I want a tummy tuck to remove loose skin. What would be the best option? (Photo)

Question

I am wanting a tummy tuck to remove loose skin. I’ve lost ~50 lbs over the last two years, I had two children, I had a c-section scar revision which was essentially a mini tummy tuck back in 2016. I was recently diagnosed with hEDS, but it has had no impact on surgeries, scarring, or healing. I actually scar very nicely.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your impressive 50-pound weight loss! That’s an incredible achievement and a testament to your hard work. Based on your photos, you appear to be an excellent candidate for a tummy tuck with muscle plication. This approach will not only remove the loose skin but also bring in your waistline by 2-4 inches, giving you a beautifully contoured and “snatched” look.

Since you’ve had a mini tummy tuck previously, a full tummy tuck will provide further improvement, addressing both the upper and lower abdomen areas and enhancing your shape. Muscle plication is especially helpful in achieving a tighter midsection, as it repairs the separation of abdominal muscles often caused by weight fluctuations or pregnancies. It’s also great to hear that your hEDS hasn’t impacted your healing process, and with your positive scarring history, you’re likely to achieve an excellent result.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. A tummy tuck is a good option for you and can be combined with diastasis repair through a very low scar (below the c-section).

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry and congratulations on your weight loss! You have excess abdominal skin making you a great candidate for an Abdominoplasty procedure. We would love to see you in person and help you reach your goals. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon like myself and we can create a surgical plan for you!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear purplepenguin,

based on your photos, you look like a good candidate for a TT. Full tummy tuck should tighten your abdominal muscles and remove the excess skin. Flanks liposuction would give you a better shape. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon because 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

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks so much  for your inquire,

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a great option for removing loose skin, especially if it’s due to weight loss, pregnancy, or aging.

The Full Tummy Tuck provides a flatter, firmer abdomen and is effective for extensive loose skin.  If your abdominal muscles are also stretched, a full tummy tuck with muscle repair would offer better results.

A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon will help you determine which option best suits your body and goals, as they can assess skin laxity, muscle tone, and the overall contour you want.

Sincerely, 
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

There are good options for rejuvenating your tummy. The first question is if you have noticeable diastasis, meaning a bulge in-between your six-pack muscles when you do a sit up or plank type of action. Your muscles look flat and tight in your photo so this is likely not a major issue in decision making. Assuming so, the I would recommend some liposuction (not a major part of the procedure) with skin excision and umbilical transposition. This is a tummy tuck type of skin excision excluding the muscle tightening. This can be done with an oral cocktail for sedation and local tumescent anesthesia, so you never go "under". There are no drains with resumption of activity as tolerated. There is an overall lower complication rate and down time compared to a traditional tummy tuck. On caveat is that you may have a vertical scar if your umbilical opening does not stretch down to your horizontal scar below the bikini line; but still, I think it would be a good "trade-off" to rejuvenate your tummy. This is a great option for many women out there . . . An in-person exam by an experienced body plastic surgeon will help guide you in your decision. Thank you, I hope this helps.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

A full tummy tuck can tighten the loose skin above and below your belly button. It can also remove unwanted fat and repair abdominal muscle separation.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

If you are not planning future pregnancies, I recommend abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement. The mesh creates a more hourglass figure by compressing the abdominal wall resulting in early satiety and helps maintain a reduced weight.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Rajaie Hazboun, MD, MBA · Answer

Than you for posting your question here!My answer will be based on the limited information and pictures provided , for a more detailed bespoke plan please consult with your plastic surgeon.
you do have both excess skin and diastasis recti (separation in the middle of the rectus muscle). Ideally this should be treated with a full traditional tummy tuck during which the excess skin is excised and the muscles are plicated depending on the judgement of your surgeon a fleur de lis component can be considered ( additional vertical scar). That being said with the diagnosis of ehler danlos syndrome the healing will be unpredictable , depending on which type of ehler danlos you have , you can have skin fragility (skin can tear under tension), uneven scars , increased bruising and bleeding, the results not lasting for long etc.... I recommend that you discuss those issues with your surgeon and weigh in the risks and benefits prior to proceeding so you can come up with an informed decision .
I hope this helps , best of luck !

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

A physical examination will be required to determine if you have too much circumferential laxity and will require a FDL. Whoever does your surgery should place the horizontal incision far below your c-section scar.

I want a tummy tuck to remove loose skin. What would be the best option? (Photo)

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