Trying to Decide if I Should Go Through with the Tummy Tuck or Not.. Advice PLEASE!!!!!!!!!

asked 1 year ago by Danielle123 in Niceville FL
Latest answer by Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Question viewed 375 times
Tags: female

I am a 22y/o who had gastric bypass December 31, 2007. I weighed 220 lbs at 5'2. I am down to 145 lbs & have extra skin. I am scheduled to have a mini tummy tuck on October 1st.I have no kids yet, and I do not plan until Im 27 or 28. I just want to be able to to feel pretty and go to the beach in a bikini when I am young. I know once I have a kid it won't bother me as much.5 or 6 years is a long time to wait to be happy.

9 answers to Trying to Decide if I Should Go Through with the Tummy Tuck or Not.. Advice PLEASE!!!!!!!!!

Tummy Tuck......Now or Later?

A full tummy tuck is designed to tighten the skin above the belly button. You do not appear to have that much skin above your belly button. I would recommend Liposuction of your abdomen and waistline and a mini tummy tuck. You can definitely do a full tummy tuck, with or without muscle tightening. It's just more surgery and you may need to repeat it if the day ever comes that you do get pregnant. It is really your choice. Bigger surgery now giving you a better result for the... more

Daniel P. Markmann, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

DiscoverTheBeauty.com

Circumferential belt lipectomy is probably preferred over mini tummy tuck following massive weight loss

In my experience, given the extent of the weight loss, you will not be pleased with the limited results of a mini tummy tuck and high likelihood of resulting dog ears. It is more likely you would see more benefit from a circumferential belt lipectomy.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Recommend abdominoplasty

Most of my bypass patients in your age group have been pleased with an abdominoplasty with modified muscle tightening that will not interfere with pregnancies at a later date. Liposuction does not work as well on these patients because the skin is stretched and has lost elasticity.

Marisa Lawrence, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Excision of extra belly skin may be appropriate before having babies

A full tummy tuck involves tightening of the muscles of the belly wall, and this is definitely not recommended until you are done having babies. However, it is possible to do a mini tummy tuck, only taking out some skin below the belly button in a young woman before pregnancy. It looks from your photo that you have some loose skin in the lower abdomen, and this will probably not tighten up on its own. However, a photo on the internet is not the same as an in person consultation with a... more

Elizabeth Lee, MD
Bay Area Plastic Surgeon

artfulsurgery.com

Tummy Tuck or Not.

NO! You appear to need lipo and or a mini tummy tuck. Or try 20 pound weight loss. These are the options you must decide upon, NOTY a FULL tummy tuck-bad idea. From MIAMI DR. B

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

When uncertain about tummy tuck, best to wait

There is a certain amount of anxiety and anticipation about any cosmetic procedure, though once the right decision is made few patients look back or regret their choice. There are good reasons for you ambivalence because despite your weight loss and relatively loose skin, your photo is quite good. There is little pannus or folding of the skin, and no stretch marks to mar the appearance of your abdomen. The gain from your tummy tuck may not outweigh the detraction of the scar from the... more

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

No regrets with full tummy tuck

Patients are almost universally happy that they decided to have the tummy tuck when they see the results. It is very unlikely though that after the type of weight loss you have had that a mini or lipo alone will do the trick. Of course only the plastic surgeon who has examined you is in a position to make a definitive recommendation, but be sure you are very clear on what the mini can provide vs the full TT.

Richard Baxter, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Liposuction

In your situation I agree with Dr. Rand. You will get a better outcome with a well done HiDef or 3D Liposuction than a Mini Tummy Tuck can afford you. This operation will not interfere with a Tummy Tuck after you complete your family. Dr. Aldea

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Skip the mini tummy tuck

Either do a little liposuction on your flanks or do a full tummy tuck.A mini TT will offer you very little. To get the best result do the full TT. To hedge and do less just do the lipo and get the real TT after kids.