF into the skin or tissue in order to tighten collagen and stimulate contraction of the tissue. For acne scars, it is quite useful to build collagen in patients who have atrophic scars but is not very productive for ice-pick scars which require TCA Cross. For tissue tightening, Morpheus is ideal for the face and neck and we often combine it with CO2 laser or Ultherapy to further enhance results. Chemical peels and skin resurfacing should be done at least 5 to 7 days after, but can be performed earlier, depending on treatment severity. Avoid exfoliating skin treatments before Morpheus and expect a period of 2-4 weeks for skin contraction to set in.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Bradley Hall, MD · Answer

This is a very common problem that I see with patients. From what I can see, I think it's likely that you have excess skin and fat in that region that would be best treated with an abdominoplasty. More non invasive options I not think will sufficiently treat that area as the skin has already been stretched from pregnancy and I don't think the area would contract sufficiently with those options. Those options would also not remove any of the stretch marks. The advantages to having a abdominoplasty in your situation are that they muscles can be repaired below and above the belly button, and excess skin can be removed all with a well concealed incision that shouldn't be visible in clothing. If you were to try non invasive options I think it would honestly probably cost more in the end given multiple attempts at it and you may not be happy with one treatment and try multiple treatments that would cost more than a mini abdominoplasty and still wouldn't give you as good of a result. Depending on the laxity of your skin, most or all of the stretch marks below the belly button may be able to be removed and this would significantly improve the contour of your abdomen. In some situations this may require a small vertical incision that is still hid by your clothing, but would be a great option for you

Michelle Copeland, MD, DMD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your photos! If you have any hanging skin, you might be a candidate for a non-invasive procedure called Thermage (no incision!) that can tighten skin and stimulate your body to make healthier collagen—the building block that provides structure to your skin. The procedure uses radiofrequency technology called ThermaCool® that has been clinically proven to tighten and gently lift skin. Fast and easy, Thermage requires no downtime from normal activities. Tighten and lift without surgery, injections, or downtime. Another treatment that helps smooth skin is micro-RF. Used in combination with Thermage and non-ablative lasers this can be a powerful nonsurgical treatment to help tighten and smooth skin all over the body. I suggest making an appointment with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options in more detail!

Navjot Singh, MD, FACG · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and pictures. While there are non-surgical options like Renuvion that can provide some degree of skin tightening for significant skin laxity after multiple pregnancies, a tummy tuck often delivers the most noticeable results. Renuvion or other non-invasive treatments might give modest improvement, depending on the skin quality and the degree of looseness. It will depends on your goals, and what you expect.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Based on the degree of skin laxity shown in your photos you are not a good candidate for non surgical skin tightening options.  However you appear to be a very good candidate for a standard tummy tuck.  This will remove excess fat and skin as well as correct abdominal wall laxity.  The result will be a flatter, tighter tummy.  See a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Sergio Sanchez-Bailon, MD · Answer

Nowadays there are a lot of different technologies from surgical to in office procedures and options for skin tightening, that target specific depths and components of the skin that may help in certain patients. In my experience by looking at your photos it’s many loose skin, extra skin and that cannot be treated and stretched out without a tummy tuck, also to flatten out your abdominal area you should have a muscle repair with an internal corset because of the abdominal weakness and diastasis recti.

Are there non surgical options that would be effective in tightening loose skin or should I consider a tummy tuck? (photos)

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