Upper Abdomen Loose Skin? (photo)

Question

I just underwent an abdominoplasty, panniculectomy, and brachioplasty less than a week ago. Nonetheless the skin where ribs start, just shy of under the breast area on the upper abdomen was not even touched. During my consultation with the surgeon I was told that would be taken care of. I know have a flat tummy and excess skin in that upper abdominal region. What procedure would be appropriate to have the excess skin removed? Wouldnt the abdominoplasty have taken care of that?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

A reverse abdominoplasty after 3 to 6 months could reduce the upper abdominal fullness.  This involves making incisions under the breasts and pulling the loose skin and additional fat out.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Thanks for posting your photo. In all honesty, more photos would be helpful, specially a photo with you standing up. If you just had surgery, I don't think it's a good idea to be evaluating your result as if they are now final - it takes a year typically for a tummy to mature. You also had multiple operations which could increase the swelling and make things look worse. Discuss your concerns with your PS, but remember that the skin of the abdomen can only be tightened up to a certain point. In addition, the natural elasticity of your skin will persist and there is no way to make that completely go away - no matter how tight one pulls. Best wishes - Dr. Aldo.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and picture. The picture  demonstrates what I would consider an unusual result after tummy tuck surgery. Unfortunately, without knowing more information,  is difficult to comment  specifically or fairly.

	 In the event that you find your plastic surgeon is not a board-certified plastic surgeon, you may want to seek additional  opinions (2nd opinions)  with board-certified plastic surgeons in your area.

	 It does seem to me that further surgery will be necessary to address the redundant skin and adipose tissue of the of the upper abdominal wall. Exactly what procedure will work best will depend on direct physical examination.

	 Best wishes.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Unfortunately I can't quite tell what I am looking at in the attached photo. A full torso view, preferably from the front and side would be useful. 

	This looks like it may be a fold of skin in the upper abdomen, and if so, resection with an incision that follows the rib marargin after several months would be the best solution.

	Review your results along with preop photos with your surgeon to make a plan. Best wishes.

Norman Bakshandeh Day, MD, FACS · Answer

There is a lot of loose and hanging skin after large weight loss. This sometimes requires multiple procedures and revisions

Upper Abdomen Loose Skin? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Upper Abdomen Loose Skin?

Answer: Upper Abdomen Loose Skin?

Answer: Loose skin

Answer: Loose skin

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Upper Abdomen Loose Skin? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Upper Abdomen Loose Skin?

Answer: Upper Abdomen Loose Skin?

Answer: Loose skin

Answer: Loose skin

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.