Do I need a tummy tuck or is there a non-invasive procedure to tighten up my skin in the middle of my tummy? (photos)

Question

I am 33 years old, 5'4, and 180lbs.

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, you look like a great candidate for a tummy tuck, muscle repair and liposuction 360.  A full tummy tuck would remove excess skin and fat to give you that hourglass figure you desire.  Discuss your options with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Jules Feledy, Jr., MD · Answer

Hello! Your photos indicate that there is skin laxity, excess volume, and outpoutching of the abdominal wall - all that suggest that you would benefit from a full TT. Please do waste your hard-earned money on non-invasive and minimally effective procedures. A Full TT will release the skin above your belly button and allow for abdominal wall tightening from the upper abdomen to the pubis. It is going to give you the most mid-abdominal tightening. It also allows the upper abdominal skin to be pulled down and consequently the lower abdominal skin is maximally removed. Best of luck! Jules A Feledy, Jr, MD American Board of Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgery

Jose A. Munoz, MD · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!From your photos, I note a relatively full abdomen, full flanks, significant stretch marks associated with lax skin and soft tissue of the abdomen, a transverse suprapubic scar, and a anterior midline vertical infraumbilical scar or crease. The relationship between weight and height may be of value. BMI, or body mass index (weight in kg / square of height in meters) is one criterion to determine the results of a cosmetic surgery. You can find BMI calculators on the internet. If your BMI is greater than 30, the cosmetic result will not be optimal. If your BMI is greater than 35, your operative risk will rise. Stretch marks indicate the presence of permanently damaged overstretched skin usually occurring during pregnancy or significant weight fluctuation where when pregnant or heavy, the skin's dermal elastic fibers rupture, resulting in the loss of elasticity and the development of streaks on the skin surface. The skin will stretch over a greater surface area and will predispose to sagging.One may consider an abdominoplasty with liposuction of the flanks. The procedure will tighten and flatten the abdominal wall, remove stretched out hanging skin and soft tissue, and lessen fullness of the flanks. The extent of the problem exceeds the limits of non-surgical options.Visit a board certified plastic surgeon for evaluation, examination, and discussion.Best wishes.

Miguel Mota, MD · Answer

Hi! There are many none-invasive procedures or products that help tighten the skin. Some of these work, but not on all patients. Most patients that need a Tummy Tuck, will not get good results with these procedures. 
A TT is the only procedure that helps gets rid of excess skin and fat, while tightening the abdominal wall with muscle repair. Unfortunately you have all of these issues. This means you need tummy tuck to have meaningful results. 
Please don’t fall for gimmicks. It will be a wast of your time and money.
  
Best wishes,
Dr. Miguel Mota

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

If you are not planning future pregnancies, I recommend abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement. The mesh creates a more hourglass figure by compressing the abdominal wall resulting in early satiety and helps maintain a reduced weight.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear sammy1988,
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

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

The only worthwhile option for you is a full tummy tuck. There are plenty of noninvasive procedures that are out there but they all have one thing in common. They don't work

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. A tummy tuck is likely your best option based on these photos. It can be done through a very low incision and remove all the excess skin. I hope this helps.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and series of photographs. Nothing replaces an in-person examination, but I think you would most benefit from a full tummy tuck and liposuction of your waist and flanks. The tummy tuck will tighten your stomach muscles, helping to achieve a flatter appearance, while removing excess skin and adipose tissue. Liposuction can be used to enhance your tummy tuck results by narrowing your waist and removing isolated areas of diet and exercise resistant fat. I would favor the full approach because it appears that your skin and muscle laxity is present above and below your belly button. Hope that this helps

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From your photos your concerns would be best addressed by a full tummy tuck with liposuction for contouring.  This would address loose skin and fat in front of the abdominal wall.  Any muscle separation can be corrected as well.  See a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Do I need a tummy tuck or is there a non-invasive procedure to tighten up my skin in the middle of my tummy? (photos)

Answers (12)

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