Been to 3 dr's for a consult, each has given me a different opinion regarding the amount of skin above my belly button.

Dear Ms. Cfunyny,I applaud your search and different answers.Thank you for your question and information about yourself. Unfortunately without photos and a examination I can advise you in general terms, however I hope you will find them helpful.Bottom line: it is difficult to give a 100% answer based on your anatomy and skin "stretch"   that can only with certainty be dtermined intraoperatively.In general:1) incisions are usually placed as low as possible.personally gave the patients bring a bathing suit bottom or panties of their choiceto ensure the placement of the incision is where they want it.2)in thin patients with long torsos and little redundant skin may require a a small vertical scar centrally located. This is where the your orginal umbilicus was located. The trade off is to have a lower horizontal scar for a temporary small vertical scar. This small vertical scar can often be resected under local anesthesia and converted/combined with the horizontal scar 9-12 months later when the skin loosens3)there are four types of abdominoplasties. A-C All have horizontal incisions and D has a significant vertical compotent.A) mini- muscle tightened below umbilicus to pubic boneB) standard- muscle tightened from breast bone to pubic boneC) extended as in standard but incision longer to excise excess skin/fat in outer thigh area D) fleur de lis- same as standard but in addtion excess skin/fat excised in a vertical directionPlease make sure your chosen Plastic Surgeon is experienced and Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and in addition ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (denoting by membership as having met additional criteria and a focus on Cosmetic Plastic Surgery).My best wishes,R. A. Hardesty, MD, FACSDiplomate and Certified by the Am. Bd. of Plastic Surgerywwwimagineplasticsurgery.com4646 Brockton AveRiverside, Ca 92506(951) 686-7600

Thank you very much for your question.Based on the pictures, I think you would be an excellent candidate for a full tummy tuck with muscle tightening.  If you are left with a vertical scar, it would be a very small one, and located very low in your abdomen and easily covered by your underwear.  If after 6 months, the small vertical scar still bothers you, it can usually just be cut out and you would only be left with the low horizontal scar.Again, this is based on the pictures alone.  Regarding the surgeons, I would pick the one that you feel has the best approach and can deliver the result you desire through that approach.  Best of luck!

HI cfunyny, I think that you would do fine with a full tummy tuck and get a very nice result You also get a great benefit with the tightening of the rectus muscles. Congrats on your weight loss too. Best,Dr. Christine Rodgers