Skin tightening for mild stomach laxity, any suggestions? (Photos)

Question

Hello!! I have very mild loose skin above my stomach. Most days it's not visible unless I push my skin to the side. I have a picture of what it looks like at its worst when standing and when pushing it to the side. I would like to know what a realistic expectation for skin tightening would be without getting a tummy tuck. Are lasers best? Is there a surgical remedy that doesn't leave a scar? Could I expect significant improvement or mild at best? Thanks for honest advice!!

Tammy Polit, DO · Answer

We have had excellent results with skin tightening over the past 12 years with laser liposuction. After numbing the treatment area with tumescence, the skin is tightened using the laser directly under the skin and then the deep fat is melted. Liposuction using small cannulas is performed to remove the melted fat and to sculpt the area. The huge advantage of laser liposuction is that very small incisions (less than a centimeter) are made to introduce the tools under the skin. When these tiny incisions heal on most people, they are not highly visible.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

In truth, non-surgical options give only mild improvement compared to surgical lifting. Skin tightening can be done with a combination of Vanquish, truSculpt iD, Venus Legacy, Exilis, Cellutone/Zwave. However, for best results, a Tummy Tuck procedure can be combined with a high definition procedure at the same time. For best results, VASER HI-DEF Liposuction with ThermiRF, Renuvion, InMode BodyTite and fat grafting to get the most fat removal, skin tightening, contour and definition. This combination will give you the most toned result. I recommend starting MTS Dermal Rolling, AnteAGE MD Microneedling kit, SkinCeuticals B5 gel, and AnteAGE MD accelerator.  Get a formal evaluation with a hi-definition physique expert. Best, Dr. Emer​​

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

Mild stomach laxity without a tummy tuck can be improved with Smart Lipo laser or Vaser ultrasound liposuction or Thermi RF. These will tighten skin at rest to a degree, with minimal access incisions.

There will always be more laxity with movement or pinching skin that may or may not improve with minimally invasive treatments.

​An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended to discuss your options and expectations.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Dixie Chicken,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering a treatment, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. 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

Dean P. Kane, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Dixie Chicken, 
Thanks for sharing your photos. They are helpful. 
After the age of 30,  the restoration of collagen providing support to the skin and all surrounding tissues diminishes. This leads to: 
1.	skin laxity as you demonstrate and 
2.	soft tissue laxity, ie folds of skin and descent of fat and all other glands, muscles and organs.
During the healing process of skin, following lifts like facelift or tummy tuck, the skin will swell and begin a thickening process but it is the aim of the body to heal the injury, ie. the cut tissues not firm the adjacent top skin layer.
The skin as a fabric requires focused collagen stimulation using:
1.	Non-surgical: retinoids
2.	Minimally invasive: sculptra, J Plasma, ThermiTight, chemical peels and laser
In other words, a tummy tuck for you will stretch and remove skin excess but not directly firm, contract, tighten and collagenize the “crepey” skin you illustrate.

Consult with a well skilled Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who offers these treatments to best understand what is best for you.

I wish you all the best!

Skin tightening for mild stomach laxity, any suggestions? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Loose skin

Answer: Loose skin

Answer: Skin tightening (of the abdomen, face, neck arms, thighs)

Answer: Skin tightening (of the abdomen, face, neck arms, thighs)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Skin tightening for mild stomach laxity, any suggestions? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Loose skin

Answer: Loose skin

Answer: Skin tightening (of the abdomen, face, neck arms, thighs)

Answer: Skin tightening (of the abdomen, face, neck arms, thighs)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.