Is there a minimal procedure to take loose skin over belly button? (Photo)

Question

In 2021, I was 51 years old and decided to get a mini tummy tuck because (at the time) I didn’t think I would need a full. But my plastic surgeon was telling me, “If you want a super flat stomach, you should go with the full.” Now in 2024, I’m starting to see loose skin above the belly button. I read on Real Self that there is a minimally invasive option just to take loose skin in this area. Is it the Hybrid tummy tuck? Or do you recommend Sylfirm laser and microneedling?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear MissL,

it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. 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

Arif Eroglu, MD · Answer

Hello
Mini Tummy Tuck does not correct loose skin on the upper abdomen. If there is loose skin on the upper abdomen and no issues with the lower abdomen, a reverse abdominoplasty is a more suitable option. If there are stretch marks or sagging skin issues on the lower abdomen, a full tummy tuck is a better choice. There is no minimal surgical procedure to remove loose skin on the upper abdomen. A skin-tightening treatment with Renuvion J Plasma may be tried, or a non-invasive treatment like Thermage FLX or PLA injection (Lanluma, Sculptra) may be considered. Microneedling is unlikely to be very effective. One thing you should know is that tightening the upper abdominal skin may complicate the process if you later decide to undergo a full tummy tuck, as the looser the skin on the upper abdomen, the easier and more effective the tummy tuck surgery will be.

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

You are correct, there is an alternative to the full tummy tuck. Given the lack of muscle laxity and diastasis, skin excision with umbilical transposition is a good option. This is similar to the skin aspect of a tummy tuck, only managing the superficial skin and no muscle involvement. This is done with local tumescent anesthesia and an oral cocktail of pills so you do not have to go asleep, no drains and a very reasonable recovery with return to work in 3-5 days. However, just like a tummy tuck, you may have a vertical scar extending from the low, transverse scar if the hole in the skin from the umbilicus does not reach. Something to consider, but still a valid option. Thank you.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Morpheus 8 is a non-invasive skin and soft tissue tightening treatment that is consistently amazing in our patients. We use the Morpheus to exact fractional induced RF into the skin or tissue in order to tighten collagen and stimulate contraction of the tissue. For acne scars, it is quite useful to build collagen in patients who have atrophic scars but is not very productive for ice-pick scars which require TCA Cross. For tissue tightening, Morpheus is ideal for the face and neck and we often combine it with CO2 laser or Ultherapy to further enhance results. Chemical peels and skin resurfacing should be done at least 5 to 7 days after, but can be performed earlier, depending on treatment severity. Avoid exfoliating skin treatments before Morpheus and expect a period of 2-4 weeks for skin contraction to set in.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

A hybrid tuck is a mini tuck, just a name that a business minded surgeon bothered to trademark, to make it 'his' procedure. Lasers, Vasers, radiofrequency emitting devices and microneedling will not tighten skin to the degree you need. What you need now you needed then: a full tuck. Don't make the same mistake again and spend a single penny on anything else.

Manuel Diaz, MD · Answer

Hi! I am Doctor Díaz Plastic Surgeon and I would love to help you. I perform surgeries at the CECIP Plastic Surgery Clinic, in the Dominican Republic. We would like to give you follow-up and assistance in your case so you can get an excellent shape and tight skin.  We have the necessary tools and high-tech equipment for better results. Please leave us your contact number for a possible virtual consultation or write to us at +1 (829) 554-6062. For us it is a pleasure to help you to  build a better body, a better life.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You may have some improvement with Morpheus8 or even BodyTite, but if you are wanting a flat, tighter tummy you will need to consider the full tuck.  Even though you have already had a mini tummy tuck, you can still convert your mini into a full tummy tuck.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You would do well with Renuvion and micro-needling, especially like Morpheus. Morpheus applies the greatest depth of needles, is only done once, and can be added with Renuvion in the OR.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Your plastic surgeon was correct.
Most women who have pregnancy related changes are going to have muscle separation and skin laxity both above and below the bellybutton.
There is a procedure called a reverse tummy tuck.
It is rarely used for good reason.
 I see no advantage to doing anything other than converting your procedure to a full tummy tuck which as you were told was the correct procedure in the first place.
Reverse tummy tuck would add another very long scar that you don’t need and has inherent limitations in regards to what can be accomplished in regards to muscle tightening.
Follow up with your surgeon who did your initial procedure or schedule a few in person consultations with other plastic surgeons in your community.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Is there a minimal procedure to take loose skin over belly button? (Photo)

Answers (9)

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