Loose Skin, Muscle Separation or Fat? What is Wrong with my Tummy?

Question

I gave birth a year and a half ago. I gained over 60 pounds with my son and he was a 9 lb baby. Since then, I've lost all the weight plus some but my belly still looks horrendous. I still have some extra fat around my belly/hips, but what will happen when I lose it? Why does my belly hang when I bend over? Is this loose skin(I have a lot of stretch marks)? Is it muscle separation? Fat? And what kind of procedure do I need to fix it?

Scott C. Sattler, MD, FACS · Answer

You'll have a great result with a tummy tuck procedure. You'll very likely lose a portion of the tattoos that are along your groin - but the tradeoff will be a substantially improved abdominal contour. Liposuction will not work for you - you've got too much loose skin.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Muscle separation and loose skin will remain even if you lose weight.A tummy tuck can help. However, if you would like to try the nonsurgical route, you can try laser skin treatments or micro needling to firm up the skin. Unfortunately results tend to be less predictable and can take longer to achieve. Best of luck!

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

I have prepared a video discussing a variety of the different tummy tuck procedures. It is my opinion that you will need the full tummy tuck. See the description to understand what is done to the skin, fat and muscle.

Ricardo L. Rodriguez, MD · Answer

The answer is . . . It depends on the condition of your rectus abdominis muscle, the vertical muscle in the middle of your abdomen. It functions much the same as how shoe laces work in a shoe. If your rectus abdominis muscles are intact (tightened), congratulations! &ndash; you may only need exercise to firm your tummy.

	However, if your rectus abdominis muscles are separated, you can only firm up your tummy with a repair of the muscle, or a tummy tuck. Since your muscle is separated, no amount of exercise can tighten that gap in the muscle. Instead, it must be stitched together.

	Watch my video to help determine if you just need more exercise or if what you really need is a tummy tuck. Then get in touch with a board certified plastic surgeon for a consult!

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

Based on your photo, it appears to be a combination of Loose Skin, Muscle Separation and Fat. An in person examination will be helpful. Consult in person with 3 board certified plastic surgeons to understand your options, and choose the surgeon/surgical plan that best meets your needs/objectives.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Based upon your photos, it looks like you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck.  The loose skin will be removed and the diastasis will be tightened.

Todd B. Koch, MD · Answer

Hi Levismama,

	If you do not plan on having any more children , I would recommend a LipoAbdominoplasty with repair of the muscle separation.   Your photos are extremely helpful in assessing you condition.  Visit with a local Plastic Surgeon in your area for the specifics involved with this type of surgery.

Robert Brueck, MD · Answer

The answer to your question is probably all of the above.There is loose skin,extra fat and weak muscles.The stretch marks will not go away You could have a full tummy tuck and have your muscle repaired along with some liposuction but I would first have all of my children and then consider corrective surgery.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

If you have read all the expert's postings than you can see you need a full tummy tuck with muscle repair at the least. There are 7 of us stating this. Seek in person opinions from boarded surgeons in your area, North Carolina. From MIAMI Dr. Darryl J. Blinski, 305 598 0091

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

As usual, I fully agree with Dr. Rand.
You are a IDEAL candidate for a Tummy Tuck and if your are not planning on having other children and do not smoke you should have a fantastic result.
A woman's uterus (womb) is generally smaller than the size of her fist. Over the 9 months of pregnancy the uterus gradually assumes the impressive size of a large oblong watermelon which pushes everything out of its way. It ALWAYS both stretches the abdominal muscles and splits and separates the 6 pack (rectus) muscles to the sides. As a result, when you lean forward the separation and stretched muscles cannot hold the intestines in andyou get what I refer to as a "positive Hammock Sign". When sitting this translates into the dreaded pooch that women haste and would not allow themselves to be photographed from the sides due to it.
The solution? Tighten the abdominal muscles and correct the muscle split as part of a well done Tummy Tuck.

This is the operation which would give you your "Before Baby Body" back.Accept no substitutes!

Good Luck.

Dr. Peter Aldea

Loose Skin, Muscle Separation or Fat? What is Wrong with my Tummy?

Answers (14)

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