Best Abdominal Contouring Procedure
From what I can see, you would best benefit from a tummy tuck. Your skin looks like it is lacking elasticity, you appear to have a C-section scar that is adherent with skin/fat falling over it, and it appears that the abdominal strength layer is weakened.
On the other hand, 6 months from delivery is not that long, and you should try to get into your best shape possible before any surgery.
Remember that cosmetic surgery is elective, and you may also choose to not have surgery. (Scott E. Kasden, MD, Dallas Plastic Surgeon)
To tummy tuck or not tummy tuck?
Your question is one I hear every day from patients wanting a quick fix. If I were you, I would not fear the abdominal tummy tuck as much as spending a lot of money on something else which wouldn’t give me nearly the result that the tummy tuck would.
The presence of stretch marks is evidence that your skin does not have good elasticity and will not shrink well after liposuction. Liposuction does not get rid of loose skin. We in plastic surgery have seen all kinds of things touted to non-invasively tighten skin. If they worked, we would all be using them.
Do see a reputable board certified plastic surgeon, who will give you honest answers. (Paul W. Loewenstein, MD, Milwaukee Plastic Surgeon)
You “need” an abdominoplasty
Based on your photos an abdominoplasty would likely give you the best results. You have a lot of skin laxity. Don’t cheat yourself with something lesser. (James E. Chappell, MD, Baltimore Plastic Surgeon)
Tummy Tuck is Only Option For Loose Abdominal Skin
Unfortunately what you fear the most is exactly what you need a tummy tuck. Your main problem is loose skin which liposuction can not improve with the amount that you have. (Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD, Indianapolis Plastic Surgeon)
Is a Abdominal tummy tuck the Only Option?
This is a great question and thank you for the helpful photos. Without a doubt the best surgical option for you is a abdominal tummy tuck with additional liposuction for better contouring around the hips and thighs.
I know you are worried about the tummy tuck surgery, but liposuction alone will leave you with hanging loose skin that you will hate. In order to make your surgery less scary, choose a surgeon who makes you comfortable, explains the procedure well, uses professional anesthesiologists and shows you pictures of what to expect. This will help ease your fears and allow you to visualize your ultimate results. You will look great, just make sure you are done having children first. (Erez Sternberg, MD, Jacksonville Plastic Surgeon)
Liposuction And Tummy Tuck For Abdominal Contouring
Liposuction is the permanent removal of undesired fat deposits using a cannula with a vacuum to aspirate the fat. It can be an excellent procedure to remove unwanted fat deposits and improve any body contour. Liposuction is ideally used to treat excess fat in patients who do not have excess skin, so that the post-operative contour is improved.
The best candidates have a normal weight with isolated fatty areas and reasonable skin quality and elasticity. If the skin quality is good and elastic, then one would expect to see contraction and reshaping of the skin following liposuction surgery. As skin quality becomes more lax this post-operative improvement is more difficult to achieve. If there is significant laxity in the skin then an excisional contouring procedure may be a better option. The best candidates for a tummy tuck have some combination of loose and excess abdominal skin, with a protruding abdomen, and weakened abdominal muscles/fascia.
The full tummy tuck involves removal of excess skin and fat from the abdomen and waistline, as well as muscle tightening. Patients achieve a slimmer, more youthful appearance without the tummy fullness; stretch marks in the lower abdomen are removed, while stretch marks in the upper abdomen are moved to a lower position.
A mini tummy tuck usually involves removing a smaller amount of skin in the lower central abdomen, and no muscle plication is used. There are few women who are actually true ideal candidates for a mini-tummy tuck. Sometimes liposuction is combined with abdominal tummy tuck surgery to provide better contouring. To be a candidate for a tummy tuck, you need to be finished having children.
Your post-pregnancy pictures show some increased fullness in the lower abdomen but, without an exam, it is difficult to know exactly what contribution excess fat versus fascial laxity plays in your appearance. Because you have many stretch marks and the skin has lost elasticity, liposuction will likely leave you with more loose skin and wrinkling than you have currently.
A procedure that involves skin excision will tighten the skin, and is probably necessary for a satisfactory result. Following a thorough exam, more specific recommendations can be made about exactly what surgical procedure(s) will benefit you the most. (Kenneth Dembny, II, MD, Milwaukee Plastic Surgeon)
Is a Abdominoplasty the Only Option?
No, it is not, first you have only 6 month after delivering, you need more time, use this time to begin a diet, and to training. Six month later, your body will be different, and may be have a solution with a lipoplasty. (Maria Cristina Picon, MD)