Will I be able to see my six-pack after a mommy makeover?

Question

I’m passionate about weight lifting . After having two kids, the loose skin on my stomach hides my six-pack, and my breasts have lost their shape. I’m considering a mommy makeover to achieve an athletic, bikini-ready look, opting for small, conservative implants (200-250 cc) placed over the muscle, along with a tummy tuck, so I can continue my workout routine. My concern is that the implants might look fake, but my doctor reassured me that despite having less tissue, any feedback ?

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Your breasts are low on your chest wall and implants alone will not solve your problem. I recommend a breast lift using The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained. This technique will also pull up the upper abdomen and give you perhaps a limited need for a tummy tuck. You may be able to get by with a mini tummy tuck. Also, instead of implants, fat can be transferred to the breasts if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Carlos Mata, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. You don’t need a full mommy makeover to achieve your desired look. Instead, a mini tummy tuck, liposuction, and breast augmentation with implants placed under the muscle could provide the results you’re looking for. A mini tummy tuck can remove excess skin below the belly button because your muscle tone is already strong, and you only have a small amount of loose skin caused by pregnancy or weight fluctuations. Liposuction can sculpt the abdominal area, specifically the small pockets of fat around your six-pack. For breast augmentation, placing the implants under the muscle provides a more natural appearance and reduces the risk of complications such as capsular contracture.

Matthew C. Camp, MD · Answer

From your photo, I don’t think an old fashioned tummy tuck will help you. Renuvion can improve your definition of your abdomen without the scar from a tummy tuck. Small implants will serve you well. Find a board certified plastic surgeon to plan your care. If you have problems finding renuvion, airsculpt is a chain that does offer renuvion provided by plastic surgeons.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

I agree with your choice of conservatively sized implants.  You appear to have enough breast tissue to camouflage your implant and give you a natural appearing augmented breast. I don’t have the benefit of a physical examination to know how loose your skin is, but you are in excellent shape, and if the skin of your abdomen is simply tightened and smoothed, and you subsequently work out vigorously and develop your rectus muscles, you should be able to achieve the six pack that you are looking for.  Best wishes.

John LoMonaco, MD, FACS · Answer

You look to eb thin enough to show off a 6 pack.

One way to determine this is by standing in front of a mirror and placing both hands on your lower chest/upper abs area. Lift upwards towards your breasts and that will mimic what your skin will look like after tummy tuck.

Other concerns for active/athletic people like you are an implant size that doesn't hinder your activities (I think 200-300 in your case is a great idea) Going above the muscle in thin patient is always a challenge to get a natural look, but with the new gel implants its usually achievable.

Other issue is asking what your ab workout restrictions are going to be if your surgeon does muscle plication.  You may have restrictions for several months so be sure you get that straight before surgery

Tamara Dawli, MD · Answer

When it comes to achieving a more athletic, bikini-ready look, skin tightening treatments or liposuction could be effective alternatives to a tummy tuck, especially if your primary concern is loose skin rather than significant excess tissue. Treatments such as radiofrequency-based or laser skin tightening can help improve skin elasticity and firmness without more invasive surgery. Additionally, if needed, liposuction can be performed to contour the area, enhancing the definition of your abdominal muscles while maintaining a natural look. With these options, you should be able to resume your workout routine after an appropriate recovery period. Your doctor can guide you in choosing the best approach tailored to your needs and goals.

Daniel P. Markmann, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo.   First of all, if you are looking for natural, i would definitely recommend placing your implants under the muscle.  Yes, it is more painful and a longer recovery, but the benefits of less chances of the implants causing drooping, lower risk of capsular contracture and a more natural look and feel... are worth the 4 weeks of no working our your upper body.

As far as a tummy tuck making your 6-pack more visible, I have never seen that happen.   I can definitely make your 6-pack more visible with liposuction, but pulling your skin tight over your muscles doesn't show your muscle definition.   And, from what I can see in your picture, you are not a candidate for a full tummytuck only possible a mini tummytuck which has no effect on your upper abdomen where your 6-pack muscles are

Karl William Schwarz, MD · Answer

Not everyone is able to see a six pack after having a mummy makeover, but based on your preoperative photo here, I would say that in your case, it would be possible. There's a tendency for people to want to do high definition Lipo to create a six pack, but I think it's much better to get a natural six pack result like you would get after liposuction.

So what I mean to say is that I don't think you would need to have high definition liposuction, but just traditional liposuction, and then you could show off your own natural abdominal muscles, which always look much better than high definition Lipo artificial six packs in my opinion.

To get the very best results, you also have to focus on getting the very best skin and that requires a few steps and quite a bit of commitment on your part in order to get the soft to smooth the skin in order to be able to show off the underneath abdominal muscles. You don't want to be in a situation where fibrosis will ruin an otherwise beautiful abdomen. I've included a link demonstrating how to get the best skin after liposuction.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You appear to be in great shape and your hard work is paying off!  Conservatively sized implants, like those you mentioned, should look very nice on you.  If you are wanting a more natural look you may wish to have the implants placed beneath the muscle.  You will be able to continue with your current workout routine once healed in either situation.  It doesn't appear obvious that you need a tummy tuck.  You may do well with skin tightening with options such as BodyTite.

Kenneth R. Francis, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear summergurl,
Congratulations on maintaining an incredible body after 2 children.  A tummy tuck looks to be a ridiculous consideration for you, unless something, i.e. very loose skin, is not being captured in the photo.  You already have a six pack!  If you choose above muscle implants, consider anatomic shaped implants for a less likely "fake" look.  Good luck!

Will I be able to see my six-pack after a mommy makeover?

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