I'm an active 33yo s/p two full term pregnancies, 5'3", 140 lbs. I realize nothing is better than a hands on exam, but after reviewing my photos, what is your initial impression? I feel no separation between my abdominal muscles, but I have a protrusion to my lower abdomen when upright. Abdominoplasty or could I get by with skin excision and maybe lipo? Also, would a scar extend from hip to hip? How would the recovery effect me long term as far as workouts? I CrossFit and powerlift.
October 18, 2017
Answer: What kind of tummy tuck is best for you? Thank you for your question. There are various types of abdominoplasty procedures for patients to choose from. Each one is designed to treat a specific set of needs. In consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon, the choice of procedure will be made based on your anatomic features and desired outcome. While all tummy tucks have in common that they tighten the abdominal skin, there are two key differences between the various procedures. The incision lengths vary depending on the amount of skin to be excised, and the abdominal muscles may be tightened if they have excess laxity.For you Mini Tummy Tuck would be a good option. This uses a relatively short incision in the same area of your C-section. Since you don't need much skin resection, you could avoid the incision around the belly button. Most importantly, this would give access to the abdominal wall so that a good muscle repair (placation) can be performed. Healing after a tummy tuck is usually pretty straight forward. There is a process of swelling and bruising that peaks at 3 days after surgery and then undergoes the first stage of major resolution in the first 2 weeks after surgery. The lateer phase of healing takes place over the 2-3 months after surgery where everything really settles and softens. It is after this time that we are getting close to the final result, though this varies patient to patient. That said, you definitely have to choose your surgeon correctly and make sure that he/she has the training and experience to meet your goals with absolute safety. Best is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with specialized expertise in this procedure.
Helpful
October 18, 2017
Answer: What kind of tummy tuck is best for you? Thank you for your question. There are various types of abdominoplasty procedures for patients to choose from. Each one is designed to treat a specific set of needs. In consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon, the choice of procedure will be made based on your anatomic features and desired outcome. While all tummy tucks have in common that they tighten the abdominal skin, there are two key differences between the various procedures. The incision lengths vary depending on the amount of skin to be excised, and the abdominal muscles may be tightened if they have excess laxity.For you Mini Tummy Tuck would be a good option. This uses a relatively short incision in the same area of your C-section. Since you don't need much skin resection, you could avoid the incision around the belly button. Most importantly, this would give access to the abdominal wall so that a good muscle repair (placation) can be performed. Healing after a tummy tuck is usually pretty straight forward. There is a process of swelling and bruising that peaks at 3 days after surgery and then undergoes the first stage of major resolution in the first 2 weeks after surgery. The lateer phase of healing takes place over the 2-3 months after surgery where everything really settles and softens. It is after this time that we are getting close to the final result, though this varies patient to patient. That said, you definitely have to choose your surgeon correctly and make sure that he/she has the training and experience to meet your goals with absolute safety. Best is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with specialized expertise in this procedure.
Helpful
October 18, 2017
Answer: Abdominoplasty or just excess skin removal? Length of scar? How would recovery affect my active lifestyle long term? (Photos) A short-scar tummy tuck is right for patients who have loose skin, residual fat, and drooping muscle tissue in the abdominal area. It’s an excellent choice for those patients who are excited by the idea of attaining the results of a full tummy tuck but do not want a long curving abdominal scar after the procedure. Following six weeks of recovery you could return to CrossFit and powerlift, gradually building up to your regimen prior to the TT.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA
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October 18, 2017
Answer: Abdominoplasty or just excess skin removal? Length of scar? How would recovery affect my active lifestyle long term? (Photos) A short-scar tummy tuck is right for patients who have loose skin, residual fat, and drooping muscle tissue in the abdominal area. It’s an excellent choice for those patients who are excited by the idea of attaining the results of a full tummy tuck but do not want a long curving abdominal scar after the procedure. Following six weeks of recovery you could return to CrossFit and powerlift, gradually building up to your regimen prior to the TT.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA
Helpful
