Is there a less invasive tummy tuck alternative? (Photo)

Question

Hello, I am 39 years old with two kids. Recovery for a tummy tuck would be extremely difficult with the limited to zero help we do have. I was exploring the idea of fixing an insecurity of mine that I have had for years (pre kids as well). I am wondering if there are alternatives to tummy tucks that is less invasive. Price point is not that issue, it’s the recovery and down time after that is playing a significant role. I am 5 ft, 100 lbs, and toned shape although I have not focused on toning my stomach.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Polite587441,

based on your photos, you look like a good candidate for a TT. Full tummy tuck should tighten your abdominal muscles and remove the excess skin. Flanks liposuction would give you a better shape. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon because 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

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

In my experience, the photo suggests a relatively lean abdomen, so the key question is whether the concern is loose skin, muscle separation, or a small fat pocket. If the skin quality is good and there is no significant diastasis, limited liposuction or an energy-based skin-tightening treatment may give modest improvement with less downtime.
A tummy tuck is still the most predictable option when loose skin around the belly button or muscle laxity is the main issue. Since recovery support is your biggest concern, I would ask for an exam that specifically compares mini tummy tuck, full tummy tuck, and nonsurgical tightening so the tradeoff in result versus downtime is clear.

Paul M. Parker, MD, FACS · Answer

Given your history and the picture you submit, there really aren't any good non surgical alternatives to improve your abdomen. Certainly a tummy tuck with liposuction would give you a nice result. An alternative might be a skin only reverse abdominoplasty which would make your recovery much quicker and easier. Find a board certified plastic surgeon near you who performs a lot of tummy tucks and obtain a consultation from them to explore options face to face.

Robert M. Lowen, MD · Answer

Dear Polite,  that depends on what your concern is.  Since we see one photo only, from the front, the assumption is that it is the wrinkly, loose skin in the upper abdomen only,  and not excess overhanging skin or abdominal wall laxity.  If that is the issue, it does seem likely that it was there before having kids.
Every alternative to a tummy tuck, if a tummy tuck is what is actually needed to address the concern, e.g. abdominal wall laxity, is not an alternative, and will not do the job.
  For skin laxity, there are skin only treatments available, e.g. Palomar LUX IR.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You state you had pregnancies and most of your excess skin appears to be above the umbilicus, not below. Unfortunately, you have not provided photographs of your breasts. You may benefit from a breast lift using the Bellesoma. This technique 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. This will also pull up the upper abdominal skin. In terms of the lower abdominal skin, a mini tummy tuck may be performed, which is a skin only surgery with minimal downtime.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo. Based on this single frontal view, it is difficult to give you realistic advice without a physical examination. If a tummy tuck is not a choice in your case, you can consider VASER Hi Def Lipo of the abdomen and Renuvion skin tightening. This will avoid the restrictions involving a tummy tuck. Remember, these are different procedures and will vary in their results. See a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in advanced body sculpting techniques for an in-person consultation/evaluation.
See attachment of my patient who did not opt for a tummy tuck, but VASER liposuction only.

Vasileios Vasilakis, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for the question. Unfortunately, there is no alternative to a tummy tuck, which achieves removal of skin and muscle tightening. 
I wish you the best.
Vasileios Vasilakis, MD, FACSDouble Board Certified Plastic SurgeonHouston, TX.

Frank Agullo, MD · Answer

Honest answer for a 39 year old mom hoping for something less than a tummy tuck: the answer depends entirely on what your skin and muscles are actually doing right now. Couple weeks back I saw a patient with a similar story and her exam showed mild laxity, intact rectus muscles, no real overhang. We did VASER lipo with Renuvion J-Plasma for skin tightening and Morpheus 8. She was back to normal life in one week. But if you have skin overhang or muscle separation, lipo plus tightening will not get you where you want to go. Best move from here is a consultation.

#StayBeautiful,

@RealDrWorldWide

#StayBeautiful,

@RealDrWorldWide

Robert M. Wald, Jr., MD · Answer

If your goal is to loose some fat of your abdomen, liposuction alone works but there is still some downtime. If you want something that involves no downtime, I would suggest the sculpsure device. This is a non invasive way to reduce fat and improve skin contraction. Exercise and abdominal strengthening will also help.

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

In my experience , many of our patients have improved their belly with Vaser ultrasound liposuction which will remove stubborn areas of fat and tighten skin.

This is without the incision and recovery of tummy tuck. It is minimally invasive using small puncture incisions.

You appear to have good. Scale and not enough skin for a full tummy tuck.

An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon who performs these procedures is recommended to confirm you are a candidate as well as discuss your options and expectations.

Is there a less invasive tummy tuck alternative? (Photo)

Answers (13)

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