Candidate for Tummy Tuck ?

Question

26 year old how has had weight loss surgery twice . First VSG (2017) Had a revision on June 2022 . Current weight is 193 Ht: 5'3 .My weight has been stable for about 4 months . My body is no longer losing pounds but I do look smaller in size. I am in interested in tummy tuck and possible Lipo 360. I have not had any kids , and do not see it happening any time soon. Should I opt out of a tummy tuck since I have not had any kids.

David Tauber, MD · Answer

A typical full abdominoplasty is often performed after moderate weight loss. It can be a powerful procedure that can flatten and remove excess skin and fat from both above and below the belly button. Typically for a weight loss patient without kids, the belly wall is still tight and so no plication is performed. Often flank liposuction is added to an abdominoplasty for better contouring.

The improvement in contour depends on many factors. These factors include the extent of skin tightening, the amount of pre-operative muscle laxity, the overall attenuation (thinness) of the abdominal wall, the amount of intra-abdominal fat (fat inside the belly), and the amount of subcutaneous fat (fat in the skin). In addition, previous abdominal surgery can make the procedure more challenging.

The ideal abdominoplasty patient is at or near their ideal weight, is stable at that weight for a year, is physically and nutritionally healthy, and is looking for help in removing excess, hanging skin.

See the following link for more info on abdominoplasty.

Realistic expectations are important. A detailed examination will help deline.ate the best surgical option. Consultation with a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery would be the next best step. See our link below for more information

Ricardo L. Rodriguez, MD · Answer

hello,
You can definitely still have a Tummy Tuck if you want to have kids. However, we would not want you to get pregnant for many months after the procedure.  Ideally wait a year.
Over my 30  years in practice, I have had 2 patients get pregnant before the 4 month post op period. It was no danger to the baby. The only issue was that the incisions had not yet had time to completely heal. As I remember it, one patient had a scar revision a couple of years later.

If you are generally healthy, your BMI is ok to have the surgery. My cut off is BMI35. 
It is ideal to combine the TT with Lipo to the flanks.  The Liposuction to the flanks will remove the love handles, as well as the back muffin top. You butt will ever look more shapely after Lipo to the flanks!

Hope this helps and thank you for your question.

Christopher Pannucci, MD, MS · Answer

Hi arlennis,
One important component of tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a vertical tightening of rectus diastases, which is a right to left to right gap between the 6 pack muscles. This tightening is done to correct stretching which occurred from prior weight gain and/or pregnancy. 
You are correct that getting pregnant after a tummy tuck could potentially result in stretching out of this repair, resulting in abdominal bulging similar to preoperative.
As long as you understand the risks and benefits of the decision making, it is reasonable to have a tummy tuck at any point. If you are planning on having children soon, it might be best to pursue tummy tuck after you are finished having children.
I hope this helps.
Sincerely,Christopher Pannucci, MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

Brandon Richland, MD · Answer

Dear arlennis,
Thanks for your question. It is better to have photos when providing a recommendation, but based on your history, you may be a candidate for a tummy tuck. You would have to be closer to goal body weight with a lower BMI (usually closer to 30). You would have to be in good general medical condition and meet other criteria. If you have not had kids and wish to have children in the future I generally recommend waiting to have an abdominoplasty. I recommend you see a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in tummy tucks/abdominoplasty for further recommendations

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear arlennis,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Rady Rahban, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi. Congratulations on the weight loss. In my opinion, I would wait to undergo a Tummy Tuck until after you are done having kids so you can enjoy the results for the long haul.

A few helpful resources on tummy tucks. Hope this helps!

Cem Berkay Sinaci, MD · Answer

Hello. After 6 months of a stable weight, you can have a tummy tuck that will be stable in result. You may have tummy tuck and that is not a limitation for having kids after 1 year of healing. One disadvantage of having kid after a tummy tuck is you will be prone to have rectus muscle diastasis on your upper tummy which may be fixed with a muscle plication, which means another operation. Regards.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear arlennis,

Congratulations on your significant weight loss. It's commendable and shows your dedication to achieving a healthier you.

As to your question regarding a tummy tuck and Lipo 360, I believe you would be an excellent candidate for a tummy tuck. I usually tell weight loss patients to be at a stable weight for at least 3 months before considering plastic surgery. Since you are at 4 months, I think you're the perfect candidate. This procedure is designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen, which is common following significant weight loss, and it is not exclusively for those who have had children.

However, due to the complexities of the procedures and to ensure your safety and optimal results, Lipo 360 would typically not be performed at the same time as a tummy tuck. We can discuss the optimal timeline for these procedures during a consultation.

Remember, it's about feeling more comfortable and confident in your body. Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or to schedule a consultation.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

Geuris Cruz Quiroz, MD · Answer

Thanks for your questions dear @Arlennis. 
Congratulations on your weight loss surgery. To give you a good recommendation, is necessary to see pictures of you or have a physical evaluation. The tummy tuck procedure removes the extra skin in your abdomen after a significant weight loss or surgery as you had done. In your case, as you do not have any children is not a problem, you can have your tummy tuck and liposculpture procedure done, which is a good combination, and have your kids after 1 year PO. The best of luck!

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

Dear Arlennis, thanks for sharing your doubts, will be good to see some pictures to evaluate your case, however you can be a Tummy tuck candidate and there is no need to worry about future pregnancies. Make sure you go on consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Hope this helps and best of lucks! Dr. Luis Mejia.

Candidate for Tummy Tuck ?

Answers (19)

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