Is this really all skin? Anything other than tummy tuck be done? (Photo)

Question

34, 143lbs lost 50lbs. (40lbs a year ago and 10lbs recently) no kids. Dreading tummy tuck being the answer. Surely this can’t all be skin? I know some of it is and can pinch less than an inch, but if I pinch more it feels like fat. Can anything be done, even if it just helps tighten it a little bit. (Evolvex?) I really don’t want to do tummy tuck and deal with that scar. Please explain what It is and recommendations.

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

Without pregnancy and borderline skin, I agree difficult  trade off for tummy tuck scar.

While degree of skin tightening cannot be guaranteed, Smart Lipo or Vaser ultrasound liposuction can tighten skin and remove stubborn fat. Optimal ski tightening can take 6-12 months, but would avoid large scar, longer recovery or tummy tuck.

An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon who performs these procedures is recommended to confirm you are a candidate as well as discuss your best options and expectations.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Based on your photos, it does look like loose skin and excess fat. Nonsurgical options may be suitable for you, however they may not achieve results that are as predictable and dramatic as a tummy tuck. You can certainly try them out, though, since you seem to dislike the idea of surgery.

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos! A tummy tuck will address excess skin & repair of the abdominal muscle. The abdominal wall can be weakened after pregnancy and (or) significant weight gain & loss. By repairing the muscle, not only does the appearance of your abdominal area improve, but your core strength as well. The repair of the muscle will cinch your waist like an inner corset, which will accentuate your curves. Liposuction will remove excess fat from unwanted areas with some skin retraction. Your expectations and health will dictate the best procedure(s) for you. I suggest a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to go over the options that best address your goals. Best of luck!

Dhaval Patel MD
Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Chicago
South Barrington
Oakbrook
Orland Park

Dhaval Patel MD 
Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon 
Chicago 
South Barrington 
Oakbrook 
Orland Park

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, as you can see in your side view, you have excess hanging skin that does not retract after 50 lbs weight loss. You will need skin resection to eliminate this. It is possible that you could undergo a mini tummy tuck with the incision around the umbilicus.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Nurturing963811,
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 with liposuction of the waist. 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 you have both skin and muscle laxity which is present above and below your belly button. Hope that this helps

Michael Ablavsky, MD · Answer

Good question. Significant weight loss often leaves patients with some component of loose skin. The ability of skin to snap back and tighten is determined by its inherent elasticity. A diet that's well balanced and comprehensive can help skin elasticity to a certain extent. Some recommend that building lean body mass can camouflage excess skin (it may be harder in the stomach region). Other options for excess skin may include energy devices which help stimulate collagen (elastic fibers), or a surgical skin excision. There is no substitute for an in-person physical exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon to determine what option is best for you.

Lourdes Rodriguez, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your pictures and question.

In your case the best treatment option is a tummy tuck to remove the skin excess on the abdomen, if the scar is well placed and you heal well with time the scar fades and you’ll get much better results than trying other treatment options for what you don’t have the proper indication to.

Make sure to approach to a certified surgeon to help you clear all your doubts.

Best wishes!

Bruce K. Smith, MD · Answer

Your photos reveal a very fit appearance with very little fat and primarily skin laxity to the degree that I believe that you will only be happy with some type of skin tightening surgery, (i.e. tummy tuck). Non operative treatments are improving and would give you some degree of skin tightening, however your money would be best spent on a procedure that would predictably improve your situation. Yes, there is a scar, but for the most part, the scars heal well and could be placed very low so it would not be seen when wearing a bathing suit or lingerie. Congratulations on your weight loss.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Don’t believe false claims of skin tightening procedures.  You look great, but have a large amount of loose excess skin.  Only an abdominoplasty will resolve this issue.  If not ready to take the leap of faith, save your money. 
Dr. T

Is this really all skin? Anything other than tummy tuck be done? (Photo)

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