How Can I Further Improve My Chest And Abdominal Areas After Weight Loss And A Tummy Tuck?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Ten years ago I had a lost 130 pounds. I subsequently regained 40. I now weigh 185 lbs. My chest circumference is 40 inches yet my hips are roughly 32 inches. I had tummy tuck with liposuction about 4+ years ago and I have significant gouging in my left flank. What would be the best procedure to reduce my upper abdomen/ chest area and improve my overall appearance.

A:Thank you for your inquiry and sending all of your pictures. In looking at your goals of chest and upper abdominal reduction your options are:

1) I would take advantage of your prior midline abdominal scar line and do liposuction and further vertical excision of abdominal tissues to reduce the entire abdominal width. (aka vertical tummy tuck) In the original fleur-de-lis 360 degree tummy tuck you had the area of least reduction is in the abdominal areas above the belly button.There is always more tissue to be secondarily removed vertically.

2) The chest area is more challenging but getting the breasts more lifted and medially located with lateral chest wall excision of excess tissue would be of benefit.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana