40 year old female, 1 child. Gained weight after pregnancy. What are my options without going abroad? (photo)

Question

I am a 40 year old female with one child I gained so much weight during my pregnancy and got so many stretch marks I am considering on going to Dominican republic to do a tummy tuck but I would like to see my options here in the states first

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.

Yily De Los Santos, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and pictures. i would recommend you a tummy tuck with liposuction for betters results. If you're willing to travel, Surgeons in the Dominican Republic have experience and very high standard of excellence when it comes to plastic surgery. I'm positive you can get what you're looking for

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear elijahp90,
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

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and series of photographs. Nothing replaces an in-person examination, but I think you would most benefit from a full tummy tuck and liposuction of your waist and flanks. The tummy tuck will tighten your stomach muscles, helping to achieve a flatter appearance, while removing excess skin and adipose tissue. Liposuction can be used to enhance your tummy tuck results by narrowing your waist and removing isolated areas of diet and exercise resistant fat. I would favor the full approach because it appears that your skin and muscle laxity is present above and below your belly button. Hope that this helps

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I would encourage you to incorporate regular diet and exercise to help you lose the weight gained during pregnancy.  You will want to wait until you are six months postpartum before having surgery in order to allow your body to heal and stabilize.  At that time you can schedule appointments with board certified plastic surgeons near you for consultations.  The tummy tuck will address the stretch marks below your belly button.  Those above will be moved lower.  In addition, excess skin and subcutaneous fat will be removed and abdominal wall laxity corrected. Going abroad for surgery carries unnecessary risk.  I encourage you to carefully consider surgeons nearby before deciding to go abroad.

Gilbert Lee, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions and photo. It is a little bit challenging to see your anatomy in this photo. In general, weight gain and pregnancy stretch out the rectus muscles causing a rounded look to the abdomen. The best way to fix this problem is a rectus plication in which the abdominal muscles and permanently brought back together. In addition, extra fat and tissue can be removed giving patients a flat abdomen with a sculpted look. I recommend scheduling a consultation with a board certified Plastic Surgeon here in the states. They will be able to assess your anatomy and put together a plan that meets your goals. In our office we offer 3D imaging to give our patients an accurate idea of what their final result will look like. Good luck!

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

First and foremost I do not recommend anybody travel long distances for elective surgical procedures especially not major procedures like a full tummy tuck.

People do not appreciate the importance of having in person consultations, the complications and revisions actually do happen and are needed as well as how many patients have significant issues and need proper in person follow up afterwards.

While there are people from the Dominican Republic or people who have friends and family there the majority of Americans who travel to this country for cosmetic surgery do so exclusively for cost savings.

The saying you get what you pay for is as pertinent in the situation as ever.

Your single picture is limited in making an assessment but based on that it looks like you would do well losing some weight before considering this procedure.

It’s better to have surgical procedures close to home by local talented surgeons even if that means having to save money for a little longer.

Being obese makes people a poor candidate for a tummy tuck both in regards to Aesthetic outcome and in regards to postoperative complications which can be significant.

Start working on weight loss and have consultations with local board certified plastic surgeons.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

You are encouraged to consult a board certified plastic surgeon. This will ensure you create the best surgical plan that is performed safely. You would likely benefit from an ultra high definition tummy tuck using high definition VASER liposuction. The tummy tuck procedure would comprehensively remove excess skin and fat in the abdominal region. The abdominal muscle would also be 'tightened' to create the appearance of a flatter stomach. A Skype or FaceTime consultation with a tummy tuck specialist will help you get an accurate recommendation and pricing.

Respectfully,
Arian Mowlavi MD, FACS
Realself 100 Hall of Fame Inductee

Respectfully, 
Arian Mowlavi MD, FACS
Realself 100 Hall of Fame Inductee

Jeffrey C. Hamm, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
From the standpoint of abdominoplasty in general, it is best to be at a stable, healthy body weight before considering the procedure. Significant weight loss after surgery may result in a less than satisfactory result. 
From the standpoint of travel, there are many competent plastic surgeons in the Dominican Republic, but what about aftercare? Some American plastic surgeons will not take on a patient who underwent cosmetic surgery outside the US as the certification process in other countries is not as stringent, and very few will take on the responsibility of another's work, especially if there are complications.
It may be prudent to remain near your surgeon's office for several weeks after your procedure to ensure a satisfactory result. 
In addition, there are risks associated with air travel after abdominoplasty. Venous thrombosis may occur due to stasis resulting from long periods of sitting. It is recommended that you do not fly for several weeks after your procedure.
Best wishes...

40 year old female, 1 child. Gained weight after pregnancy. What are my options without going abroad? (photo)

Answers (9)

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