Do I need a tummy tuck? Have loose skin but it's not a major issue for me (Photo)

Thank you for your question and the photo you provided. Based on the image, it is difficult to determine if you have muscle weakness of the rectus abdominis muscle, which is often a key factor in deciding whether a tummy tuck is appropriate. Muscle weakness can occur due to pregnancies or weight fluctuations and often contributes to abdominal bulging or laxity that cannot be addressed through liposuction alone.

If you have both muscle weakness and loose skin, liposuction will remove fat but may leave you with more noticeable hanging skin after the surgery, as liposuction does not address excess skin or muscle separation. On the other hand, a tummy tuck not only removes loose skin but also repairs the underlying muscles (muscle plication), which can provide a flatter and firmer abdominal contour.

The reason your surgeons are likely recommending a tummy tuck is that it ensures a more balanced and cohesive result, especially when combined with fat transfer to the breasts. Without addressing loose skin or muscle issues, you might be left with outcomes that don't fully meet your aesthetic goals.

That said, it’s entirely your decision. If the loose skin and muscle separation are not major concerns for you, you could discuss with your surgeon the possibility of limiting the procedure to liposuction. However, be aware that liposuction alone may not give you the optimal results, and you might require a tummy tuck later to address residual issues.

I encourage you to have an open discussion with a board-certified plastic surgeon to clarify your goals and concerns. This will help you make the most informed choice for your body and desired outcomes.

Sincerely,
J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS

Thank you for the question. No one needs a tummy tuck. If you have extra skin or the muscle separation called diastasis recti, which many moms experience, a TT is a wonderful option to address all the factors at play.

Dear mombod03,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Based on your photo, it looks like you have some extra skin bellow the belly button but you don't have to get TT if you don't want. 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