Having a tummy tuck from extreme weight loss before kids?

Question

I have lost over 145 lbs and I am desperately in need of a tummy tuck. I have maintained my weight for over 3 years and have already had the excess skin removed from my arms, breast lift and lower body lift. I have tried to hold out on a tummy tuck before children but I just want to feel good about my accomplishments and enjoy my body again. Is there any recommendations on what I could do? Thanks

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions. If you do not plan on having children in the next few years I say go for it. If you plan to have them in a few months I say wait. There is always the possibility of having the muscle and skin stretch out after having children. It all depends on how your body recovers. The best thing to do is have a board certified plastic surgeon evaluate you more thoroughly in an in person consultation. Best of luck!Dhaval M. Patel Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Hoffman EstatesBarrington Oakbrook Chicago

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Congratulations on your weight loss.   Based on your description, 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.Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

David Shifrin, MD · Answer

Certain situations are always outliers.If your desire to improve your waistline is so great that it's upsetting your quality of life and you just understand that future pregnancies will change your results, it's reasonable to have a tummy tuck now. Congrats on the weight loss and best of luck.

Francesco Campanile, MD · Answer

However, you should be aware that a pregnancy after a tummy tuck may affect the results. If you are a non-smoker, are healthy and able to maintain a stable weight, and are unhappy with the appearance of your abdominal skin you are probably an excellent candidate for a tummy tuck. Discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area to help you decide whether having a tummy tuck now is the right choice for you.

Kara K. Criswell, MD, FACS · Answer

Great accomplishment!  A tummy tuck is definitely a great
option with the understanding that you may or may not need additional surgery
after children.  Your muscles and skin will expand during your pregnancy
and depending on your elasticity will determine whether or not you might
need a revision tummy tuck. For our patients undergoing abdominoplasty with the
plan on future pregnancies, we generally do recommend tightening the rectus
abdominus (stomach muscles) at the time of the surgery. After children, if
a revision surgery is necessary, we will often plicate (tighten) the
rectus muscle then.

James E. Hardy, MD · Answer

Hi and thanks for the question. If you have a baby after having a tummy tuck it is possible for the skin and muscle to stretch out again and this may require a revision after the baby is born. If you do not plan on getting pregnant immediately and really want to feel good about yourself by having your tummy tuck then I say go for it just realize that it may have to be redone in the future. Best of Luck - Dr. Hardy...

Anthony Youn, MD · Answer

in general, a tummy tuck is best after having children, since having children can stretch things out again. If you want a tummy tuck before children then I would recommend making sure your doctor doesn't use permanent sutures to plicate your rectus muscles. Absorbable might be safer. Good luck!

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!Thanks for the question and provided information as well. Also, congratulation for the weight loss, is a very important and big step.In general you may be a good tummy tuck candidate if: You are physically healthy and at a stable weight, You have realistic expectations, You are a non-smoker and You are bothered by the appearance of your abdomen.It's not mandatory to have children before a tummy tuck, the only recommendation is to wait at least 2 years after the tummy tuck to have children so you can have a very good results and enjoy it.
I recommend to book a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area to discuss the best options for your goals.
Good luck :)

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

i have treated many massive weight loss patients before they tried to get pregnant. Many I have performed a full body lift on.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and congratulations on your successful wight loss. Based on your weight loss history, description of concerns, and goals, I think it would be perfectly reasonable to undergo tummy tuck surgery at this point, as long as you understand that additional surgery may (or may not) be necessary subsequent to pregnancies.
Pregnancy after abdominoplasty may cause CHANGES that MAY require further surgery to correct.  Ultimately, especially in situations like yours, timing of tummy tuck surgery will be a very personal decision that can only made after careful consideration of pros and cons associated with each option.   
I hope this, and the attached link (dedicated to abdominal wall contouring surgery concerns) helps.  You will find a separate page, on the same website, dedicated to patients who have experienced significant weight loss.   Best wishes.

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