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

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. While an in person consultation is the best way to determine this answer, based on your photos, you seem to have enough laxity for a full abdominoplasty.

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

Hello, occasionally I will do a full tummy tuck on a patient who only has moderate skin laxity, if they have high expectations for the degree of skin tightening that can be achieved, and/or they require a full rectus muscle plication to improve their bulging contour. As you have already stated, this might necessitate having a vertical scar above the pubic mound, but for some patients this is a worthwhile tradeoff. You have already had three in-person consults and it seems like you're already informed about the different options and their pros/cons.

​Without examining you it is difficult to be certain but based on the photos it looks like you do have enough skin to remove during a tummy tuck. I am curious as to why you are opposed to a floating abdominoplasty if that's appropriate as its the best way to avoid a scar on your belly button, which to be honest, is something most surgeons make a complete mess of. A mini tummy tuck doesn't allow for muscle tightening above the belly button, so if you're looking like you're pregnant by the afternoon then this wouldn't be a good option because it sounds like you definitely need your muscles tightened. If you aren't satisfied with the consults you've had then I would suggest seeing more surgeons until you are comfortable. 3 consults is usually a good number, but if you didn't click with any of them then keep looking until you find the right surgeon for you!

It is difficult to say definitively without a proper physical examination, however I feel that the best procedure for your would be a modified full tummy tuck. This is a full tummy tuck with the chance of a small vertical scar if not all the skin to above your belly button can be removed. You may have a diastasis of the rectus muscles which could be corrected at the same time to tighten and further flatten the abdomen.

Thanks for your question! Unfortunately, it is difficult to appreciate the amount of loose skin you have in your upper abdomen by these photos. I would suggest maybe seeking another opinion and choosing whomever has the best approach that you are comfortable with. Good luck!

Based on your pictures and history of childbirth, you are likely an excellent candidate for a full TummyTuck with muscle plication as you demonstrate enough skin for a full TT. A full tummy tuck with muscle plication will comprehensively remove fat and skin on your entire abdomen while simultaneously tightening your abdominal muscles in a “corset-like” fashion. Combining this procedure with liposuction of your flanks will provide you an optimal outcome.
A virtual or in person consultation with a TT specialist will provide you an accurate recommendation and pricing.
Best, Brandon Richland, MD

Hello @Natasha2403, thank you for your question. Yes, is enough skin for a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck has several variations and 4 factors that need to be taken into account when it comes to the abdomen shape: Lax skin, diastasis recti, fat under the skin and intra abdominal fat. Is important to have a consultation to create a surgical plan according to your characteristics, needs and expectations. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP).