Lipo or Tummy Tuck for Muffin Top After Myomectomy?

Question

I am 5’5”, 174 lbs, and 3.5 weeks post op from abdominal myomectomy for fibroids. Prior to surgery, I needed to lose 15 pounds and had mild abdominal fat, but I could “suck it in”.  I now have the dreaded "muffin top," this excess skin or fat hanging over my C-section scar, in 1-inch shelf-like distribution.Is 3.5 weeks too early to expect this to be gone?  Anything non-invasive I can do? Will I need invasive techniques, is Vaser or Smart Lipo, or would I need abdominoplasty?  I’m interested in liposuction, but, I don’t want hanging skin.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

Yes it is too early to tell.  I would wait and see what things look like at 4 months out.  Also it would be nice to see your body to determine what would be the best route for you.  You can certainly have scar release or revision along with liposuction to contour the area, or you may need a tummy tuck.
At about four months time go see a board certified plastic surgeon who can exam you and go over the details.
Good luck.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. To provide a valid medical opinion I will need to see pictures of you body from different angles. I would suggest to be treated by board certified plastic surgeon with experience in this procedure, to get the best desired results.
Respectfully,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Three and a half weeks is much too early to expect this to resolve on its own. Velashape or endermologie deep massage may help significantly. Liposuction may help also and the skin can retract. Thermage may also help to tighten the skin. The only treatments that I would recommend at this early stage now would be Velashape, with your surgeon’s permission.

Sean A. Simon, MD · Answer

First of all, a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon is the only way to determine what procedure will help you to achieve your aesthetic goals. Additionally, three weeks after major surgery is certainly too early to determine what your abdomen will look like in several more weeks as the swelling of surgery dissipates. Given your height and weight and your description of excess skin, it does sound like an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and liposuction, and possibly preoperative weight loss, will be the combination to give you the result you desire.

George J. Beraka, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi!
This is a very common problem.  Don't do anything for another 3 or 4 months, but this probably won't go away, unfortunately.
The muffin top is caused by a scar tissue shelf, that needs to be released downward.  No kind of liposuction will do this.  You will need a full tummy tuck, or a mini tummy tuck, depending on your anatomy.

Lipo or Tummy Tuck for Muffin Top After Myomectomy?

Answers (7)