Would a full or mini tummy tuck help correct deformities from previous Bodytite procedure? 13 years post op (photo)

Question

45 year old - no kids, no major weight loss, not much loose skin, tons of stretchmarks. Bodytite 13 years ago which left deformities. Surgeon: You could 1. have a mini tummy tuck with skin removal see photo blue markings. 2. Full tuck but don’t have loose skin above navel and don’t need muscle plication so end up with a high vertical scar more risky due to Bodytite. Either way most stretchmarks remain. Opinions?

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions and photo. A tummy tuck will address excess skin & repair of the abdominal muscle. 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. For example: tummy tuck with floating your bellybutton to avoid vertical scar & high horizontal scar. I suggest a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon that has vast experience with tummy tucks, can show you photos and give you options that best address your goals. Best of luck!

Dhaval Patel MD
Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

South Barrington
Oakbrook
Orland Park

Dhaval Patel MD 
Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

South Barrington 
Oakbrook 
Orland Park

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Amanda78, and thank you for your question regarding correcting deformities from a previous BodyTite procedure.

Based on your description and photos, you appear to be an excellent candidate for a tummy tuck to address the deformities caused by your previous BodyTite procedure. While you may not have significant loose skin above the navel, you do have enough skin laxity and stretch marks to benefit from skin removal through a full tummy tuck. Additionally, I would recommend muscle plication as part of the procedure to give you the most optimal and contoured results, even though you have not had children or experienced significant weight loss.

A mini tummy tuck, while less invasive, would not address the full extent of your concerns, particularly any deformities or unevenness in the upper and lower abdomen. While a full tummy tuck does come with a longer scar, it would allow for more comprehensive correction, including better skin tightening and improved abdominal contour.

Regarding the potential for a high vertical scar, this can often be minimized with precise surgical planning by an experienced surgeon. The risks associated with BodyTite-treated areas, such as compromised skin quality, should also be carefully evaluated during your consultation.

While stretch marks may not be entirely eliminated, many in the lower abdomen can be removed during the procedure, leaving the remaining ones less noticeable due to tighter, smoother skin.

I hope this helps you understand your options and gives you confidence in choosing the best approach for your goals. Always consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to ensure safe and effective results.

Sincerely,
J. Timothy Katzen, MD

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

As I said in another post of yours, a full tummy tuck will fix everything and is the only thing that will give you satisfaction. Don't listen to those that say you can't have one. It is true that scar tissue might be an issue with unfurling and tightening your skin, so hyperbaric oxygen should be part of the perioperative plan.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You are an excellent candidate for a full tummy tuck.  You will need a wide excision to go above the umbilicus, correct the abnormality and remove the excess hanging skin.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question.  A proper exam would help, but I agree with your surgeon’s assessment and recommendations based on this photo.

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

In my opinion, you would do best with a full or standard tummy tuck. I recommend dissection up to the rib cage where the upper abdomen can be addressed. This allows the entire abdominal skin to slide down, giving you maximum skin removal and smoother abdomen. I would also tighten the abdominal muscles, as always gives a flatter abdomen

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph.  Based on the supplied image alone, a full tummy tuck with the trade off of a vertical and horizontal scar will afford you the greatest level of improvement with muscle tightening and removal of the greatest amount of loose skin.  Hope this helps.

Ram Kalus, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo. An examination in person would be required to properly evaluate you, but from the photo alone it appears that a lower (mini-) abdominoplasty may help achieve a smoother more aesthetic lower abdomen. Please consult with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon whose aesthetics appear to align with your own based in hot or her Before and After gallery. Best of luck to you.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

You could have a full tummy tuck and not need the vertical scar. Even if you do need a vertical scar it would be short and low down

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Although your upper abdomen is cut off in your photo, it does appear that you have some excess upper abdominal skin is which is addressed with the full tuck.