Tummy Tuck: Prices, Photos, Reviews, Info, Q&A

What Are the Chances for a Successful Tummy Tuck?

There are a number of issues that need to be determined in order to get the best result possible. First, the possibility an abdominal wall hernia needs to be decided.

This requires an examination and maybe even a CT scan to determine. If one is present, it needs to be corrected before or at the time of surgery and may require the assistance of a general surgeon.

Second, exactly where you are storing the excess fat; is it under the skin but above the muscle or below the muscle. Above the muscle will be corrected with a tummy tuck.

Below the muscle requires weight loss before proceeding. If you are a candidate to proceed with a tummy tuck, you will need repair of the abdominal muscle seperation and then removal of the excess skin.

Successful tummy tuck photo

If this is possible, you should be able to obtain a very nice result with a tummy tuck. Please consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can start the process of addressing the above issues and getting you started. (Herluf G. Lund, Jr, MD, Saint Louis Plastic Surgeon)

If, when you lie flat on your back, your stomach sinks in from your rib cage, you can get a nice result with tummy tuck including abdominal wall repair. If your stomach sticks up further than your ribcage, you must lose weight firtst. (Ronald V. DeMars, MD, Portland Plastic Surgeon)

Tummy tuck success

I want to assure you that your abdomen is not unique and is similar to patients I see every week. Abdominoplasty is a highly successful procedure with marked patient satisfaction. You would benefit from the procedure. See a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss the procedure and for a comprehensive exam. (Robert L. Kraft, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)

Tummy tuck or mommy make over after c section

Successful tummy tuck patient’s photo

You appear to have significant muscle and fascia laxity which is repaired when a tummy tuck is performed. As long as your tummy is flat when you lay on your back you should be in good shape. If your belly button is involved and you have a hernia in this area then be prepared that your surgeon may need to remove your belly button to get the best repair. Your doctor can re create a new belly button as a short out patient procedure several weeks or months after surgery if you desire it. (Gregory Lynam, MD, Richmond Plastic Surgeon)

Your pictures show abdominal wall that is separated and stretched. You will need have this repaired. It is possible, but will require that you follow strict post-surgical instructions not to perform any strenuous physical activity that may tear apart the repair. We use quill sutures, specialized barbed suture, for this purpose and have found it to be an excellent tool for this purpose. (Martin Jugenburg, MD, Toronto Plastic Surgeon)

Tummy Tuck Successful for Me?

Successful tummy tuck surgery

If your abdominal wall is soft, with redundancy (easily determined on examination), your profile and loose bulging abdominal wall can be improved dramatically with tummy tuck. If your abdomen is tense, you will likely benefit more from tummy tuck after weight loss. The difference is omental and mesenteric (as well as subcutaneous) fat. Can differentiate these possibilities on physical exam. (Steve Laverson, MD, San Diego Plastic Surgeon)

You appear to have significant diastasis recti. Your abdominal muscles have migrated apart lending to the “bulging” of the lower abdomen. Its fairly common. In addition you may have a small umbilical hernia by the look of your belly button.

Successful tummy tuck before photo

I dont know your health history and you should be properly examined by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon prior to any surgery to verify that you are a safe candidate.

Depending on what your plastic surgeon discovers on your exam you may need a mesh reinforcement of the abdominal wall in addition to the plication that normally occurs. This is because the tissue can become very attenuated (fragile) and the tissue may pull through the stitches and separate. Its often difficult to get the flatness you probably want relying only on the plication.

belly for Successful tummy tuck

Additionally when you plicate such a large distance your belly button may be in danger of loosing its blood supply so make sure to ask your surgeon about the belly button. I have attached a video below which demonstrates plication of the abdomen and the significant impact it can have on the result. (W. Thomas McClellan, MD, FACS, Morgantown Plastic Surgeon)

You have a significant abdominal diastasis that involves your fascia from below the umbilicus to a point just below your xiphoid. Abdominoplasty will address this fascial weakness and relocate your rectus muscles to the midline where they can function more efficiently.

In addition, the stretched out skin below your belly button will be removed. Your belly button can usually be preserved with this repair. (Stephen M. Chen, MD, Richmond Plastic Surgeon)

Your abdominal wall including your abdominal muscles and the fibrous tissue that surrounds them are very stretched out from childbirth. You have diastasis recti which means that your abdominal muscles have separated. This can be repaired during a tummy tuck. You should get a very nice result. Make sure to visit at least 2 board certified Plastic Surgeons in your area. (Laurence Weider, MD, Dallas Plastic Surgeon)