Is this enough skin for a full/extended tummy tuck? Should I consider other options? (photos)

There is a lingering misconception that if the belly button defect (the hole in the abdominal skin once it's been detached from the belly button) cannot be moved far enough down to be excised as part of the excess skin, then you are 'not a candidate' for a tummy tuck. This is not true. Even if the hole can't be excised with the excess skin, it can be closed vertically, leaving a thin, midline scar about 1.5 inches long somewhere in the lower abdomen. When fear of the vertical scar is gone, surgeons are free to place the BIG scar where it belongs, way down low where its hard to see, even when naked. 360 degree liposuction and a tummy tuck will give you a fantastic result, one that you could wear a bikini with!

Your photos suggest that a standard or full tummy tuck will provide you with a good aesthetic outcome. A definitive answer to your question requires a physical examination. Seek a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who can provide you with expected outcomes from various procedures.

Hi and thank you for your question regarding if liposuction can be done before a tummy tuck and whether you have enough skin for a tummy tuck.

Liposuction can be done throughout the abdomen and the flanks if the two surgeries are staged. I recommend waiting at least 3 months after liposuction to get your tummy tuck. Alternately, you could do the tummy tuck first + liposuction of the flanks, then come back for liposuction of the abdomen. I do not combine tummy tucks and liposuction of the abdomen because that puts your blood supply at risk. Whether you decide to do liposuction first or the tummy tuck first, I think you will have excellent results. You have a small frame underneath that excess skin and fat. During the tummy tuck. muscle plication will be done and that will bring in your waistline by 2-5 inches.

Thank you for your question regarding whether liposuction can be combined with a tummy tuck and if you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck.

Polite546372, you can absolutely do liposuction prior to an abdominoplasty. However, liposuction alone does not remove skin so do keep in mind that you may feel a bit "squishy" after and not as tight. Looking at your photos your belly button appears a bit high, which means that it is a longer distance to bring the skin above your belly button low enough to hid your scar. If you have weakness of the muscles in your abdominal wall you may require muscle tightening which may give your desired results. Hope this helps!

Thank you for your question. Looking at your photos I do believe you are a great candidate for a full tummy tuck. Your Surgeon will be able to tighten the abdominal wall muscle, pull down and remove the extra skin, giving you the flattest belly one can give. Along with a low carb diet and exercise you should see great results. I would suggest seeing a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in person to evaluate you and discuss your options. Best of luck to you.

Yes, you have enough skin for a full tummy tuck. I do not think you need a posterior lift. It may need to be extended or you can do liposuction of the sides.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Hi there, it appears from your photos that you have enough excess skin for full abdominoplasty. That being said, even if it does fall a little short you can absolutely still have a full abdominoplasty you just may end up with a small vertical scar on your lower abdomen. I recommend a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon!

Thank you for providing photographs. You will have to consult with a plastic surgeon for in person evaluation to assure you are a candidate. From photos provided, it appears that you are an abdominoplasty candidate. You appear to have enough skin laxity that a tummy tuck would make a notable improvement to your abdominal aesthetics.

Dear Polite546372,
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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

...which can unfortunately only be answered after evaluating you in person. You can have safe liposuction in a limited fashion at the same time as a tummy tuck, but if you do not have enough skin laxity to allow for removal of ALL of the skin between the belly button and the lower bikini incision, then you may have to accept a small vertical scar which was once the skin attached to your belly button BEFORE your tummy tuck.

A board certified plastic surgeon can provide you with all of your options after examining you in person. Best of luck to you.