Question:
TUMMY T QUESTION, WILL THE PART ON TOP OF MY BELLY BUTTON GO DOWN?

IF I HAVE A TT WILL THAT ALSO TAKE CARE OF MY AREA ON TOP OF MY BELLY BUTTON? MY WAISTE PART? I HAVE HEARD ALOT OF PEOPLE SAY THAT AFTER A TT THEY HAVE SADDLEBAGS. HOW IS THAT SO IF THEY DISCONNECT THE BELLY BUTTON AND PULL DOWN? YOU WOULD THINK THAT THAT AREA WOULD GO DOWN DURING THAT PROCESS. CAM ANYONE SHEAD SOME LIGHT ON THIS FOR ME? WILL THE TT DO IT FOR ME OR WILL I NEED LIPO FOR THAT AREA? ALSO HOW MUCH EXTRA IS LIPO ON AVERAGE FOR THAT AREA IF I WOULD NEED IT? THANKS EVERYONE    — DBXX (posted on July 30, 2004)

July 30, 2004
Only a plastic surgeon can really answer what will work for you. My experience is that the extended aadominoplasty did dramatically reduce my upper abdomen, though the results are definitely more pronounced below the waist. My plastic surgeon explained that he could not get a perfectly flat upper belly for me just because of the way my underlying mucles structure is laid out. I have no idea how common that is. Even though I still have quite a bit of swelling from the recent surgery, I am going to be quite pleased with the result--I can see that there will be some slight rounding of the upper belly, but not any saggy, loose skin. I think sometimes saddlebags form around the waist if you have a considerable amount of loose skin around the back. An abdominoplasty will remove skin from the front of your body, but the skin in the back will still sag somewhere (into saddlebags). That is why many people have a circumferential lift, which cuts the skin all the way around the body. Lipo is a possibility (I had some around the sides of my breasts, but not lower). Again, a good plastic surgeon can advise you about what will work best for you. We are all built differently, with differing amounts of skin in various places, and so an individual approach should be taken. As for cost, again, it will depend on a number of factors. Many surgeons will do a package deal if you combine several procedures into one surgical event.
   — Vespa R.

July 30, 2004
I'm 13 weeks post op full TT (hip-hip) with muscle repair. I did not have lipo and my tummy from below breast to pubic is flat as a board! I guess it depends on your PS and your body structure. Only 2 pounds was removed, but it made a huge difference and dropped my size from a 4 to a 2 in a matter of 2 weeks. I have had very little swelling from day 1. My PS says the final result will be in 6-8 months. I can't believe it could get better than this...lol I've began working the abs out to get that muscular definition & 6 pk. Can we say "ouch"...those muscles were tightened very tight! Just got a belly ring at 12 weeks post op. I Love It!Plan on exercising post op...... will only make the results that much better. Good luck.
   — Hazel S.

July 30, 2004
i had my tt 10 days ago. i also was very concerned about the upper tummy as well. i was under the impression that it would be heavily lipoed. but the am of surgery the doc said because of blood supply issues that was not possible. the key in my case, sad to admit, is that i never reached goal. i am 5-3 and 180 lbs still. so that is still fat in the area. people who i have chatted with on the yahoo osssg ps board seem to have better upper tummy results if they reached a very low goal and just had skin as opposed to residual fat layer. i debated whether to have the procedure or even try to lose more weight. however i have been at this weight for over a year and a half and the prospect of losing more was pretty unrealistic. i am very happy with the panni removal... that is a drastic improvement. this procedure has given me a jump start on reducing my carbs and portions so i may have some loss in the upper tummy after all. btw, the doc did tighten the muscles under the fat layer in the upper portion, but right now i dont see any visible difference. patsy in las vegas
   — PATSY N.

July 30, 2004
I had a TT w/ MR and a vertical anchor (cut from breast to pube) and then from hip to hip. I am as flat as can be and very happy.
   — Connie M.

July 30, 2004
My PS has told me that he would like to avoid, or minimize the lipo and anchor incision on my abdominoplasty on 8/17. He mentioned, as on of the posters did, that if not truly necessary, not to do either, as blood flow to the areas can me compromised. I am trusting his judgement, but am hoping I will get a satisfactory result. I have no excess skin on my sides and hips, so hopefully by relocating the navel and tightening the muscles this will take care of what I want done. I just don't know why I am more nervous about this surgery than my RNY.
   — Fixnmyself

July 31, 2004
The belly button is repositioned when your tummy is stretched downward. From what I've been told the saddlebags are on the hips.. also called doggie ears an a few other names.
   — smoore_911