Thinking about Tummy Tuck

after having two kids my middriff isn't the same.  i'm considering a tummy tuck but would like to know first if it is loose skin or just fat?  i've link a few photos.  i would really like to avoid surgery if i can.  

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1398/5704201/18321350/288620995.jpg
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1398/5704201/18321350/288620992.jpg
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1398/5704201/18321350/288620987.jpg

thanks for the help!

[Howard Rosenberg, MD]

In my opinion, liposuction will provide limited improvement in in contour, but will not tighten the loose skin about your belly button and risks some irregularity or rippling.  A tummy tuck will definitely improve your contour, the skin about you rbelly button and the appeaance of the belly button itself.  However, it is a bigger procedure and requires a large transverse lower abdominal scar.  External treatments like Thermage have been used to tighten skin, but the results are far from dramatic and are unpredictable.  If you are willing to accept the lower abdominal scar, then a tummy tuck is your best alternative.