It is possible to have my excess skin tightened without a full tummy tuck?

Hello and thank you for your question.
In patients who have good muscle tone and only have excess skin primarily below the belly button, mini tummy tuck can be performed to remove excess skin in order to achieve flat abdominal contour. In addition, with mini tummy tuck the scar is relatively short and hidden in the bikini line.
I would recommend to obtain an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to further discuss your options and expectations.
I hope this helps.
Best, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzFellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Dear Islegirl007,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thank you for sharing your question. Unfortunately without an in-person examination of your tissues, or a full series of photographs it is difficult to offer definite advice. I would seek out a series of in-person consultations to get the best treatment advice.

Thank you for your question! Liposuction will remove excess fat with some retraction of skin. A tummy tuck will address excess skin & repair of the abdominal muscle. The abdominal wall can be weakened after pregnancy and (or) significant weight gain & loss. By repairing the muscle, not only does the appearance of your abdominal area improve, but your core strength as well. The repair of the muscle will cinch your waist like an inner corset, which will accentuate your curves. Your expectations and health will dictate the best procedure(s) for you. I suggest a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to go over the options that best address your goals. Best of luck!

Dhaval Patel MD
Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Chicago
South Barrington
Oakbrook
Orland Park

It's difficult to know what exactly your co worker had performed. You can get a tummy tuck with skin removal only, meaning the abdominal wall will not be addressed. BodyTite or J Plasma are other procedures that are often used to address skin laxity. RF technology is used to tighten the skin up to 40%. This is less invasive than a tummy tuck. I encourage you to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you for a consultation to learn what procedures are recommended for you based on your treatment goals.

You did not show photos, so I cannot be specific. There is a minimally invasive skin tightening method using radiofrequency, like ThermiTight , which does tighten skin with minimal scarring and downtime. You would need to be examined to see if your are a candidate for this.

Realistically the only thing that works for skin laxity is to surgically remove the loose skin.

I do not recommend traveling to other countries for surgical procedures.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD