Why Do I Have So Much Extra Skin Below my Breasts and Above my Stomach? (photo)

I tell all my patients that there is a huge difference between a tummy tuck and liposuction. Abdominal liposuction will not get rid of excess skin and can, in fact, make the skin problem worse. It is difficult to evaluate your results without pre and post op pictures and a good exam, but it seems that if you want to eliminate the excess skin only a tummy tuck will do.  Go somewhere else and get a second opinion.  Good luck.

Thank you for the question and picture.

Although, it is difficult to comment accurately based on the sole photograph provided, it is not uncommon for patients to still be able to “grab” some loose skin,  even after tummy tuck surgery. As my colleagues mentioned, the further away from the incision line the more potential loose skin there may.  Skin elasticity issues  also play a major role.

 Patients undergoing tummy tuck surgery should make sure that they achieve realistic expectations prior to undergoing the procedure. For example, in certain positions ( such as sitting) they can expect to continue to have some “redundant” skin,  depending on the quality  of skin elasticity... Although it sounds simplistic, patients need to be reminded that the redundant skin is necessary when they stand fully upright or extend backwards (over a medicine ball or  while doing yoga for example).

 For more specific advice, express your questions/concerns to your plastic surgeon.  If concerns still remain, a second opinion consultation with board-certified plastic surgeons in your area may be helpful to you.

 Best wishes.