Skin only tummy tuck? (Photo0

Question

Hello! I’m a 36 year old female who is 5 “4” and I weigh around 140 lbs. I’m very active and work out at least 6 days a week ( walking, hitt, and weights). I would like to have a tummy tuck since my stomach was very stretched during my 2 pregnancies and I am done having children. I am interested in a “skin only” tummy tuck because I would like a quick recovery but wondering if that would be an option for me? Thank you

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

You could absolutely get a skin only tummy tuck. Your muscle separation is minor and limited to the lower belly. It would be a breeze, and choosing the right surgeon would mean no drain and a very, very low scar. Don't let any surgeon tell you that you 'don't have enough skin'. That was yesterday's thinking and no woman should have to put up with that and not get all the benefits of a full tummy tuck AND a low scar.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Snowygirl, thank you for your question. Yes you are candidate. If you are considering a tummy tuck, it is important to understand the details and potential outcomes of the procedure. A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen, while also tightening the abdominal muscles to create a flatter stomach. Depending on the individual's needs, there are various variations of this procedure available. Abdominal lipolysis can reduce localized fat deposits, while an abdominal diastasis repair helps address abdominal muscles or it can be a mini tummy tuck depending on consultation. I link a video to shed more light. Best wishes!

Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP)

Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS),  International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP)

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Snowygirl,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Mohammed Asif, MD · Answer

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.

Arif Eroglu, MD · Answer

Hello; in the upper part of the belly button; there are severe laxity and skin wrinkling. So much slack; removal by methods other than surgery or Mini Abdominoplasty; unfortunately, it is not possible. In fact, some tightening that will be created by these transactions; when it is decided to have an Abdominoplasty for later; it makes the surgery difficult. Since, in Abdominoplasty surgeries, the loose for the upper abdomen; the surgery is done; so easily in that case. There is also loose skin in your lower abdomen zone too. I recommend for you Lipoabdominoplasty method. Excess skin is removed and if you have separation in the abdominal muscles; is corrected. By this way, you can regain for a tight abdominal skin; as a result.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

Assuming you have no significant diastasis, yes, you are a good candidate for a skin-only tummy tuck. For those without diastasis, this is a great option to rejuvenate your abdomen. It is done with a light oral cocktail and local tumescent anesthesia; no need for IV or general anesthesia which only increases risk, cost and side effects (nausea). There are no drains, and your recovery is as tolerated making sure to protect your incision and new belly button. 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. Thank you.

Tyler Frew, MD · Answer

Hi there,
The short answer would be yes.
Most tummy tucks come with some areas of liposuction to enhance your curves, however if you don't carry any excess fat then you do not technically need liposuction. 
However, it wont necessarily make your recovery quicker. A lot of the pain comes from the diastasis (ab muscle repair) and the large tummy tuck incision. So, if your surgeon recommends I would consider it as it improves your overall results. 
All the best