How Do I Know if I Need a Tummy Tuck? (photo)

How do I know if I need a tummy tuck or if my issue will resolve itself after i reach my weight goal? I am 47 and had 2 c sections in my 20's. I need to lose about 30 pounds. I am very active and I excerise with running, weight training and yoga. Will my activity level fix my tummy issue?

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12 Doctor Answers | Asked by jackie516 in Saint Petersburg, FL

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How do I know if I need a Tummy Tuck?

Conratulations on your weight loss and physical fitness!! If there is loose skin which hangs down over your clothing after weight loss you will likely need a Tummy Tuck if you want a "Tight Tummy." Although the skin may well tighten after weight loss and loss of Fat from under the Abdominal Skin, significant loose skin or Abdominal Laxity usually requires a Tummy Tuck to create a tight appearance to the Abdominal area. Younger age, fewer pregnancies, physiocal fitness... more

Needing a tummy tuck and other information

From your photos, you clearly have excess skin and are significantly above your ideal body weight. If you are very interested in pursuing a tummy tuck, it would be very prudent for you to lose as much of this excess weight as possible prior to surgery. How much weight that would be can't be ascertained via online communications. You may also want to seek a consult with one or more board certified plastic surgeons in the near future. This will help you better map out your future... more

Will I need a Tummy- tuck?

Dear Jackie, It appears from your photos that you have excess skin in your lower abdomen. After you reach your goal weight you may find that you have looser skin, and is very likely that you will benefit from a tummy tuck to get rid of the excess skin and tighten your abdominal muscles to give you a flatter stomach. This may be combined with liposuction to contour your waist. Best of luck with your weight loss!

Tummy contouring

After you have lost your weight, you will likely benefit from a tummy tuck or an extended tummy tuck +/- liposuction of your waist/flanks. A tummy tuck (also called abdominoplasty) is a very popular cosmetic surgery procedure. A tummy tuck can be an effective tool for shaping and sculpting the body for better body appearance and improved self esteem. Sometimes no amount of diet and exercise can create a flat tummy. Tummy tuck plastic surgery actually tightens... more

Tummy tuck after babies and weight loss

Thank you for your question. After your weight loss, you would likely desire the benefits of flat tummy and muscle tightening offered from a tummy tuck. While "need" is not the right word, it may definitely be something you want. You will know for sure if six months has gone by after your weight loss and the skin and sag has not "snapped back." I hope this helps.

Tummy Tuck After Weight Loss

You are definitely doing things in the right order, getting your weight down first. While no one really "needs" a tummy tuck, it is the only way you can get a youthful flat, tight abdomen after the changes you have had from the pregnancies.

Tummy Tuck or ....?

Dear Jackie516, First, great job on getting started on your weight loss. That is the first step. Try getting closer to your target weight before proceeding with any surgery but you certainly should consult with a plastic surgeon who is board-certified sometime in the near future who can guide you on the timing of any procedures. From your photos, while yoga and running are great exercise, they cannot tighten stretched and loose tissues and skin, something that will... more

How Do I Know if I Need a Tummy Tuck? (photo)

See a boarded PS in person to be examined and discuss your options in detail. Over the internet iyt appears as if you could benefit from a TT but not 100% sure.

Do I need a Tummy Tuck

Based on your pictures, you will definitely need a tummy tuck. The real question is one of timing. As you lose more weight, you may develop even more looseness to your skin. I think you should continue your diet and exercise program until you reach your desired weight or until your weight loss stabilizes. At that time, treat yourself to the procedure as a reward for your hard work. By waiting, you will get the maximum benefit from the procedure as it... more

Donald Griffin, MD

7 reviews

Nashville Plastic Surgeon

Tummy Tuck "Needed"?

Thank you for the question and congratulations on your exercise and weight loss program. Although no one necessarily “needs” a tummy talk, it is very likely that you will benefit from this operation once you reach your long term weight goals. Based on your side view photograph, you currently have “excess" skin and adipose tissue that folds over the undergarment. This may be exacerbated by the C-section scar. Unfortunately, this... more

Tummy Tuck or No Tummy Tuck

Its great to know that you are trying to get in shape and healthy without surgery. Go for it. Worst case scenario you find that things don't look exactly the way you want them to. You really won't know for sure until you reach your ideal body weight and fitness level. As long as you continue to see improvement, continue without surgery. Once you feel like you have plateaued, then seek a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck. more

Tummy tuck, how do you know

You are still on your journey and have 30 more pounds to go. Already your skin folds over your underpant and is unlikely to ge better on its own. If the skin excess is a bother to you, then tummy tuck is the answer. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd.com