29, no children, 100 lb weight loss 5 years ago. I want kids in 5-6 years. Interested in a tummy tuck. Advice? (photos)

Question

5’9, 168 lbs. I lost over 100 lbs between 2011/12. My weight has pretty much stayed in the same range (between 150-165) since the major weight loss with one or two brief spikes above 165 (max of 185). I have lumbar scoliosis which leaves me with an imbalance on my left side. I believe my posture plays into the hang of my belly. 2/3 docs ive spoken to rec. a TT, however one says with proper aftercare I should snap back. I want kids in 5-6 years, and I don’t want multiple TTs.

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

It does look like you're an outstanding candidate for a tummy tuck and yes, the current recommendation is to wait until after childbirth to get a tummy tuck.  This is because you may need to have the muscles re-tightened and/or skin and stretch marks removed.  It's very hard to predict how your skin and muscles will react after childbirth.  Therefore, you should entertain a tummy tuck only if you are open to the possibility of needing to be re-tightened.
Thank you for your question,
Dr. Schreiber, Baltimore plastic surgeon

Athanasios Christopoulos, MD · Answer

This
is a very personal decision and depends on your personal point of view. If you want to have tummy tuck only once
in your life, do it later after the pregnancies. From the other point
of view you must think that your life is now and you have to enjoy it.
You are a very good candidate for tummy tuck and I am sure that you
are going to have a very good result. It is not absolutely sure that
if you do the procedure now, you
will have skin laxity after your pregnancies. In case of pregnancy you can try to avoid
gaining weight and this may protect you from excessive skin laxity
again.

Janet Woodyard, MD · Answer

I think you would do nicely with a tummy tuck. You should enjoy the benefits of the weight loss now and then plan for a healthy pregnancy with a moderate amount of weight gain and early exercise thereafter. Best wishes.

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear Marylander.   Thanks for posting your pictures. From observing your pictures, you appear to have abdominal  skin and muscles from the chest bone to the pubic bone. This appearance makes you excellent candidate for tummy tuck , which is one of the best investment that you can have in yourself. It will increase your confidence and  your self esteem, it will increase your sense of femininity and will make shopping fun...   Desire to get pregnant after tummy tuck surgery is not unusual and should not deter you from having the surgery. I have patients who completed successfully their pregnancy after tummy tuck surgery and maintained flat stomach. Is it possible that you will stretch your stomach after pregnancy and require another surgery, 'yes' it is possible, but in the meantime you will enjoy your 'trophy body'...      So, all in all it is a big positive to have the tummy tuck surgery now.   You have to realize , though, that not all results are the same, because experience, technical skills and aesthetic eye are critical for good outcome. So, do your due diligence carefully and choose your surgeon wisely.   Always, consult with experienced board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Most importantly, check the before and after pictures in the photo gallery, to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive with flat stomach, tight and youthful looking skin, nice belly button, improved body posture and low scar.                    Best of luck,                                  Dr Widder

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your
question. Congratulations on  your weight loss.  Based on your photograph, you are a great candidate for a tummy tuck
with liposuction.  This can be done
through a low and short incision, all completely below the bikini line.  The belly button can be designed to look
natural and have no scars on the exterior.  
Your muscles can also be plicated resulting in a flat abdomen.  Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.  The most important
aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek
consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate
you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss! From your photos you appear to be a good candidate for an Extended Abdominoplasty . Even though pregnancy may change the Abdominal condition, the years of benefit of the Abdominoplasty in my opinion- outweigh any downside.

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

Hello!You should go for it and get the Tummy Tuck! You are young and should enjoy the fruits of your labor. Women have been pregnant after TT and do very well, as long as they have fit pregnancies, with diet and exercise throughout.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Tummy tuck without muscle repair may make the recovery easier, but, if you have laxity in that area, the result will be better with plication. 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 reviews and before and after pictures on that surgeon's website. Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Jean Paul Giudicelli Saba, MD · Answer

Hi, thanks for sharing your concern and photos with us!
  
Looking at your photos I might say that you´ll be a great candidate to get an entire back, waist and flanks liposuction, with BBL, and tummy tuck, this is because all the extra skin located in this areas plus your abdominal muscle needs to be repaired.
  
Before all this, of course, you need to get a complete medical evaluation and laboratory exams to check everything is fine. Also please try to find a board certified plastic surgeon, remember that your safety, always, is going to be first.
  
Have a great day! 
  
Dr. JPG

Ayman Hakki, MD · Answer

If you are planning on having children, I suggest you wait until after you are done having them, then get a body lift and mommy makeover. If on the other hand you are sick and tired of the loose skin, have it now... and see what happens. See a board certified  plastic surgeon who does a ton of tummy ticks, operates at a certified facility, and ask him or her; how many of this operation did you do last year? Do not settle for vague  answers, and good luck. Shop around.

TUMMY TUCK PROVIDERS NEAR YOU

29, no children, 100 lb weight loss 5 years ago. I want kids in 5-6 years. Interested in a tummy tuck. Advice? (photos)

Answers (16)

TUMMY TUCK PROVIDERS NEAR YOU