Loose skin around belly 2.5 years after last child was born. Is this worth a tummy tuck? (Photos)

Concerns about the appearance of the abdomen are very common among patients consulting with a plastic surgeon. Just like every patient is different…so too is every abdomen. Different problems require different solutions. Your board certified plastic surgeon is uniquely trained to identify the problems as well as the appropriate solution.

These areas are commonly addressed via liposuction or abdominoplasty (“tummy – tuck”). Which procedure is best is dependent upon the source of the problem. Excess fat deposits underneath the skin can be addressed via liposuction. However, commonly patients concerns are centered around issues of excess skin as well as fat. A third factor, which is often overlooked by most patients is abdominal wall muscle laxity (typically seen in post partum mommies). Despite the commonly held misconception, neither liposuction nor tummy tuck is intended as a weight loss tool nor is it a solution for stretch marks on the stomach.

The tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to eliminate excess skin and fat and tighten the muscles in the abdominal wall to create a smoother and slimmer contour. The tummy tuck is designed to target areas of the abdomen that have not responded to diet and exercise, making it particularly popular among people that have a lot of loose or sagging skin around the abdominal area due to significant weight loss, as well as women with excess skin and stretched abdominal muscles following pregnancy and childbirth. Candidates for tummy tuck should be already at or near their ideal weight for optimal results. It is recommended to women that are planning on becoming pregnant to postpone the procedure until they are finished having children.

The procedure will typically take anywhere from two to three hours to complete under general anesthesia. An incision is made between the hip bones at the bikini line (easily camouflaged by most undergarments). There is typically an incision around the navel to elevate it to a higher position depending upon the amount of skin that needs to be excised. In many cases, liposuction may be performed as an adjunct at the same time to refine the results.

During the recovery period, the patient will need to wear a special support garment to help the abdominal area recover from the surgery. A small drain may also be placed in the area to remove excess fluid and to alleviate swelling. In most cases, patients are able to recover from the surgery within 4 weeks. In fact, many patients are able to return to work and other normal activities within two to four weeks, though strenuous activities and exercise will need to be postponed for four to six weeks.

Based upon your photos, you appear to be a reasonable candidate for an abdominoplasty.

To determine if you are a candidate for abdominoplasty or other body contouring procedures, consult with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Based on your description and images, a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) would likely be the most effective option to address the excess skin and restore a smoother, more toned abdominal contour.
Despite your excellent efforts in the gym — loose or stretched abdominal skin will not respond to exercise alone, especially when the skin has been significantly stretched from past pregnancies and weight fluctuations. It allows for tightening of the abdominal muscles (diastasis recti repair), which often separate during pregnancy. It restores a flatter, firmer abdominal profile both when standing and bending, addressing the pouching or skin folds you may notice in different postures. You’re at a healthy, stable weight and already leading a fit lifestyle, which makes you an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck. This procedure will give you the physical results your hard work hasn’t been able to fully achieve due to the nature of post-pregnancy skin changes. I recommend consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in body contouring after pregnancy or weight loss.