Lean with excess skin - am I a candidate for abdominoplasty? (photos)

Question

I'm very lean with a just a small amount of excess skin around my stomach, and my concern is that my lower abdominal area appears loose. I do all the vacuums, but there's something about my anatomy that I just can't seem to improve that area. I have no children. Would abdominoplasty be a good option for me?

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Based on your picture, I can’t tell anything. An « in person » consultation would be necessary. Often times, people with loose skin think that they would benefit from a tummy tuck whereas in fact, they just don’t have enough skin to remove.

Best of luck !

Best of luck !

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello lminarich,

Thank you for your question regarding abdominoplasty and your concerns about excess skin around your stomach. From the photos you've submitted, it's a bit challenging to assess the extent of your excess skin, but I understand your desire for a tighter abdominal area.

If you do indeed have excess skin, a mini tummy tuck may be a suitable option to achieve the tightness you desire. Unlike a full abdominoplasty, which addresses both the upper and lower abdomen, a mini tummy tuck focuses primarily on the lower abdominal area. This procedure is ideal for individuals with mild to moderate skin laxity and minimal excess fat.

However, I noticed that your bikini line appears to be quite low, which may pose a challenge in terms of hiding the incision scar, especially if you prefer wearing bikini bottoms with a particular cut. It's essential to consider the placement of the incision and discuss your preferences with your plastic surgeon during the consultation.

Alternatively, if you're hesitant about undergoing a surgical procedure like abdominoplasty, there are less-invasive options available that may help improve skin laxity and contouring. Two such procedures are BodyTite and Morpheus8.

BodyTite: BodyTite is a minimally invasive radiofrequency-assisted liposuction (RFAL) procedure designed to tighten the skin while simultaneously removing excess fat. The procedure involves inserting a small probe under the skin to deliver controlled radiofrequency energy, resulting in tissue tightening and collagen production. BodyTite is suitable for individuals with mild to moderate skin laxity who desire skin tightening without undergoing surgery.
Morpheus8: Morpheus8 is a non-surgical fractional radiofrequency microneedling device that stimulates collagen production and tightens the skin. It utilizes tiny needles to deliver radiofrequency energy deep into the skin, targeting the underlying layers and promoting tissue remodeling. Morpheus8 is effective for improving skin texture, reducing wrinkles, and enhancing skin firmness.
Before making any decisions, I recommend scheduling a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to assess your individual concerns and goals. Your surgeon can provide personalized recommendations based on your anatomy and preferences, guiding you towards the most suitable treatment option.

Ultimately, the goal is to achieve natural-looking, harmonious results that align with your aesthetic aspirations. Whether you choose abdominoplasty, a less-invasive procedure, or a combination approach, your surgeon will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

I hope this information helps guide you in your decision-making process. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions or if you'd like to schedule a consultation.

Sincerely,

Dr. Katzen

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! An Abdominoplasty procedure includes liposuction of the abdomen as well as tightening of the abdominal muscles (diastasis recti). If there is only a small amount of excess skin that bothers you then you can just have a skin wedge procedure done which removes excess skin. I would recommend consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon like myself so we can create a surgical plan that is best for you and your goals!

Robert M. Wald, Jr., MD · Answer

It's very difficult to look at your pictures and give you a definitive answer. I would suggest seeing a plastic surgeon. They would be able to give you the answer. A limited or modified tummy tuck may be indicated.

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your query. It is difficult to say based on this picture ,but a small amount of skin laxity can be treated by non surgical skin tightening techniques like ThermiTight or Bodytite. Please find an experienced board certified Plastic surgeon who can examine you and help you with your concerns. All the best!

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It depends on whether there is enough skin to remove. If there is, then a mini tummy tuck to focus on the area below your belly button may be sufficient. However, based on your photo alone, it is difficult to see the issue.

Paul E. Chasan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  You definitely need an in person exam to assess exactly the degree of laxity and where the laxity is on your abdomen.  You may be a candidate for just an excision of excess lower abdominal skin which is termed a mini-abdominoplasty.  Some patients benefit from  Coolsculpt and do not need surgery at all.  It would be best to seek out a plastic surgeon whose experienced in dealing with figure and fitness type competitors.  Best wishes to you.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Your photograph is limited.  However, you would benefit from a mini tummy tuck.  This will remove the lower excess skin and the incision is concealed in your clothing.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Brian Bassiri-Tehrani, MD · Answer

This is a common concern for many people. The picture shows that you are very lean, but it is difficult to tell the extent of the extra skin around the stomach area. You may be a good candidate for a mini-tummy tuck, but it depends on several factors, including an in person exam. Hope this helps!

Miguel Mota, MD · Answer

Hi. This photo is not a good photo for evaluation. But, if you have excess skin on your lower abdomen, skin excision similar to a mini tummy tuck should be more than enough in your case.

Best of luck,
Dr. Miguel Mota

Lean with excess skin - am I a candidate for abdominoplasty? (photos)

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