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

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!

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

First, you look amazing! Second, you are not a candidate for a tummy tuck and would not be able to hide the incision in your bikini. Third, you might get good results with minimally invasive radiofrequency skin tightening like Renuvion or ThermiTight.