Am I dealing with leftover stubborn fat or loose skin? (photo)

Question

Should I keep working to burn more stomach fat in hope for a flat stomach? Near the end of 2012 I weighed 330 pounds. I lost 125 or so pounds and now weigh around 205-210. My weight has really plateaued and I am even trying to gain muscle which I believe I have a little. I'd like to one day have six pack abs but I'm not sure if I can with my great weight loss. My diet has changed since I began to plateau but I am still not eating poorly. Thank you!!

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Congratulations on your massive weight loss. Often with the massive weight loss patients, I find that the skin has been stretched so it cannot retain all its elasticity after an extreme amount of weight loss.I would recommend a tummy tuck or, a mini tummy tuck to remove the excess skin of the lower abdomen.   I would definitely look for a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area who can give a more in-depth consultation and describe what your options are for you.

Ronald Schuster, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss. It looks like most of your problem is now skin. You could try non surgical treatment like the Viora Reaction but surgery would be the best treatment. Good luck.

Antoine A. Hallak, MD, FACS · Answer

Congrats on the weight loss, based on the photos provided you will at some point want to get a tummy tuck when you reach your goal weight.Tummy tuck does two
things, it removes excess loose skin and it tightens the underlying abdominal
wall muscles.  The trade-off it is a scar in the  lower abdomen usually hidden under the bathing suit or bikini line .

From the photograph I cannot
tell you how loose the abdominal wall muscles are, but you clearly have a
significant amount of loose abdominal skin.

A board certified plastic
surgeon can evaluate the skin with a pinch test and give you a sense of
abdominal muscle separation.

Your plastic surgeon can show
you before and after pictures of the scars associated with this type of
surgery.

Gregory T. Lynam, MD · Answer

Yes the skin is loose and a tummy tuck is the way to go for most with extra skin. A local board certified plastic surgeon is who you want to consult. Good Luck and great job on getting fit!

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

For the courage and determination of losing weight. Based on your photos you are a perfect candidate for a Tummy Tuck and muscle repair  because you have the combination of loose skin and loose muscle. These two procedures will help to achieve a flat abdomen and tight skin.Be encouraged. A six pack is no lo get a dream for you..... it is reality. Dr. Cardenas

Janet Woodyard, MD · Answer

It appears from the photos that you are dealing with loose skin and a tummy tuck would correct that problem. You have done a great job on the weight loss.  Muscle-building exercise will also help. You should schedule a consultation(s) with a board-certified plastic surgeon(s) to explore the possibilities further. Best of luck.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

A short scar tummy tuck will remove 
loose skin to produce a nice, flat, tight 
abdomen.Find a board certified plastic surgeon who performs hundreds of tummy 
tucks and body contouring procedures each year.  Then look at the 
plastic surgeon's 
 website before and after photo galleries to get a sense of who can  
deliver the results.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

William T. Stoeckel, MD · Answer

Congratulations on the weight loss. You may may a few extra pounds still left that you can lose, but it appears that most of the excess tissue that you have is skin. You will probably need to have a tummy tuck surgery to tighten the skin and give you the results that you are trying to achieve.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Appears as loose skin issue > a fat issue. in my over the internet opinion. Best to seek ONLY IN PERSON opinions.///

John P. Stratis, MD · Answer

Good job with the weight loss but like the many with weight loss you end up with excess skin. The only way to get rid of that is surgical. Do not waste time and money on anything else. Either have a skin removal procedure or don't. Those procedures are generally under the catagory of tummy tuck. I call them GUT Cut for guys.

Am I dealing with leftover stubborn fat or loose skin? (photo)

Answers (11)

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