How much skin to remove? (Photo)

Question

One thing that is disappointing sometimes is that stretched, tight look.And then when there’s stretch marks that just got pulled down and enlongated. My stretched skin goes pretty high on my tummy. So I’m worried that I could experience that. Thoughts on that? Is there anything I could do to help prepare that upper belly skin? How much of my stretched skin can be removed but also left behind so that the skin isnt overally stretched? I would love it to look natural and not overally tight.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello 16huck. Thank you for your question regarding how much skin can be removed during a tummy tuck.

From the photos provided, I do not see any significant stretch marks. The amount of skin removed during a tummy tuck is determined by how much excess skin remains after the dissection and the muscle repair. Your plastic surgeon will measure out the excess skin to ensure a natural and balanced result.

Your skin naturally loosens over time, and it is not recommended to do anything to intentionally stretch your skin before surgery. If you are concerned about the skin being too tight, it is essential to discuss this with your plastic surgeon. Communicate your desire for a natural look without overly tight skin. Your surgeon can tailor the procedure to your preferences, ensuring that enough skin is removed to achieve a smooth contour while avoiding an overly tight appearance.

Good luck with your surgery, and I hope you achieve the results you are looking for.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear jrice1015,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Brian Bassiri-Tehrani, MD · Answer

This is a good question that many people have. The amount of skin removed depends on the amount of excess skin and the skin characteristics -ie skin quality and elasticity- which varies between individuals. The amount of skin removed in you depends on how stretchy your skin is, which is determined on physical exam. During surgery, we try to take out as much skin that is safely possible, without giving an overly stretched or unnatural appearance. Too much tension will also affect wound healing. There is not much that can be done for the extra skin above or bellow the belly button - surgery is the most effective way to address that. Although stretch marks will remain in the areas of where the skin is not removed, based on the pictures your stretch marks are not obvious. Hope this helps!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Each patient case is handled individually.  Generally speaking a tummy tuck removes skin from just above the belly button down to the hip bone level.  The skin removed is similar to a football shape.  I encourage you to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to discuss your concerns and goals for surgery.  Review before/after photos of surgeons you are considering to find those who have results similar to what you want.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Your stretch marks aren’t terrible. A tummy tuck will remove the ones below the umbilicus but some of the ones above would remain. And as you indicate that skin will be pulled flat

How much skin to remove? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Skin removal

Answer: Skin removal

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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

How much skin to remove? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Skin removal

Answer: Skin removal

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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