Answers
"I am a 63 year old black female and I am considering having a breast lift and a tummy tuck. I’ve had lap band and now have a huge amount of excess skin hanging from my stomach. I want the skin removed; however, if it is too much for the tummy tuck to take care of, what are my other options?"
— Michael C. Edwards, MD
Las Vegas, NV
Thanks for your question. I can answer you in general terms but your best plan would be to meet in consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon where they can go over carefully your concerns and thoroughly review your past medical history. Next you would undergo a focused examination and then your plastic surgeon can help you decide on a safe plan of action to help you reach your goals. First and foremost your safety has to be considered. By this I mean, would it be safe for you to have a breast and abdominal procedure at the same time or would they best be accomplished at individual surgeries.
In the patient who has lost weight from a lap band procedure, it is not uncommon that there be excess skin as you lose weight. You will want your weight to be at a stable place for anywhere from 3 to 6 months prior to having any surgery. Some surgeons may have you wait a little longer to be sure. A breast lift or mastopexy is a commonly requested operation in the weight loss patient and depending on the degree of skin laxity you have, there will be various incisions and subsequent scars around a smaller areola, down the middle and quite likely under the fold of the breast. There are different techniques and the plastic surgeon you consult with can explain what they feel will be best for you. In terms of your abdomen, the same points are true. The matter to be decided upon is will you benefit from a tightening of the skin all the way around your back, called a body lift procedure. Some patients can start with a tummy tuck and see what they think of their results after they have properly healed. In many cases this is all the patient needs.
These are really the best surgical options for you to consider. I recommend that you make an appointment to see a board-certified plastic surgeon and bring any and all questions you have written down to ensure you get the most out of your appointment.
