Do I need surgery or would another procedure work for my lax stomach skin? (Photo)

Question

Hello, I’m 55, 5’4”, 123 lbs, and experiencing loss of elasticity of my stomach skin. I don’t want fat removed. The second photo I’m bending forward at the waist. I really don’t want a scar, but any movement other than standing upright and still looks bad. I would like to continue to wear a bikini and not be self-conscious. What do you recommend?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear CallMeMeem,
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. 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

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello. Thank you for your question regarding the best approach to address the loss of elasticity in your stomach skin, especially as you prefer not to have visible scars.

Thank you for sharing your pictures. At 55 years old, experiencing loose abdominal skin is quite common. Further liposuction is not recommended as it would likely exacerbate the condition of your abdominal skin. For situations like yours, skin removal surgery, typically known as a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty, is the only definitive way to remove loose, hanging abdominal skin. Tummy tucks address three main concerns: loose skin, excess fat, and weak muscle. In your case, the primary issue is loose skin.

During a tummy tuck, the incision is strategically placed low in the pubic region, which usually allows it to be covered by most "reasonable" clothing, including many bikini styles. However, if you are very concerned about having any scar at all and wish to continue wearing a bikini without feeling self-conscious, this might pose a challenge. The reality is that effective skin tightening in cases of significant laxity typically requires surgical intervention, which inevitably results in a scar.

If you are adamant about avoiding any scars and are willing to live with some degree of loose skin, then non-surgical treatments might be considered, though they are unlikely to achieve the same results as a tummy tuck. Treatments like J-Plasma or Renuvion, which you mentioned, can provide some degree of skin tightening but are generally less effective for more pronounced skin laxity.

Ultimately, the decision to trade your lax tummy skin for a surgical scar is a personal one. It is essential to weigh how much the loose skin bothers you against your feelings about having a surgical scar.

I recommend discussing these options further with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can provide a detailed assessment and help you understand what can realistically be achieved with or without surgery.

Good luck, and I hope this helps clarify your options regarding your concerns about your abdominal skin.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeon

Arif Eroglu, MD · Answer

Hello; there is serious loss of elasticity in both the lower and upper abdomen areas. Nevertheless, there is no excess skin; that can be performed with a full Tummy Tuck procedure. Without absorbing fat; Mini Abdominoplasty can be realized too. Thus, loose skin in the lower abdomen; decreases significantly. However, its effect on the upper abdomen zone is pretty limited. On the other hand, reverse abdominoplasty can be implemented. But, even then; the exact opposite; while the upper abdomen tightens; lower abdominal tightening remains in a limited manner.

Brian May, MD · Answer

This is a great question! You are correct, based on your photos, removal of fat is not necessary or advised given your current level of fitness. You may be able to improve your skin elasticity to some degree with minimally invasive treatments (such as Morpheus8, or other energy based devices). However, to fully address the skin laxity, surgical treatment via tummy tuck would likely be required. You are potentially a candidate for a mini tummy tuck with umbilical float which would provide you with the smallest amount of scars and could be hidden below the bikini line. I recommend seeking out a board certified plastic surgery for consultation where they will discuss your goals as well as perform a thorough physical exam. After exam, your surgeon will be able to discuss all of your options and help you choose the treatment which will best help you reach your goals. Best of luck!

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You would benefit from an abdominoplasty. Another possibility is a mini tummy tuck to remove the lower skin and a breast lift to pull up the upper abdomen. The breast lift technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. You do not have any fat to be removed, and would not advise that. You would have good improvement with Renuvion subdermal skin tightening and biostimulator injections to improve skin elasticity. An in person consultation and physical examination is imperative to determine the correct approach. See a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in advanced body sculpting techniques for an in person consultation/evaluation. Good luck.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You could consider minimally invasive skin tightening like Renuvion to give some improvement. for the tightest abdomen, a full tuck is needed.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

A tummy tuck would be needed to remove the lax skin.  Fat removal is not needed.  The best place to begin is a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you.  During this important visit you can learn more about the procedure as well as determine if you are a candidate for any less aggressive options.

Do I need surgery or would another procedure work for my lax stomach skin? (Photo)

Answers (8)

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