Is A Tummy Tuck Right For Me?

Q: I have had 2 c-sections and they were emergency so they cut me the “old” way- and my abs have never recovered.  So my main question would be, what areas will show the differences of before and after?  It seems like I currently have 2 “tubes” around my belly. The top where my abs used to be (and even when I have lost a lot of weight still seemed to appear puffy) and then my belly button kind of creates a line that goes into the bottom innertube.  The idea of a tummy tuck in my head will smooth everything down so I would not have these 2 rolls of fat around my waist as well as the fat that is on my back. Does that sound right?

A: I think you have hit the general concept right on the head. You are right for two specific reasons. First, to get rid of what is not desired between your belly button and the pubic region, it has to be cut out. That is the definition of a full tummy tuck, a horizontal excision of skin and fat that goes just above the belly button. Secondly, the only way to unravel the excess tissue around the belly button is to allow the skin and fat above it to  be stretched down over it, again the definition of a full tummy tuck. The only concept you have in error is the rolls of fat along your waistline and into your back. A tummy tuck will not remove those, only liposuction will. That is why most tummy tucks incorporate liposuction into the flanks area as well to avoid the dreaded ‘muffin tops’ afterwards if it is not done.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana