Do I have enough skin for a full tummy tuck? (photos)

Hello, even from the photo I can say you have even more than enough skin excess for a full tummy tuck. No need for a small vertical incision. On your upper abdomen looks like you have a minimal muscle diastasis which can be fixed during the TT. And you also have a nice definition on your sides which will give a nice two-pack look after TT. Regards

It seems that you have enough skin for a full tummy tuck. A full tummy tuck typically involves removing excess skin and fat while also repairing abdominal muscles, especially if there is diastasis (separation) of the abdominal muscles, which is often a concern after pregnancy. Based on your description, your concern about looking pregnant in the afternoon suggests that muscle repair would be beneficial in addition to skin removal. A small vertical incision is unlikely (but may be possible, low in the pubic area just about where your current C-section scar is), depending on the amount of skin that needs to be removed from the upper abdomen. This usually heals well.
Combining liposuction will enhance the contour of the area, especially along the flanks, which can give you more dramatic results.
Ultimately, the best way to determine the ideal approach for your specific situation would be through an in-person consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon.
Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHSHarvard, Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Trained Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonNew York, New York

Hello Natasha2403 in Niagara Falls, and thank you for your question regarding whether you have enough skin for a full tummy tuck.

Thank you for providing your history and pictures. Yes, based on your information and photos, you are a candidate for a full tummy tuck. Most candidates for a tummy tuck typically have excess abdominal skin, excess fat, and weak abdominal muscles. In your case, you have a mild amount of excess skin, a moderate amount of fat, but significant rectus abdominis muscle weakness.

Given these factors, you would likely benefit most from a full tummy tuck. During the procedure, an incision will be made from hip to hip, placed beneath your prior C-section scar. The surgeon will then perform a dissection up to your sternum, repair the rectus abdominis muscle from the sternum to the pubic region with permanent sutures, and remove the lower abdominal skin and fat. Additionally, your mons or pubic region will be raised and reduced, and your belly button will be relocated.

Since you do not have a large amount of lower abdominal skin, only a limited amount of this skin may be removed, which could result in a small vertical scar where your original belly button was located. However, this scar usually heals well. Most plastic surgeons would agree that a full tummy tuck is the best option for you, especially given your muscle weakness and desire for comprehensive results.

Please plan for a recovery period of 2 to 3 weeks after surgery, which typically takes about 3 to 4 hours under general anesthesia.

Good luck, and I hope this helps answer your question regarding whether you have enough skin for a full tummy tuck.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS