Tummy Pooch
A “tummy pooch” or bulge in the abdomen is one of the most common issues leading patients to seek plastic surgery with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Emily Kirby. Even with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and normal body weight, it is common to develop a protruding belly due to pregnancy, aging, changes in weight, genetics, or previous surgery.
There are several procedures that can smooth and refine the abdominal area, and the procedure that is right for your needs will depend on whether you have stretched abdominal muscles, a hernia, sagging skin, and/or stubborn abdominal fat.
Diastasis recti (widened abdominal muscles)
Diastasis recti occurs when the abdominal muscles are stretched beyond their ability to naturally reform, usually during pregnancy or after significant weight gain. The muscles separate and widen along the vertical midline of the abdomen and are unable to fully return together, leading to a visible bulge of the tissues and symptoms like lower back pain, digestive issues, and stress urinary incontinence. While ab workouts are excellent for maintaining muscle fitness, there is no exercise routine that will physically bring the muscles back together.
Tummy tuck
If you have stretched, widened abdominal muscles after childbearing or after significant weight fluctuations, then a tummy tuck (also known as abdominoplasty) is the only procedure that can fully restore these muscles to their correct anatomical position. An incision is placed along the lower abdomen, from side to side. Muscles are brought together along the midline of the abdomen, excess skin is removed, and the skin is re-draped and sutured to provide a toned, smooth result and to improve related symptoms. Small umbilical, ventral, or incisional hernias may be repaired during this procedure, as well.
Sagging skin
Skin elasticity, or the skin’s ability to “bounce back” when stretched, declines as we age, and the body produces less collagen and elastin over time. Pregnancy and weight fluctuations may stretch the skin to the degree that it does not return to its original state after these changes. Options to address stretched skin on the abdomen include a tummy tuck, mini tummy tuck, or Morpheus8 RF microneedling.
Tummy tuck
A tummy tuck tightens skin both above and below the belly button through an incision placed along the lower abdomen, where future scars are hidden by most underwear and swimsuits. A tummy tuck also contours the shape of the abdominal wall and flank areas and restores widened abdominal muscles for a comprehensive result.
Mini tummy tuck
If you have sagging skin only below the belly button, then a mini tummy tuck may be sufficient to address your concerns. A mini tummy tuck incision is shorter than that of a full tummy tuck, and this procedure does not tighten the abdominal muscles above the belly button.
Morpheus8 RF microneedling
For patients with a very mild amount of loose skin or stretch marks, Morpheus8 RF microneedling is a skin treatment that can provide moderate skin tightening (and mild fat reduction) without surgical downtime or incisions. While stretch marks are permanent scars, they can be treated to improve the appearance.
Stubborn abdominal fat
Diet- and exercise-resistant fat deposits may be the result of genetics, hormones, and lifestyle. If you have a tummy pooch due to stubborn fat, liposuction or CoolSculpting may address your needs.
Liposuction
Liposuction removes fat stored under the skin by using a hollow cannula attached to suction. Patients may undergo liposuction with either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. During surgery, Dr. Kirby customizes the amount of fat removed and areas treated to meet your goals. Liposuction is commonly performed in the abdominal wall, the flanks (love handles), banana rolls, saddle bags, and thighs. Upper arms, back, and neck are other popular areas treated.
Liposuction is ideal for patients who want a long-term solution to stubborn fat deposits in one procedure and who are prepared for the trade-off of some downtime during surgical recovery. Ideal candidates have good skin elasticity and few (or no) stretch marks.
CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting is a non-surgical fat reduction technique that targets stubborn fat deposits with controlled cooling. The cold temperature triggers a natural cell death process in a certain percentage of fat cells during each treatment. Fat cells gradually disappear in the weeks after treatment, with most patients desiring 3 or more CoolSculpting sessions to fine-tune results. Non-invasive fat reduction requires no downtime and can be performed without anesthesia of any kind on your lunch break.
Good candidates for CoolSculpting are prepared to invest in several treatment sessions over time to achieve their body contouring goals. Areas treated should have good skin elasticity for optimal results.
Female Plastic Surgeon Fort Worth
- Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
- Over 12 years of experience in private practice
- Founder and Medical Director of Kirby Plastic Surgery, Kalos Medical Spa, and City Surgery Center—a Quad A-accredited, state-of-the-art facility located onsite
- Specialist in breast surgery and body contouring, including postpartum
- Castle Connolly Top Doctor since 2019
- First female Chief of Plastic Surgery, Texas Health Resources Harris Methodist Hospital
