What type of tummy tuck do I need? (Photo)

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. You are a great candidate for standard tummy tuck. This will treat all of your skin laxity and tighten the muscles of the core.

In general, the amount of improvement you attain is directly related to the extent of the surgery, i.e., larger procedures provide greater improvement. An assessment is difficult with the one photo you've provided, but I would opine that a standard tummy tuck will give you an acceptable outcome, while an extended will provide a better one.

Based on the one photo, I would suggest an extended abdominoplasty which means that the incision extends to the sides to achieve the smoothest contour possible. Good luck, it's normal to be anxoius.

Hello Graceful607065,

Thank you for your question regarding what type of tummy tuck you need. I understand the frustration of receiving varying opinions from different surgeons. Based on your description and photo, I recommend a traditional tummy tuck with muscle plication.

Given that you’ve had very big babies, it’s likely that your abdominal muscles have been stretched and may have separated (diastasis recti). Muscle plication, or tightening of the abdominal muscles, will help restore your core strength and give you a flatter stomach. A traditional tummy tuck will effectively remove the excess skin and fat from your lower abdomen. This is especially important since you mentioned having a larger tummy for your size. While an extended tummy tuck may be recommended for those with significant loose skin extending to the flanks or back, a traditional tummy tuck will suffice if your primary concern is the front of your abdomen. This procedure will help you achieve a balanced and proportionate look, especially since you are petite, by tightening your abdomen without extending the scar too far around your sides.

It’s completely normal to feel anxious about surgery. Rest assured that a traditional tummy tuck is a common procedure with predictable and satisfying results for many patients in your situation. Based on your height, weight, and history of having big babies, a traditional tummy tuck with muscle plication should provide you with excellent results. It will address both the muscle separation and excess skin, giving you a flatter, more toned abdomen. I hope this helps ease your anxiety and provides clarity on the best approach for your mommy makeover.

Good luck with your consultations and upcoming surgery.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

Hello Graceful607065!
Whether it is called extended or not does not really matter. What is most important in making your decision is that you choose a surgeon that you connect with, one that answers all of your questions, one that has shown you before and after photos that are reasonable and true, one who you feel will be with you during recovery, one that is discussing optimal results but not promising perfection, one that has discussed risks with you. Consider pricing (a deal isn't what you are seeking and highest doesn't necessarily mean better). Consider proximity to where you live. If you have a great surgeon near you, that makes follow up appointments much easier, especially if you have something unplanned that your doctor wants to see you more often for). Don't get caught up in the name of the procedure, listen to what they are saying they will do.

An extended tummy tuck places the incision beyond your hip bones to remove all of the excess skin. In your case extending the incision would give a better result.

hello,
With the Extended Tummy Tuck , the surgeon will remove skin and tissue more laterally (at the hip bone). This has the beneficial affect of lifting and slenderizing the outer thigh. I perform a lot of Extended Tummy Tucks in my practice.

IMO, you can't really go wrong with the Extended Tummy Tuck.
It does cost more , mainly because it takes a little more time in the Operating Room, but it does produce the leanest profile.

However, either TT version is going to give you a dramatic improvement in your abdomen profile. Thank you for your question.

cheers,
Ricardo L Rodriguez MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Baltimore, Maryland

"Thank you for sharing your question and pictures. It's challenging to give precise recommendations without a side picture and a personal consultation. However, based on your front picture and considering your height and history of having large babies, an extended tummy tuck might indeed offer more comprehensive contouring and potentially yield better results in your case. It's crucial to have open discussions with your surgeon about your expectations and concerns, and consider seeking multiple professional opinions to make the most informed decision.






"

Hello and thank you for your question. From the picture you have provided, you have some striae (stretchmarks) present throughout your mid and lower abdomen, and a moderate/severe amount of excess subcutaneous fat and skin present in this region and extending laterally to the anterior/mid flanks. There is minimal relative adiposity (excess skin/fat) to the upper abdomen. Based on all this, you would benefit from an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and flank liposuction to best help improve your abdominal/trunk contour.
The difference between a "standard" and "extended" tummy tuck is just how far your incision extends to the side, and this is based on how much excess skin and fat needs to be removed to produce an aesthetic contour. They are essentially the same procedure, so no need to be concerned here. Generally, every surgeon tries to keep their incisions as short as possible so they can be easier hidden, but the goal here is ideal body contour at the expense of scars, so this is important to keep in mind throughout the process. Regarding the transverse lower abdominal scar, it should be well hidden within your bikini or underwear, and if you adhere to proper scar care and sun avoidance after surgery, it should eventually heal to be minimally noticeable.
Liposuction is a great adjunct which would provide some additional benefit, particularly to the contour of your flanks, and would be done at the same time as your tummy tuck procedure for the best possible single operation results.
With all that said, it is always difficult to provide tentative surgical recommendations, as there is only so much information to be gained from any photos and descriptions provided. I recommend for you to come see me or another plastic surgeon for a formal consultation to thoroughly discuss your surgical goals, undergo a formal examination, evaluate all your options (surgical and nonsurgical), and decide on the best procedure(s) for your specific case. I hope this helps!
Best wishes,
Dr. Donald Groves
Plastic Surgeon

Thanks for your question! The easiest way to describe it is that like a tailor, we have to go where the loose material is. I can see that your loose skin goes past your hip bone and that's why an extended incision would be indicated. Good luck!