Skin only tummy tuck? (Photo0

Hello Snowygirl,

Thank you for sharing your concerns and providing details about your situation. Based on your description and the photos you've provided, it appears that you could be an excellent candidate for a skin-only tummy tuck procedure.

A skin-only tummy tuck focuses primarily on removing excess skin without performing muscle plication, which is the tightening of the abdominal muscles. While muscle plication can yield additional waist-snatching benefits of 2-4 inches, opting for a skin-only approach can offer a quicker recovery time, which may align better with your preferences and lifestyle, especially given your commitment to regular exercise.

It's important to note that while a skin-only tummy tuck may address your concerns about excess skin and provide aesthetic improvements, it may not achieve the same level of waist definition as a procedure that includes muscle tightening. However, given your active lifestyle and desire for a swift recovery, a skin-only approach could be a suitable option for you.

As you transition into the recovery phase, it's crucial to prioritize rest and follow your plastic surgeon's post-operative instructions diligently. While you may be eager to resume your workouts, it's essential to refrain from strenuous activities until you receive clearance from your surgeon. Returning to exercise too soon could compromise your results and prolong your recovery.

I recommend scheduling a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals, assess your candidacy, and explore the best treatment options tailored to your needs. Your surgeon can provide personalized recommendations and guidance to help you achieve your desired outcome safely and effectively.

Best of luck on your journey towards a rejuvenated abdomen, and please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions or concerns.

Warm regards,

Dr. Katzen

Hi,Thanks for your question. I believe abdominoplasty will give you the best shape that you are looking for. This will remove excess skin and will tighten your core muscles underneath. Small chance you will have a vertical scar as well. Definitely will give you a great shape!! Good luck. Happy to answer any questions.

snowygirl
Skin only tummy tuck is perfect for you.
Patients with little fat and strong muscles are good candidates. There are some caveats about the incision and placement of the belly button to look as natural as possible. These should be discussed at the consult.

Yes, the skin only tummy tuck recovery is rapid and much easier than a traditional abdominoplasty.
In addition, we have some newer methods to control discomfort immediately after the surgery and during the first few days.
this can be done under local with oral medication, twilight anesthesia, or you can be asleep.
I use long acting local, and no narcotics are needed after surgery.
There is no drain. This is outpatient surgery. and you can be back to most of your routing in a week.
Skin-only abdominoplasty Know that it is likely that you will have a vertical scar extending to varying lengths from the below-the-bikini horizontal scar, but the trade-off is still worth a tighter look. Skin only tummy tuck recovery is rapid and much easier than a traditional abdominoplasty. In addition, we have some newer methods to control discomfort immediately after the surgery and during the first few days. This can be done under local with oral medication, twilight anesthesia, or you can be asleep. I use long acting local, and no narcotics are needed after surgery. There is generally no drain, is outpatient surgery. and you can be back to most of your routing in a week I use creams, tapes, special clips and occasionally a laser to provide the most invisible incision post-surgery.

How is a tummy tuck done?
A variety of tummy tucks are available. Patients who only need a tightening of the abdominal muscles or removal of a small amount of skin may be best treated with a “mini-tuck.” Patients who have undergone massive weight loss, on the other hand, will probably require more extensive surgery.

An abdominoplasty is usually done under general anesthesia. An incision is made along the lower abdomen at about the pubic hair line, and another incision is made around the belly button which stays attached to the muscle.

Mini-abdominoplasty tightens the lower abdominal wall and skin below the umbilicus, belly button, only (shortest scar).

Modified abdominoplasty addresses conditions where just the muscle wall or just the abdominal skin requires repair.

Standard abdominoplasty tightens all of the abdominal wall skin and muscles above and below the belly button. The scar can be altered or lowered to be hidden by most panty lines and bathing suits. (Standard scar).

Extended abdominoplasty tightens the abdomen and the flanks or sides (longest scar extending around the flanks onto lower back.)

A general anesthetic is most common, although mini-tucks may be done with local anesthetic and intravenous sedation. A standard abdominoplasty is generally an outpatient procedure, but extended abdominoplasty may require a short hospitalization of 1–2 days.