I'm 19 years old, am I too young for a tummy tuck?

Congratulations on your accomplishment of losing weight.  Your age is not a factor keeping you from having surgery. You are correct in stating that liposuction would not be beneficial as what you have left is excess skin.  A tummy tuck procedure would remove the excess skin giving you a smooth abdomen.  I would recommend consulting with several board certified plastic surgeons to get advice and view before and after photographs of other male patients.  Good luck.

You need a formal evaluation by a licensed plastic surgeon and expert in abdominal surgery to determine what is best for you and your goals.The key to a successful tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty) is to address the multiple layers that are damaged with weight fluctuations. For most patients I will perform internal rectus muscle plication to flatten and tighten the abdominal wall while creating a better waistline. The excess abdominal skin and fat is then excised and tightened, leaving a low, discreet transverse scar. Keeping this scar as low as possible is important so my patients can wear normal bikinis and low-cut jeans. For many patients, I will use liposuction as an adjunctive procedure to further refine the torso.
To accelerate recovery and reduce the risk of complications, I spend extra time placing progressive tension sutures to tack the abdominal tissues down to the abdominal wall and eliminate space for fluid to collect. I also use a medication called Exparel that is a local anesthetic that releases over a 3-day period; by injecting this carefully in the surgical areas, particularly where the muscle is tightened, I am able to dramatically reduce the immediate discomfort associated with abdominoplasties.
Ideal candidates for this procedure are men who have experienced extreme weight loss and were left with excess skin. During the evaluation, we will discuss your needs and identify the best abdominoplasty technique for you.
I suggest consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon and expert in body contouring. - Dr. Cohen

Dear Michael,

Firstly, let me commend you on your remarkable weight loss journey at such a young age. Losing 70 pounds is no small feat, and you should be incredibly proud of yourself for taking charge of your health and well-being.

Regarding your question about whether you're too young for a tummy tuck, I believe age is just one factor to consider in this decision. While it's true that most individuals undergoing tummy tucks are older, there are cases where younger patients can benefit from the procedure, especially after significant weight loss like yours.

Your description of struggling with a persistent "spare tire" around your stomach despite achieving a healthier weight suggests that the excess skin may be the culprit. In such cases, liposuction alone may not provide the desired results, as it primarily targets fat deposits rather than loose skin.

As for your concerns about feeling insecure and how it affects your posture and clothing choices, addressing these issues is crucial for your physical and emotional well-being. A tummy tuck may help improve your confidence and quality of life by providing a smoother, more contoured abdominal area.

Ultimately, the decision to undergo a tummy tuck is a personal one and should be made after careful consideration and consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. They can assess your unique situation, discuss your goals and expectations, and recommend the most suitable treatment options for you.

In conclusion, I do not believe you are too young for a tummy tuck, especially considering the significant impact it could have on your self-esteem and quality of life. You've already taken significant steps towards improving your health, and this could be another positive milestone on your journey.

I wish you all the best, Michael, and commend you for your courage and determination.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen
Plastic Surgeon

To start off, 19 is not too young for an Abdominoplasty. Now, whether or not you actually need one, is the next question. When you are young(before your 30-40’s) you have a lot more collagen in your skin, meaning the chances of you being able to tighten up skin without an Abdominoplasty is much higher. If the skin is literally folded or hanging, Abdominoplasty may be necessary. Without photos or seeing you in person, I can’t give you definitive advice. There are so many options to tighten skin, Vaser lipo, radio frequency treatments, etc. Reach out to my office for a consultation, and let’s get a look at you, in person or virtually, and go over what options fit you best. Smith Plastic Surgery 702-838-2455

Congrats on your weight loss. Your age is not a factor keeping you from having a tummy tuck surgery, your overall health is. As long as you are healthy, you can go through with this surgery and it will be very beneficial for you at this age. I haven't seen your pictures but from your description, I believe you are a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery along with liposuction. Please make sure you are close to your target weight before the surgery as possible for the best results. I believe it's worth going through with this surgery for your self-esteem as well. Removing the excess fat and skin from your abdomen will make you look great and improve your self-esteem tremendously.

Thank you for your question and congratulations on a major weight loss. Your age is not an issue when considering a tummy tuck. Based on your description of your concerns, you would benefit from liposuction and a tummy tuck to address the excess skin post weight loss and surgery. This surgery is very beneficial is addressing excess stubborn fat and loose skin along with stretch marks. The incision is made very low and can easily be hidden by underwear or a bathing suit. The supplemental liposuction allows for additional fat removal and contouring of the abdomen and flanks. I suggest being as close to your goal weight as possible to avoid the risk of needing to repeat the surgery if you loose more weight down the line. Without pictures it is hard ot advise exactly what you may need - body lift maybe a good option Please see a board certified plastic surgeon for an in person consultation to assess your needs. 

Thank you for your question. There is not a specific age, but first, for safety reasons, to be a good candidate for the procedures you want at the same time, your labs and  cardiovascular preoperative evaluation must be optimal.
Kind Regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Congratulations on your weight loss! It is not uncommon to be left with excess skin following significant weight loss, and it is totally understandable that you would want it removed. The tummy tuck is most likely the procedure to look into. Your age should not be a factor with regards to having the surgery. I highly recommend that you book an in person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon in order to assess that a tummy tuck is indeed the right procedure for you, and in order to make sure that there's nothing in your medical history that might impede such a surgery.

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your weight loss! Your age should not be an issue. Prior to surgery, you should have a medical screening to make sure your body is healthy enough to undergo surgery. It sounds like you would be a great candidate for a tummy tuck procedure to tighten your abdomen and remove excess skin. You should consult in person with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in tummy tuck procedures to find out what will be best for you. Good luck!

Dear Michael74488,
It is hard to tell for sure without an examination but based on your description, it sounds like you might be a good candidate for a tummy tuck. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery