Am I a good candidate for Liposuction or Tummy Tuck?

I have lost 20 lbs. since January (starting wt: 164lbs) but lost only one inch on the belly. I'm 30 years old, non-smoker, 5'2", 145 lbs, currently with a 38A bust, (33 in. ribs - 35 in. belly button - 38 in. fattest part - 37 in hips.)

Everyone has asked when my baby is due for years. I am so frustrated. I am sticking with my diet (1400-1600 cal) on which I lose between 1-2 lbs a week and hope to drop more weight naturally.

How much could I realistically get rid of with a tummy tuck or liposuction? Am I even a good candidate?

Am I a good candidate for Liposuction or Tummy Tuck?

4 answers to “Am I a good candidate for...”

A: Tummy tuck will give you the results you want

By Robert B. Pollack, MD - San Diego Plastic Surgeon

You would be a good candidate for tummy tuck. This will tighten the loose skin, tighten the muscles (like a corset) and remove any excess fat that is present. You can expect to have a flat and probably even a concave stomach afterwards. No one will think you are pregnant after a tummy tuck. Hope this helps.

A: Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction

By Steven H. Williams, MD - Bay Area Plastic Surgeon

Thank you for your question - From the picture it appears that it is likely you will need an abdominoplasty. The way to think about the process is to consider the following parts of your abdominal contour: Intra-abdominal contents (organs, bone) - this part you can't change Muscle separation - Separated... more

A: You will need a tummy tuck

By Richard P. Rand, MD - Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Keep working on the weight loss plan and get down as far as is reasonable. Then go to an excellent Board Certified plastic surgeon for an evaluation. From your photos, it looks as though you have dramatically lax abdominal muscles and this would only be improved by a tummy tuck. When the... more

A: Candidates for Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

By Otto Joseph Placik, MD - Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Thank you for the detailed info. It appears that you have significant muscle laxity which would not be treated with liposuction alone. However, you skin seems to be in relatively good shape. You should first determine if you have a diastasis recti (muscle gap). Lay on the floor with your hands at your sides.... more

Comments (1)

tailscw
2 posts
26 Mar 2009

Thanks for the responses! I perhaps do have some laxity. With the half sit-up test, I didn't feel a valley. When flexed, all over I could squish into fat/skin to seemingly firm muscle underneath. Is this likely subcutaneous fat? At the fattest part below my belly button my finger tips dent in about an inch and a half, right below my sternum, they barely dent in my skin 1/4 inch. I can grab my low belly and "pinch an inch" plus some before I feel the muscle underneath when flexed. I will stick with the diet then make an appointment in the St. Louis area.