What are my options for a flatter stomach & skin tightening aside from a full tummy tuck? Mini or Vaser lipo work? Photos)

Question

I am 47, 2 kids (9 &12). Fairly active. Have diastasis recti and umbilical hernia. 2 c-sections. I currently weigh 116 and am 5’2 I am looking into getting a tummy tuck. Is it necessary to do this to achieve the flat stomach or can I try another procedure to tighten the stomach area (having my umbilical hernia repaired fist)like Vasor lipo or something less invasive than a tummy tuck? Also, would a mini tummy tuck apply as well or a full tummy tuck is my only option?

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you very much for your question, the excess skin that you have in the abdomen is abundant, and the procedure that I recommend to you is a complete tummytuck, because your abdominal skin fold is from each iliac crest, and with a mini it is not enough, additionally we must correct the abdominal wall so that the result can meet your expectations and look flatRemoval of excess skin and fatAbdominoplasty is a surgical procedure whose purpose is to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to strengthen the muscles of the abdominal wall.With the tummy tuck you get a flatter and firmer abdomen and a narrower waist.It is especially suitable for women whose abdominal muscles have relaxed after one or several pregnancies and do not regain the tone they had before.It is indicated in women and men who are concerned about the accumulation of fat and excess skin in the abdominal area and that does not improve despite diet and physical exercise.In addition, in women and men who have moderate obesity and with the passage of time, the abdominal skin has lost elasticity and there has been a localized accumulation in the area that we know as the "belly"BeforeThe plastic surgeon will determine the best surgical option to improve your silhouette: sometimes, in limited accumulations below the navel, a mini-abdominoplasty procedure or liposuction may be sufficient, sometimes it may be necessary to associate a liposuction with the abdominoplasty. flanks or hips to harmonize your contour and achieve an aesthetically attractive silhouette.
DuringAbdominoplasty is performed under general anesthesia in the operating room. The duration depends on whether it is complete or just a mini tummy tuck, it can last from 2 to 4 hours.
AfterYou should wear a girdle for approximately three months. It may take weeks or a few months for you to feel like you were before and depending on your physical condition, you can return to work in 2 weeks or after a month.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear lu2terr,
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

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

A TT addresses both the loose skin and the lax abdominal wall as to give a nice, flat youthful contour to the abdomen. Your skin laxity in the abdominal area requires plication. In general, the muscles should be brought to anatomic norms. The smaller the separation, the less tightening required and the less discomfort. Swelling will occur irrespective of muscle repair, and almost every patient requiring a TT will benefit from the muscle repair with a more youthful belly button and a scar along the lower public region. If the waist was smaller at one time, the waist can likely be reduced via lipo to those same measurements or smaller provided the muscular and fascial integrity has remained the same. The hernia can be repaired at the time of the TT.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

You need a full tummy tuck with muscle tightening. A mini tummy tuck will be a disappointment. I know it’s tempting to go for the lesser procedure but you won’t be happy.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and series of photographs.  Nothing replaces an in-person examination, but I think you would most benefit from a full tummy tuck and liposuction of your waist and flanks.  The tummy tuck will tighten your stomach muscles, helping to achieve a flatter appearance, while removing excess skin and adipose tissue.  Liposuction can be used to enhance your tummy tuck results by narrowing your waist and removing isolated areas of diet and exercise resistant fat.  I would favor the full approach because it appears that your skin and muscle laxity is present above and below your belly button.  Hope that this helps

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From your photos you will need to consider a standard tummy tuck to address your concerns.  Liposuction could be added for contouring.  The less invasive procedures will not correct the abdominal wall laxity and you'd likely be disappointed with the result.  A mini tummy tuck could leave you with a flat tummy below your belly button and fullness above.  I've included a video that I hope you find helpful.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You need the hernia repaired and the full tuck. Please don't waist money of lesser procedures for you will have lesser results.

Felix Omar Márquez, MD · Answer

Hello, thanks for your question and photos. By the pics, you are a candidate for Full Tummy Tuck. You may need Liposuction to eliminate de body fat in your belly and around your waist, and Tummy Tuck to extract saggy skin and repair the area. You must have an in-person consult before making a decision. Consult a plastic surgeon in your area. Good luck!

What are my options for a flatter stomach & skin tightening aside from a full tummy tuck? Mini or Vaser lipo work? Photos)

Answers (8)

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