Will a mini tummy tuck tighten the abdominal wall enough to prevent future bloating and abdominal distention?

Question

I bloat terribly after I eat. I have my entire life. I can increase in size from a 28" waist to 34-36" within 2-4 hours of a meal. There have been times when I have bloated so severely I looked 9 months pregnant. I've tried digestive enzymes, diet changes, eating frequency/volume changes, etc.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  Unfortunately I do not think a full or mini tummy tuck will prevent future bloating or abdominal distension as this is an intestinal issue, not a muscular wall or skin issue.  Hope this helps.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

If you have separation of your abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) then a tummy tuck may help. A full tummy tuck would be recommended since a mini only targets the area below your belly button.

However, it would be difficult to predict how much improvement you would get from a tummy tuck, and if it would be sufficient to achieve a satisfactory result. A tummy tuck is probably not the most effective course of treatment for your bloating. It would be better to resolve the bloating itself.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

A tummy tuck will not prevent bloating, but will improve laxity of the abdominal wall. You should consult with a digestive specialist to see what the underlying issue is.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear AmySmithJones,
it is unlikely that mini tummy tuck will help you with bloating. 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

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

A mijI tummy tuck will be unlikely to deal with your symptoms. You would need a full tummy tuck based in your description. Bieber some patients after tummy tuck experience pressure instead of bloating so that it something to insider as well

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

A mini tummy tuck will address abdominal wall laxity below the belly button.  The upper abdomen can look distended by comparison.  I encourage you to visit with a gastroenterologist to discuss your bloating concerns.  A tummy tuck will not correct them, and may make you feel uncomfortable after eating if the abdominal muscles are tightened.

Megan Dreveskracht, MD · Answer

A mini tummy tuck will tighten the skin of the lower abdomen. The pooch of the lower abdomen that comes along with bloating is an underlying issue involving the muscles, fascia and your GI Tract--not the skin. The best course of action would be to start by seeing a gastroenterologist. If you were my patient I would also recommend working on building up your core muscles. The transversus abdominus muscle is the most important for holding your core in a tight position and strengthening it is much different than the traditional "ab" workouts we normally think of. A couple of visits with a physical therapist can help teach you the exercises needed to specifically target this muscle. Best of luck!

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You probably have food allergies which will make you to swell if you eat the wrong foods. A tummy tuck will not prevent this since the swelling is from your colon. I would suggest being checked for food allergies.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

A mini tummy tuck typically only treats skin laxity of the lower abdomen. It will not have a big impact on abdominal bloating or abdominal size.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Will a mini tummy tuck tighten the abdominal wall enough to prevent future bloating and abdominal distention?

Answers (9)

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