Can a 16-year-old Be a Candidate for Tummy Tuck?

Charles,
I think that you can see the common theme here...make sure that your current weight is your target weight and is maintainable. Also, you need to be sure that you have completed your overall growth. If there is expected continued growth in height and bone structure, you may need your now excess skin. These things can be determined in conjunction with your pediatrician. Also, your pediatrician should make an assessment of your cardiac and pulmonary (lung) function. There is no doubt that they are both altered as a consequence of your prior obesity and may affect your risk profile for surgery. Finally, if all of these things are in order, you would most likely qualify for a removal of excess skin. The surgery would not be a full or formal tummy tuck, but a rearrangement of your skin alone. Good luck!

After large weight loss in teenagers, tummy tuck is possible and safe if there is a need to reduce skin excess, especially if the skin and tissue excess interferes with clothing or exercise, or in the case of a recurring rash from skin folding. Still, teenagers are growing, and it is important to be sure the goal weight reached is in an ideal range, and has been quite stable. Unfortunately, weight loss can be hard to maintain, especially as a teenager where eating habits are constantly challenged. I would suggest a new goal, a steady and healthy weight through high school, and consider tummy tuck after your growth begins to slow. You will then be 'proven ready' and tummy tuck will improve your outlook moving ahead into college.Best of luck,