Will a Tummy Tuck Work for Me?

I'm 23 years old and have had 2 children and been overweight my entire life. I had my first daughter via c-section which left me with a "kangaroo pouch" as I like to call it. It also left me with a protruding bulge above my belly button. I used to weigh 320 pounds, but have currently lost 80 putting me at 240 pounds. I set a goal of 160 pounds. Once lose all my weight, will a tummy tuck solve my stomach problems or will I need something extra to go along with it?

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11 Doctor Answers | Asked by Em7306 in Knoxville, TN

Doctor Answers (11)
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Tummy tuck or not

Hi, You are motivated and need a mommy makeover. Keep up the goals that you can achieve with the weight loss and look forward to your plastic surgeon doing the rest. That kangaroo pouch is a procedure away from being gone. Mommy makeovers are wonderful for giving Mom's confidence. Your c section scar will be gone although of course you will have the tummy tuck scar. Steven M. Lynch, M.D. Albany, New York more

Will a tummy tuck work for me?

Congratulations on your weight loss and best of luck for you to lose that additional weight to achieve your goal. You started off at 320 and want to end up at 160. When you begin to get close to your goal, you should go and see a board certified plastic surgeon who has a large experience with massive weight loss patients. Every patient is unique in terms of his or her pattern of weight loss, the quality of the remaining skin, and most importantly in goals and... more

Will a tummy tuck work for me?

Although you have not enclosed any photos, I would imagine that after you have completed your weight loss down to 160 lb. from 320 lb, that you will be an excellent candidate for a tummy tuck, assuming that you do not have any serious medical issues and that you do not smoke. Tummy tucks remove excess skin (and the fat that is attached to that overhanging skin), and tighten the underlying muscles if that is indicated. Remaining fat, particularly in the upper tummy, is not usually... more

Tummy Tuck Candidate?

Thank you for the question. Congratulations on your weight loss and you continued efforts. Based on a history, a tummy tuck will certainly be beneficial. However, only physical examination once your weight is stable will determine if additional surgery (for example an extended tummy tuck or a lower body lift) may be a better option. I would suggest that you continue to do as you are doing with your healthier lifestyle and consult with well experienced board... more

Tumy tuck after massive weight loss

If you lose the amount of weight you want, you may need something more than just a tummy tuck. You will probably need a circumferential procedure.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Will a Tummy Tuck work for me?

What you want to have done after weight loss is100% your decision. You are young so your skin may bounce back more quickly than someone older than yourself. Most people that have lost a significant amount of weight also require arm lifts. Sometimes an inner and outer thigh lift is performed as well. Most of the procedures depend on where you feel you desire improvement. Good Luck!

Tummy tuck following large weight loss

Congratulations on your weight loss. The choice in procedure for abdominal rejuvenation following large weight loss depends on the elasticity of your skin and the amount of excess skin present. If your goal is to lose 80 pounds, I would recommend getting a little closer before having surgery. You almost certainly would be a candidate for a tummy-tuck combined with liposuction. If you have a great deal of loose skin, you may require an extended tummy-tuck or circumferential lift (belt... more

Combined surgery

First achieve a stable weight and then consider the tummy tuck or more likely you will benefit from a circunferential lift

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck may be all that is needed after weight loss

The type of tummy tuck needed will be influence on the elasticity of your skin, and your personal goals. A tummy tuck will work out for most, and you can compare your 'before' tummy with pictures on this and other web sites to how others with a similar amount of laxity and skin excess have done. There are options to 'extend' the tummy tuck lift out to the hip, or fully around to the back side to lift the buttock if needed. See what happens as you near 160. Best... more

Extended tummy tuck more likely the right answer

Congratulations on your weight loss and good luck in getting it completed to reach your goal. I would recommend getting to the best weight you can before doing the procedure. By your history you will probably need more than an average tummy tuck. There are more extensive procedures that will remove more loose skin and give you a better result. These procedures are called body lifts, circumferential tummy tucks, extended tummy tucks and belt lipectomy, etc... more

Marcus L. Peterson, MD

4 reviews

Saint George Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck

With massive weight loss it may be more like an extended abdominoplasty than a tummy tuck. The degree of weight loss you describe may ever require a belt lipectomy to look good. Without pictures it would be hard to tell for sure. Seek a consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.