Is a Tummy Tuck the only way to fix my loose skin? (photo)

Loose skin after pregnancy is a challenge that many new moms face. During pregnancy, the skin stretches to accommodate a growing bump. And although our skin has an amazing ability to tighten, many women find that the skin around their stomach stays loose after giving birth.There are many surgical and nonsurgical options for skin tightening. Nonsurgical treatments, can help tighten excess skin on the stomach by heating the dermal layers and boosting collagen production. However, these treatments are often not effective enough to treat loose skin after multiple pregnancies.The tummy tuck procedure (abdominoplasty) was designs to address loose skin after pregnancies or major weight loss. A tummy tuck also repairs the muscles and helps straighten the core. Although this procedure is routine, a tummy tuck requires a commitment from the patient. After surgery, women can expect a minimum of 10 to 14 days before returning to normal activities and should not lift during this time.

Thank you for reaching out. Based on the information you provided, it sounds like a tummy tuck may be the best option for addressing your loose skin. While there are minimally invasive procedures that can help with excess fat, excess skin cannot be treated without excision. A tummy tuck can effectively remove excess skin and provide a flatter, more toned appearance to the abdomen. It's important to note that a tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure and should be performed by an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your specific needs and provide personalized recommendations. Additionally, it's important to maintain a stable weight before and after the procedure to optimize results. I understand that this may not be the answer you were hoping for. If you go through with a tummy tuck, please consider muslce plication (which usually comes with the tummy tuck). This will bring in your waistline by 2-4 inches and help you achieve an hourglass figure. Thank you for your question and I wish you the best of luck. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen.

Thank you for your questions and photos. A tummy tuck will address excess skin & repair of the abdominal muscle. The abdominal wall can be weakened after pregnancy and (or) significant weight gain & loss. By repairing the muscle, not only does the appearance of your abdominal area improve, but your core strength as well. The repair of the muscle will cinch your waist like an inner corset, which will accentuate your curves. Liposuction will remove excess fat from unwanted areas with some skin retraction. Your expectations and health will dictate the best procedure(s) for you. I suggest a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to go over the options that best address your goals. Best of luck!

Dhaval Patel MD
Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Chicago
South Barrington
Oakbrook
Orland Park

Thank you for your question. Abdominoplasty also known as tummy tuck will remove the excess and loose skin on your abdomen as well as tighten the muscles that often sag during pregnancy. Skin stretches massively during pregnancy and tummy tuck is a very common procedure for patients to inquire about. I do believe you will benefit from it significantly. Good luck and have a great day.

Thank you for your question. The only way to fix the crepey skin above your belly button is a traditional abdominoplasty. This will restore your pre pregnancy body (which I assume was great!) in the best way possible.

Hope that helps

You are very thin and your skin is a bit stretched and damaged as seen with stretch marks. A tummy tuck would be able to get rid of all that skin above your belly button, or very little left that would be near the low incision.

Your excess skin is all above your umbilicus. It is possible with the four pregnancies, your breasts have drooped and it may be possible to lift your breasts which will pull up the excess upper abdominal skin and would not need a tummy tuck at all. The 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.

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. Upper abdominal skin laxity is best treated with a tummy tuck but a reverse tummy tuck may also be an option. Discuss with you plastic surgeon. I hope this helps.

A tummy tuck is the most definitive procedure for excising loose abdominal skin and tightening the abdominal contour, especially after pregnancy when your skin loses a lot of it elasticity. Patients can try less invasive procedures like liposuction with J-plasma tightening, however they should understand that it does not substitute a tummy tuck and they will likely end up with residual loose skin, albeit improved.

Hi Mrs 30524.
It is hard to truly assess your skin without a formal consultation and exam. After 4 kids your skin has stretched to a point which doesn't allow it to return to pre-baby condition. There are modalities that provide skin tightening but often they are inferior to skin removal surgery in these situations. Most women want to avoid a tummy tuck due to the scar or the fear of the procedure itself. The overwhelming majority of women who have done it are very satisfied. If you have already consulted with a board certified plastic surgeon and that was their recommendation, it is likely based upon extensive experience in their field. It's always good to seek multiple consultations, but if you continue to hear the same recommendation it's because that is what surgeons know will give you the best results. Best wishes in your journey.
Dr. Andre P. MarshallDouble Board Certified Plastic SurgeonBeverly Hills, CA 90210