Aged Tummy Tuck Gives Up? Do I need another tuck? (photos)

Question

I had a TT 15 yrs. ago (age 32). I weigh 10 lbs less now than when I had the procedure. When I was about 38-40 I did alot of heavy fitness routines-& had weighed about 30 lbs less-but gained 20 back by now (plus age). I have a pooch that developed & is a small apron- I went to my primary care who said its just accumulated fat (which I thought could not come back in areas that were lipo'd) but my belly is as big as it was 15 years ago. Do I need another tuck ? or?

Warren Schutte, MD · Answer

Thank you for providing photos. You abdominal aesthetics are holding up very well but after 15 years or so, our bodies change. Our skin loses laxity and simply changes with time. I would encourage consulting with a plastic surgeon to see your options. As your upper abdomen is doing well, you may consider a lower revision.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,

It's crucial to bear in mind that a tummy tuck or any other cosmetic surgery cannot provide a permanent solution to any problem unless adequate upkeep is maintained.
The alterations to the shape of your body are usually enduring, provided that your weight stays consistent, as remaining fat cells after liposuction can enlarge and shrink with weight gain or loss.

You could benefit from a new tummy tuck.

Best of luck !

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry regarding a tummy tuck. Based on the photos, it appears that you have excess skin and fat in this area. Pinching this much skin indicates that another tummy tuck may be necessary. During this procedure, the mons region can be addressed to improve the overall aesthetic, muscle plication can also be considered if it did not occur in the original tummy tuck, which will tighten the waistline by two to four inches. Additionally, liposuction of the flanks can give optimal results and an hourglass figure desired. Although liposuction removes fat cells from the operated area, regain of weight will cause fat to be distributed throughout your body which is why you may see fat in areas that were previously liposuction. Please consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon for optimal results. Good luck.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

Ramsen Azizi, MD · Answer

A couple things I see here to keep in mind. In the photo where you are sitting or standing, we see a bit of extra skin hanging out. This usually means that you can get a nice benefit by removing a bit more skin at the bottom (like a mini TT). After a long period of time, a good tummy tuck can still age and stretch because the person is still human and aging. Also, we do see that fat cells can't come back but you can still gain weight after surgery because you are human, and the weight has to go somewhere. It is HARDER for it to come back to an area that was liposuctioned or removed but it does not mean it CAN'T come back. You can always work on trying to lose weight because that will help....but getting a surgical consult to see if you can have a bit more skin removed at that apron at the bottom will be a good solution. Best of luck to you on your journey!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear dpan9200,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. 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

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  Based on your photographs alone it does appear that a full tummy tuck revision would be required to help address the overhang of skin and fat and potentially tighten your abdominal muscles once again.  Best to seek out a series of in-person consultations with board certified plastic surgeons in your area.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, you would benefit from some sort of revision. But please, please, please, make sure its done by a surgeon who can transfer your new incision way down low where it belongs, so that your abdominal contour is excellent all the way down to your genitals.

David Light, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Based on the photos you provided, it appears as though you have a significant amount of skin laxity in your lower abdomen. Liposuction could thin this area, but lipo alone will not address the excess skin. Given you already have the scar from your first abdominoplasty, it may make sense to excise the excess skin and get back the flat abdomen you had before.
I hope this helps. Good Luck!
David Light, MD, FACS

Ahmad H. Ahmadi, MD · Answer

Yes, it looks like your skin is sagging in the lower abdomen.  Based on the pictures, I recommend a revision tummy tuck to remove the excess skin.  You may or may not need a muscle repair or liposuction.  That can be determined at the time of examination.

Sejal M. Patel, MD · Answer

Hi there yes you can do tummy tuck again. It would be good for you to have an in person consult to assess how much loose skin you have above the belly button. This will determine if we can still have a very low tummy tuck scar and get the hole out from the current belly button. Some revision tummy tucks need a small vertical scar coming off the midpoint of the transverse scar. 
You will also benefit tremendously from proper custom muscle tightening.

Aged Tummy Tuck Gives Up? Do I need another tuck? (photos)

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