I have numerous scars on my abdomen from previous operations and am thinking about a tummy tuck. Thing is, I don’t want any more scars and I have seen some pictures where the woman has a scar from hip to hip. I am not a big woman — 128 lbs. Maybe a bit less. What are my best options? Yes, I do smoke though not heavily, 6 or less a day. I have been trying to quit. Regards.

I am not a large woman, but I did have two c-sections that left me with loose, hanging skin below my belly button — also referred to as a kangaroo pouch. I need to know which procedure would be right for me, the mini tuck or the dermolipectomy. I need something with little pain and short recovery time. Thank you.

A tummy tuck is one of the most effective ways to tighten your stomach if you suffer from loose or sagging skin, stretch marks, excess fat tissue, or muscle separation, all usually caused by a significant weight loss or pregnancy. In these situations, exercise such as sit ups or crunches cannot help, and liposuction can only remove excess fat.  A tummy tuck, mini tummy tuck, or dermatolipectomy can address these symptoms.

What is  a tummy tuck?

Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin, and in most cases restores weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer.  A full tummy tuck improves both the upper and lower abdomen and removes excess skin below the belly button. A tummy tuck may be performed with other cosmetic procedures such as liposuction or a body lift to achieve fat loss or firmness in other areas of your body.

Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging. The most common causes of this unsightly image may include:

•    Pregnancy
•    Aging
•    Significant fluctuations in weight
•    Heredity
•    Prior surgery

What are the benefits of a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck addresses three areas of the abdomen: the skin, fat, and muscle. A tummy tuck can improve the appearance of the stomach area by eliminating loose skin, removing stretch marks below the belly button, removing fat tissue in the lower abdomen, and tightening the abdominal wall muscles.

Patients can also opt to have a mini tummy tuck or a dermatolipectomy. A mini tummy tuck can be performed on women who have a pouch below the belly button, but no loose skin or stretch marks. A dermatolipectomy is a procedure that only removes loose skin, but does not remove fat or tighten muscle.

If you are considering a tummy tuck, you should take the time to assess your personal situation and select the procedure and surgeon that is right for you. A tummy tuck can significantly improve the appearance of the abdomen skin and muscle tone when exercise isn’t working.  A tummy tuck should not be used as an alternative to weight loss.

While she loves being a mom, this 34-year-old patient did not love the saggy, loose stomach that pregnancy gave her. A tummy tuck took care of the loose skin and tightened the muscles, too. Recovery was about 2-6 weeks. She now has a taut, flat stomach and a more defined waist.

Photos courtesy Dr. William P. Adams, Jr., MD