I lost weight & now have a frowning belly button. What are my nonsurgical treatment options? At home options? (Photo)

Question

I'm 22 w/ no kids, but plan on having them in the future so I don't want a tummy tuck. Are there any non-surgical, or even better at home treatments to rid of the flabbiness and doughy appearance? Anything that will make my belly button look like the third picture?

Daniel Butz, MD · Answer

The only way to remove that loose skin you're pulling up on is some version of an abdominoplasty. You could do a reverse abdominoplasty - where the skin is pulled up and removed under the breast - it looks like you had a lift in the past - so the scar would be under the breast.  That could limit abdominoplasty in the future though if you'd want one after children. I'd probably recommend a traditional abdominoplasty - maybe no muscle repair for the best result. If you're looking to have children soon I'd recommend waiting though.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented  scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve  the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture.  Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.
 
Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Nothing non-surgical will help in any meaningful way. Surgically though, a reverse tummy tuck would be a great option. You already have breast lift scars, an your inframammary scars can be connected just below the sternum to allow abdominal skin to be redraped and tightened upwards in the same way you are demonstrating with your hands. It's a relatively short surgery that only involves skin and subcutaneous fat, so there recovery time is quick.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Straightforward796086,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Based on your photos, it looks like you have loose skin and tummy tuck would improve it. However, if you want to avoid it or postpone it, then you can try skin tightening methods. If you are considering procedure, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Very likely that liposuction around BB would
Improve current situation. Of course, upper abdominoplasty with scar placed underneath the breasts would be very good option (like one you show on photo 3). Hope this helps.

Gregory Lakin, MD · Answer

A tummy tuck is the best treatment to tighten your skin as in your goal photo. But as you said, I would wait on doing the tummy tuck until after you have children. For now, I would recommend liposuction and a noninvasive skin tightening treatment to help improve the appearance. Good luck!

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