Will a tummy tuck also help with saggy under breasts area? (photos)

Question

I'm approaching my goal weight and envisaging a tummy tuck, when I was heavier I had a lot of fat stored under my breasts, now the area is flappy and saggy, will a tummy tuck also tighten that area?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding what to do about sagging skin underneath the breast area after significant weight loss. Congratulations on your weight loss. During a tummy tuck, an incision is made in the lower abdomen. Dissection is carried up to the rib cage. This allows the tissue to be freed up and also allows the skin to be pulled up and thus tucked. The extent of the dissection over the ribs is either up to the bottom of the ribs or about two centimeters above the edge of the ribs. The areas that you are grabbing on the side of the breasts will not be affected by a tummy tuck. A further dissection is carried upon the abdomen to address these areas. The blood supply to the abdominal flap is compromised and the abdominal skin could die during a tummy tuck. Therefore, the area that you are concerned about may not be addressed during a tummy tuck. If you want the area on the side of the breast to be taken care of, you have two options. I would either suggest liposuction of the upper torso or a torsoplasty. A torsoplasty includes an incision from the armpit down the side of the chest or an incision across the back. Either of these procedures will take care of this area you are pinching. Another alternative may be a reverse tummy tuck where an incision is made underneath your breast. The problem with this on you is that it will not really address your main target, the lower abdomen. Nonetheless, discuss these options with your plastic surgeon. I hope this helps to answer your question regarding what to do with loose hanging skin under the bottom of the breast after significant weight loss and whether this area would be addressed during a traditional tummy tuck.

I specialize in reconstructive plastic surgery after weight loss. If you have any more questions regarding a tummy tuck, lower body lift, 360 circumferential lower body lift, belt lipectomy, belt abdominoplasty, or belt dermolipectomy please contact my office. Since the body lift is a big procedure, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing the lower body lift. Do your research. Make sure they have performed at least 100 tummy tuck or circumferential lower body lift surgeries and have the before and after pictures to prove it. Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.  If you cannot find an experienced, tummy tuck or lower body lift surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state if you must.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and ​member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question.

In this regard, I recommend you a Tummy Tuck to get a flat abdomen and waist and back Liposculpture, getting better curves especially in the waist, improving your body contour.

Kind regards,
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, your photographs do not show your breasts.  You may need a breast lift and 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.  This technique lifts the saggy skin of the upper abdomen effectively.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

You are a wonderful candidate for Full Tummy Tuck and muscle repair, mons lift and a little liposuction to waist. The skin undermining during the Tummy tuck is limited and internally is a triangle with the vertex right under the xiphoid bone under the ribs. No undermining over the ribs and either towards the lateral chest. So the skin tightening will NOT impact the areas of your concern (lateral superior abdomen and either lateral torso). If you have significan saggy skin you will need skin tightening procedure. Liposuction will only make skin saggier. Be encouraged!! Will look wonderful after the Tummy tuck. Dr. Cárdenas

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Good5567,
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

Will a tummy tuck also help with saggy under breasts area? (photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Areas of improvement after TT

Answer: Areas of improvement after TT

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck

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Will a tummy tuck also help with saggy under breasts area? (photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Areas of improvement after TT

Answer: Areas of improvement after TT

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck

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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.