Can I expect a flat abdomen after a tummy tuck? (Photos)

Your surgeon can determine whether the bulge is caused by visceral fat or subcutaneous fat. Generally speaking, the fat that can be removed with a tummy tuck (subcutaneous fat) is “pinchable”. Based on your photos alone, you appear to have loose skin and subcutaneous fat that may be removed with a tummy tuck. However, it is difficult to say whether this removal would give you the flat stomach you’re hoping for. You’ll definitely be flatter, though.

Thank you for submitting your question and including photos! An abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) will allow us to get your abdomen as flat as your able to suck in. An abdominoplasty will remove excess skin as well as tighten your abdominal muscles (diastasis recti). Liposuction of the abdomen is also included in an abdominoplasty as well. I would recommend consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon like myself so we can create a surgical plan that is best for you and your goals!

Thank you for your pictures and questions. The way to get the flattest result is to be at your ideal weight prior to surgery. Discuss your goals with your board certified plastic surgeon.
Good luck!
Dallas Buchanan, MD
VIVIFY plastic surgery
Tampa, FL

Thank you for your questions and photos. From your photos, you would be an excellent candidate for a tummy tuck! A tummy tuck will address excess skin & repair of the abdominal muscle. The abdominal wall can be weakened after pregnancy and (or) significant weight gain & loss. By repairing the muscle, not only does the appearance of your abdominal area improve, but your core strength as well. The repair of the muscle will cinch your waist like an inner corset, which will accentuate your curves. Liposuction will remove excess fat from unwanted areas with some skin retraction. Your expectations and health will dictate the best procedure(s) for you. I suggest a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to go over the options that best address your goals. Best of luck!

Dhaval Patel MD
Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Chicago
South Barrington
Oakbrook
Orland Park

Hi there, thank you for your question! Based on your photos it seems like you need your diastasis recti muscles repaired. Often times these separate during pregnancy or weight gain. With proper abdominoplasty technique, you can absolutely have a flat stomach after your surgery! A tummy tuck is specifically designed to tighten the abdominal wall both inside and out. We repair those muscles using internal sutures that basically make a corset inside your abdomen. Tummy tucks can restore a firmer, flatter abdominal shape

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. It’s hard to tell from photos what you can achieve with this surgery. You are a great candidate for a tummy tuck and should be able to get a flat stomach but this will not address any visceral fat.

If you are not planning future pregnancies, I recommend 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.

Hello @Eclectic570526 thank you for your question and showing your pictures. While performing the skin cut, a complete muscle application can also be performed within the surgical plan. By doing this, the abdominal diastasis that may exist would be substantially improved, resulting in a much flatter stomach. Visceral fat can only be lost by following a nutritional plan, which must be adhered to in order to lose fat. I would encourage you to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. During your consultation, your surgeon will be able to assess your unique needs and develop a treatment plan that is right for you. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

Of course you would need an in person exam to tell for sure, but based on your photos I think you are a good candidate for abdominoplasty. May not get as flat as you want, but should be able to get you 90% of the way there. You certainly have plenty of skin to qualify. Another test is to pinch the skin at the level of the umbilicus. If you can barely pinch up any fat then it is mostly visceral and unable to be removed, but can still remove excess skin. If the pinch thickness is 2" or so, then you should get an excellent result from abdominoplasty as most of that fat can be removed. I suspect your PS would find a thick enough layer of subcutaneous fat and significant muscle laxity that would need repair. All in all I think you are a good candidate.

Good luck to you.

Dear Eclectic570526,
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