Am I a good candidate for a mommy makeover or tummy tuck? (Photo)

Thank you for your question. Based on the limited lateral view of your upper tummy, it looks like there is a bulge. If the protruding shape is due to fatty tissue around your internal organs (visceral fat), a tummy tuck will not effectively flatten your tummy. Abdominoplasty surgery only removes skin and fat superficial to the abdominal muscles, not deep within the body. That stated, I have done tummy tuck procedures on many plus-sized patients and they have been happy with the outcome, even if the abdomen is not perfectly flat. I think it is important to have a frank discussion prior to surgery and ensure the patient's expectations are achievable.

You would be a fantastic candidate for an Abdominoplasty. You could also have liposuctioned fat transferred into your buttocks to give you a more plump buttocks & snatched hips. If you would like to be seen for a consultation, fee free to reach out to my office. Smith Plastic Surgery 702-838-2455

Hi Joy425, whether you would obtain a flat tummy from an abdominoplasty and liposuction, will largely depend on how much of the fat is intra-abdominal (i.e. behind the muscles). This would be better assessed by an in-person consult with your surgeon. All the best!

If you are generally healthy and have realistic expectations of what the procedure can do for you, a mommy makeover or tummy tuck may be suitable for you. However, please note that the procedure can only target subcutaneous fat (fat right below your skin, rather than around your internal organs).

At 5'4 and 194 lbs, your BMI is 33 which puts you at high risk for complications. You can undergo liposuction. Liposuction can safely remove 10 lbs during one session and the session can be repeated if needed. Once you get your BMI down to 32 or below then you can consider a mommy makeover. I would begin with your breasts using The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided and nipple sensation (in 95%) is maintained. After this, you can consider a tummy tuck. The technique I recommend is abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement. The mesh creates a more hourglass figure by compressing the abdominal wall resulting in early satiety and helps maintain a reduced weight.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Dear Joy425,
based on your photos, you look like a good candidate for a TT. Full tummy tuck should tighten your abdominal muscles and remove the excess skin. Flanks liposuction would give you a better shape. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon because 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

I would suggest first doing liposuction to remove excess fat from the abdomen and flanks. Then, if you have excess skin or your muscles are weak, consider the tuck 6 months later. Weak and prominent muscles can also be treated nonsurgically with EMSculpt. You may need medical clearance first.

Based on the pictures that you have shown it is not possible to determine. Can not see the front view. I would recommend an in person exam with a board certified plastic surgeon to know what would be best.

Best of luck!

Andrew Cohen, MD

Good day and thank you for your question. Based on your photos it is hard to say how flat your abdominal area is already. Your BMI is 33 and I would suggest loosing some weight before undergoing surgery. A good goal would be to achieve a BMI of less than 30. Most patients who lose weight experience better results as this allows for more skin to be removed and a flatter abdominal area. I would also recommend liposuction of the flank areas and a breast lift would also help to complete the package of what I think you are trying to achieve. Good luck with your journey!
Cheers,Joseph Batac, M.D.
Double board certified Plastic surgeon

At this time you will want to focus on weight loss before considering a tummy tuck. The recommended BMI for elective plastic surgery is 30 or under. Those above this threshold have higher risk of complications such as poor wound healing, seroma and infection. Having a lower BMI also allows your surgeon to maximize your results.