Tummy Tuck for Skin, Fat, and Stretch Marks After Pregnancy? Doctor Answers, Tips
Tummy Tuck: Q&A
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Tummy Tuck for Skin, Fat, and Stretch Marks After Pregnancy?

I'm 5'11 and 249 lbs. After pregnancy, I have a hanging mass of skin, fat, and stretch marks. I went from 186 lbs to 277 lbs. I have zero elasticity, and 1 week after I had my daughter, I had dropped from 277 lbs to 231 lbs. I am still overweight and currently trying to lose the weight, but I have this hanging mass on my stomach of stretch marks and fat. It's horrific.

I want a tummy tuck and have done a lot of research, but how much will it cost me? How much do I need to lose before I should have the surgery? I don't accept blood at all, is that a concern?

21 Doctor Answers | Asked by Peachy22 in Arkansas
+2

You should be at your ideal weight and fitness level before Mommy Makeover

For any Mom considering Plastic Surgery such as a "mommy makeover", I always advise women to achieve their weight loss goals prior to seriously considering surgery. You should have lost as much weight as you feel is reasonably realistic, be physically fit, and have healthy nutrition as part of your lifestyle. There should also be "calmness" in your personal and/or professional life. Chaos is never a good fit with surgery! Most Moms seek a full abdominoplasty... more
+2

Tummy tuck best option after pregnancy

First, I'm assuming that you are done having children. If you plan on having more children soon, it may be better to wait until you are done having children before you have the tummy tuck. You will get the best result if you get as close to your "ideal" weight before having the tummy tuck. What is "ideal" isn't obvious. Your current BMI is over 34. This is considered obese. To get below 30, you would need to be 215 pounds or less. You need to find the weight where you... more
+2

Tummy tuck after pregnancy

Thanks for posting the picture - it is very helpful. While you could have the surgery now, it would be best for you to loose weight prior to surgery to maximize your results. The stretch marks below your belly button will be gone and possibly even those a couple inches above your belly button as well. Prices vary from city to city and between surgeons. You are looking at anywhere between $8000 and $20,000 or more depending where you go and if you need to spend a night in the... more

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+2

Tummy Tuck after Pregnancy

It would be ideal for you to be in close range of the weight you are comfortable at. Within in range means around 10 lbs. As far as cost goes, I dont know where you are from but it really depends on the state and even then on the region within your state. But you are looking at around $8-10,000. Big range but it just depends on the surgeon and area again. As far as not accepting blood, that is not of concern. There is minimal blood loss during an abdominoplasty procedure. Good luck. more
+2

Tummy Tuck in D.C.

Several things will determine the best timing for your tummy tuck surgery. If you only recently delivered, then the welfare of you baby needs to come first whether that involved breast feeding or just being physically able to care for her. During this time you should try to lose weight hopefully returning to near your pre-pregnancy weight. Sometimes this is unrealistic in which case you want to return to a stable weight. Once your weight has stabilized and you are sure you want no more... more
+2

Tummy tuck for skin, fat, and stretch marks

Hi, a tummy tuck will remove all of the skin, fat, and stretch marks below your belly button. This will also tighten your muscles and flatten your abdomen. The stretch marks above your belly button will not be removed, but they may appear less prominent after surgery since the skin will be pulled tight. You will have a much better result and an easier recovery if you are able to get closer to your target weight prior to surgery. Good luck, /nsn.
+2

Look at your BMI - you are34

Right now, your weight and height put you in the obese category. If you want a good result from a tummy tuck you must loose weight and get below 200 lbs. Then we can remove the excess skin and fat and you will look great. The price of this depends on where you live, In the NY region it is in the $10,000 range.
+2

Tummy tuck for a "Mommy Makeover"

It appears as though you are a fantastic candidate for a tummy tuck! The cost is around $7,000 and blood transfusions are extremely rare for a tummy tuck. Concerning weight loss, if you're planning on losing a lot more wait for any procedure as you may get more hanging skin after the weight loss. Therefore, make sure your weight is stable for 3 months and then consider a tummy tuck. Check out some before and after pictures to get an idea of what you can expect from the procedure. more
+2

You are a very good candidate for tummy tuck surgery

I would recommend to you that you get as close to your "ideal" body weight as you can prior to surgery. This will give you a better long term result. Your stretch marks cannot be removed completely but you will have significant fat removal and tightening of the muscles. Prices vary by physician and region and you should get multiple consultations to determine price and to meet your proposed physician. Not accepting blood is concerning as your chances of needing blood are far below... more
+2

Removal of stretch marks with a tummy tuck

You should always try to lose weight before a tummy tuck as the results will most likely change with weight loss. Usually the skin will loosen as the patient loses weight. Consider losing abour 40 Lbs given your height. You will lose some of your stretch marks with a tummy tuck but not all. The stretch marks below the belly button will be removed. with an additional incision the stretch marks in the middle abdomen will also be removed. The stretch marks that are on the upper abdominal sides... more
+1

Tummy tuck post pregnancy

Hello. I usually recommend you get to your goal weight before you decide on moving forward with your surgery. You will achieve the best results if you do so. Also, very important to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in the tummy tuck procedure. Best of luck to you.
+1

Proper physical condition for a tummy tuck

It is important to be within 10-20 pounds of your proper weight before having a tummy tuck. That way you will get the best result and it won't become lax again which could happen if you lost more that 20-30 pounds of weight after surgery. It would be exceptionally rare to need blood for a tummy tuck but you should discuss this with your surgeon and sign the necessary waivers.
+1

Best to be close to ideal weight for best Tummy Tuck results

You have brought up an important question regarding weight and body contouring surgery. As a patient, you are going to spend several thousand dollars to have this procedure. Therefore, why not try to achieve the best result possible? The ideal candidate for a tummy tuck procedure is at or near their ideal body weight. You can find your ideal weight range for you height by looking at Body Mass Index charts, which are readily available on-line. However, I have achieved very good results with... more
+1

Great Tummy Tuck candidate if you lose another 40 lbs

You are a great candidate for a full tummy tuck. BUT after you loss another 40 pounds. The range of costs is from $6500 to $10,000. As for blood transfusions it is not very common to transfuse in a tummy tuck. I hope I have addressed all your concerns. Good Luck.
+1

"Mommy Makeover" of the abdomen

Based on your photo, I think if you get just a bit closer to your ideal weight, I think you would be a great candidate for a tummy tuck-- this is usually a part of the mommy makeover, which also addresses the breasts and any extra pockets of fat that need contouring. You may only want to have the tummy tuck, which is perfectly fine and I think you would have a nice result. Prices vary based on area of the country and surgeon, but you should plan on 3 fees: the surgeon's fee (varies... more
+1

Mommy Makeover

Peachy, You are a perfect candidate for a tummy tuck. As mentioned, you should lose more weight (another 25-30 lbs.) first to maximize your results and minimize your risks. It is EXTREMELY rare to require a blood transfusion for a tummy tuck these days. Costs can range widely depending on where you live and which surgeon you see. Get a few consults to get an idea of prices in your area. Good luck!
+1

Tummy tuck will dramatically re-shape your abdominal wall

Hi, Your assessment of your abdominal wall elasticity seems right on. Stretch marks are a sign of irreversible skin injury - the only really effective treatment is removing them. A tummy tuck will allow for removal of the extra skin and fat of the abdominal wall, as well as significant muscle tightening. The stretch marks which would be removed are essentially those between the belly button and pubic region; most of those above the belly button would still remain. Given your height of... more
+1

Tummy Tuck

You need to get back to your before pregnancy weight, or a close to as you can. That will make possible the best result. The cost for an abdominoplasty will vary depending on the geographical area of the country. In the midwest the cost will be between 6 and 8 thousand dollars. When choosing your surgeon remember that being board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery assure you of the proper training of your surgeon.
+1

Weight loss and Tummy Tuck will give terrific results

At the time of surgery, patients should be at their ideal weight. Sometimes, this is signficantly more than their primary care doctors tells them. I try to be realistic with my patients. While they might be most healthy at 135 pounds, that weight may not achievable. So, we accept 186 pounds. I suspect that, at the time, Peachy, that you return to 186 pounds, your stretch marks will actually be worse. Sorry to be a jerk, but the fat in your tummy is "inflating" the skin, so that it... more
+1

Weight loss for tummy tuck after child birth

You need to determine what your target weight- the weight you can achieve and maintain.  You should be within about 10 lbs of that weight before you consider tt.  Although it is unusual to require blood transfusion, it may be needed and so you must be open to that possibility.
+1

Don't have a tummy tuck until you lose the weight.

You have to lose the weight. Youwill need a tummy tuck, but the result will be so much better after you lose weight. Just stop eating. Stop eating. Eat less and very healthy. There's no short cut.. No easy way. Surgery's not the answer. You can lose 3 pounds a week. Soit will take3-4 months of heavy diet. Then have your tummy tuck. You'll look much, much better.
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