Can You Lift the Tummy Instead of Doing a Tuck?

Question

I'm 47 and very fit but have a bit of a pooch below my navel. I don't want a tummy tuck. I had two babies but my stomach went back to being flat. Just the past couple of years I've been getting a little bulge – I feel like it's being caused by gravity and fair, thin skin. If I pull up my skin from below my breasts my stomach is flat. Meanwhile, I would also like to have breast augmentation done. I keep thinking, couldn't the surgeon just pull up the skin when I get the BA? Is this possible?

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

The scars and abdominal contours after a reverse abdominoplasty where the incision is made across the chest under the breasts are always of poor quality relative to the formal lower abdominal abdominoplasty.

Rodger Shortt, FRCSC · Answer

Great question.  There are not many situations where the reverse tummy tuck works.  What you are describing might.  Your surgeon who examined you can tell you best.  

	There are some things to consider.  You need to accept that the scar will likely extend across your chest, including the area between your breasts.  Even a great scar may not look ideal.  The scars across the sternum have a higher risk of becoming hypertrophic or keloid compared to other areas. It is possible that if you have very little skin excess in your upper abdomen that your surgeon could remove two separate portions leaving the central area untouched.  

	The impact on your breast augmentation should also be considered.  The supportive tissue at the IMF (inframammary fold) that holds your implants from dropping down may be affected.  This could result in your implants shifting lower over time.  The tension from the reverse abdominoplasty may also pull on the IMF, making it look unusually low if not well anchored.

	Most of the time I would imagine that a low, well hidden scar in the suprapubic region and small incisions on the breast for the implants would best hide your scars giving you a better overall result.  However, you might just be onto something.  Discuss your idea with your surgeon to find out.

Scott Farber, MD, FACS · Answer

A woman's body continues to change over time. There are several factors that can contribute to the "belly bulge." Pregnancy, flucutations in weight, and age all play a role. Externally, the skin continues to stretch and any excess fat may be noticeable. Internally, the muscles become more lax and are not as toned. The combination of lost muscle tone with loose skin results in the bulge.

	If the bulge is confined to below the belly button and there is minimal to no muscle laxity, a mini tummy tuck may be all that is required. In women who have had previous pregnancies, the muscle is usually stretched and requires tightening. This internal corsett combined with skin tightening restores a woman's natural curves to achieve the coveted hour glass appearance.

	Combination procedures such as tummy tuck with breast augmentation is very common. Assuming that you are healthy enough to undergo surgery, a combination procedure may be a good option. Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your different options.

Richard J. Brown, MD · Answer

So this is really a question that can be better answered with you standing in front of me so I can assess your tummy. There are a multitude of reasons why or why not you may need or not need a full tummy tuck, vs mini tummy tuck or just liposuction. You separate the idea of lifting the tummy and tucking it. They are one and the same. So you either need a full tummy tuck with tightening of the abdominal muscles or a mini tummy tuck. The details of each should be explained by your surgeon. Unfortunately many times patients want a result without  surgery and incisions and it simply is just not possible in most cases. Seek a surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery that you trust and like and they will help you decide what procedure best matches your desires based you your physical qualities. Best of luck!

Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS · Answer

The scars and results of the tummy tuck would not be as good as a traditional tummy tuck.  It would also probably detract from your breast augmentation results.  A tummy tuck is still the best option for abdominal skin laxity.  All the best.

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Can You Lift the Tummy Instead of Doing a Tuck?

Answers (10)

Answer: Lifting the Tummy? #tummytuck

Answer: Lifting the Tummy? #tummytuck

Answer: Reverse Tummy Tuck

Answer: Reverse Tummy Tuck

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.