Too big for a tummy tuck? (Photo)

Good question. The best way to approach plastic surgery (abdominoplasty) is to get your body ready by reaching your ideal body weight. You should begin an approach to lose weight by dieting and exercise. At the point where you are ready then consider a full abdominoplasty.

You can always get a tummy tuck - it is the result that suffers.  To get a good result you need to have strong core muscles, have minimal intra-abdominal fat (exhibited by upper abdominal wall fullness), and be close to your target weight.  You will get the best result without the need for revisions.

It is best to be in your best shape before cosmetic surgery. Diet and exercise are important in achieving your goals. However if your photos are the best shape you have been in, then we can deal with that. Best to see a board certified plastic surgeon working in a reputable hospital

I think that a bit of weight loss would make for a safer surgery combination and a better result.  I
would search for the board certified plastic surgeon who you feel is
most likely to give you the best results and who performs hundreds of
these procedures each year. I would look at patient reviews as well as
before and after photos on that surgeon's website.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Congratulations on losing weight!Definitely, wait to have a tummy tuck until you are closer to your goal weight. Currently, you appear to have a lot of intra-abdominal fat that will not be touched with a tummy tuck. The results of having a tummy tuck now would be disappointing for you.  You would end up with an abdominal contour that would not be as flat as you desire, and your abdomen would have a roundish appearance. Thanks for sharing, and best of luck to you!

Thank you for your question and posting appropriate pictures. Ideally, diet and exercise should be a part of your plan. I find in my patients there is approximately 15-20% body weight loss after the procedure. In your case, this may be a good range. So as long as you're healthy you may be a candidate after a consultation.

Although
there’s no substitute for good diet and exercise, sometimes there’s only so
much we can do to reverse nature’s cruelties. That’s where science comes in.
No, reshaping your body isn’t as easy as going to the beauty parlor. Surgery is
never 100% risk free and the healing process requires patience and
determination.

It may be safer and a quicker recovery for you to stage the procedures and do
liposuction first to reduce the size of your abdomen before proceeding with a
tummy tuck which has a longer recovery and has more complications, especially in
someone with your weight. Liposuction modifies volume by sucking out fat, and
liposuction candidates need good skin tone. The procedure takes about an hour,
the recovery takes just a couple of days, and there's virtually no scarring. I
use several innovative forms of liposuction, including SmartLipo, in order to
contour and resculpture the area while providing the most beautiful results
with minimal scarring. SmartLipo, used in combination with other forms of
liposuction or alone, is a procedure that uses laser light to liquefy fat and
tighten the surrounding skin. Liposuction as an outpatient procedure under I.V.
sedation can easily reduce the bulge that some people have in their abdomens.
Because liposuction stimulates the skin to tighten, good elasticity provides a
smooth contour after fat is removed.



Once liposuction has been
performed, you may be a better candidate for a tummy tuck. Typical candidates
for a full tummy tuck are women with drooping abdomens after pregnancy, women
and men who've lost a great deal of weight, menopausal women, or older people
with loose skin due to age. In the tummy tuck, the skin from the rib cage down
to the pelvic area is tightened, and the navel is moved up and secured in a new
position. I suggest you make an appointment with a board certified plastic
surgeon who can discuss your surgical options with you.

Thank you for the question and pictures. You will likely be a good candidate for tummy tuck (standard or extended) surgery at some point; definitive advice however would necessitate much more information. Best to do this operation when you are at your long-term stable weight. Doing so will help improve the outcome of the procedure and minimize chances that additional surgery will be necessary subsequently.
Generally speaking, the “ideal” patient for tummy tuck surgery is one who has completed pregnancies, is psycho socially/emotionally/financially stable, has an excellent social support system surrounding him/her, is capable of arranging enough recovery time, does not smoke and who has reached a long-term stable weight.
 When the time is right, seek consultation with well experienced board certified plastic surgeons who can demonstrate significant experience achieving the types of outcomes you would be pleased with. It will be important to educate yourself about the potential risks/complications associated with surgery and have a good idea of realistic expectations. I hope this, and the attached link, helps. Best wishes.

Hi there. Your choice of procedures is great but it's important to be in good health prior to a surgical commitment. Your body mass index should be 29 or below for safe surgery. Keep up with your weight loss goals and a shapel new body may be in your future. Best wishes to you. Dr. Burnett 

It is best that you get as close to your ideal weight as possible before undergoing a tummy tuck. Weight loss after the fact would minimize the effect of the tuck and make it seem "not worth it". Once you've gotten closer to your target weight, I recommend that you visit with a board-certified plastic surgeon to evaluate you for both procedures. Good luck.