I had a tummy tuck 4 years ago. How do I fix this skin that still hangs? What caused this? Can I fix it non surgically? (Photo)

Skin often stretches out a bit after a tummy tuck. You just need more skin removed where the scar is.

Hello Chookie78, and thank you for your question regarding the loose skin on your abdomen after a tummy tuck.

From your photos and history, it appears you have residual excess lower abdominal skin. It’s important to note that abdominal evaluations should be done in a standing position since the abdomen cannot be completely flat when sitting. Otherwise, overly tight skin would make standing upright impossible.

The excess skin you are experiencing likely requires a revision tummy tuck to remove it. Non-surgical treatments will not effectively eliminate this amount of loose skin. Based on your description, it is difficult to determine whether the original surgery removed enough skin, but your pictures suggest that an appropriate amount was likely excised at the time.

Your residual excess skin was not caused by post-surgical swelling but is more likely due to the 25-pound weight gain after surgery. Weight gain stretches the skin, and unfortunately, losing the weight again can lead to further skin sagging.

To achieve the best long-term results, it would be ideal for you to reach your goal weight and maintain it before undergoing a revision tummy tuck. Once you have achieved and stabilized your weight, a revision tummy tuck can remove the excess skin and provide a smoother, flatter contour. Dedication to maintaining your weight after surgery will be critical in preserving the results.

I hope this helps clarify the cause of your concerns and provides guidance on your next steps. Best of luck!

Sincerely,
J. Timothy Katzen, MD

Hello; as it seems; you have extensive stretch marks; on your skin. These cracks, unfortunately, cause for the skin; to lose elasticity feature. After Tummy Tuck, when the edema decreases; lower abdominal tension; which is obtained from the surgery; decreases as well. In this way, looseness and wrinkling may occur in the lower abdomen field. In fact, after surgery period, you may have lost weight; causes for the skin; to loosen. If you gain for weight; it makes the skin; look much tighter. Right now, the only thing that can be done is; removing skin from the pubis; you may stretch your lower abdomen downwards.

Dear Chookie78,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

First, lose all the weight you want because you may have loose skin if it is lost after the revision. Second, the lower area could be revised and tightened. Gaining 25 pounds and then losing it could have caused this excess skin.

When seated or bending forward there can be some extra skin. If it is still present when standing then further skin excision can be done to improve your results. Skin can stretch over time and can be impacted by significant weight gain or loss.

Dear Chookie78,
Your photos may be a bit deceiving. Virtually anyone, no matter how thin and fit will have some skin "sag" when in a sitting or bent forward position. Posting some photos of yourself in a standing position would be much more helpful in determining if a tummy tuck revision is in order. Good luck!