Can a tummy tuck be done where the skin under the belly button isn't cut? (Photos)

Question

I have no single stretch mark under the belly button, this area what wil be cutted when a tummy truck will be done. But I have 1000 stretch marks above belly button. I don't want to cut my stretch mark free skin to have after the tummy truck the whole body with stretch marks. Can be done a tummy truck where the skin under the belly button won't be cutted?

Lane Smith, MD · Answer

Seek the advice of more than one surgeon who is very experienced in body contouring surgery.  You might be a candidate for diet and exercise, lipocontouring, and a tummy tuck to deal with relaxed muscles and excess skin.  You could very well be a candidate for a “reverse” tummy tuck.  Don't be hasty.  Do your homework to increase your odds in being happy with the result.

Wess Cohen, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. There is a procedure called a reverse tummy tuck that lifts the skin with incisions under the breast. However, this procedure does not yield as powerful of a result as a traditional tummy tuck And it’s done for people with very slight excess skin above their belly button. The best option for you would be a traditional tummy tuck. Different non-invasive procedures such as laser may reduce the stretch marks. Good luck.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From your photo it appears the standard incisions will give you the best results.  That will involve removing the skin from level of the belly button down.  The skin that is above the belly button will be moved down to meet the low incision.  There is not a tummy tuck approach that would remove the skin above the belly button to preserve the area below it.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Dirk99608,
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

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

A good option for you is a mini tuck where no incision is made around the belly button. With your old gall bladder scar, this will be safer for you.  Removing skin with the reverse tummy tuck is not a good option for you because of limited circulation of the skin from your old scar. I would consider doing liposuction first.

Can a tummy tuck be done where the skin under the belly button isn't cut? (Photos)

Answers (10)

Answer: Tummy tuck candidate

Answer: Tummy tuck candidate

Answer: Tuck

Answer: Tuck

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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Can a tummy tuck be done where the skin under the belly button isn't cut? (Photos)

Answers (10)

Answer: Tummy tuck candidate

Answer: Tummy tuck candidate

Answer: Tuck

Answer: 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.