Will my stomach tighten up or do I need surgery? (Photo)

Question

Hi, I’ve lost about 55 lbs in the last two years. I am currently weight training and work out 6 days a week. My problem is my stomach. Will the area around my belly button tighten up over time, and is it fat or loose skin? Will I need surgery?

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions and photo. 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

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

Christopher Pannucci, MD, MS · Answer

Hi Sincere747,
congrats on the weight loss, and your dedication to your personal fitness goals!
Most likely, the previously stretched skin will not retract fully...even if you decrease the amount of fat through diet and exercise, as we age and the skin is less elastic, it is less likely to cinch in as much as you'd like.
I'd suggest getting to your weight loss goals. Once at a stable weight, I'd suggest meeting with a plastic surgeon to discuss your options.
Hope this helps!
Best,Christopher Pannucci MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

Bryan Armijo, MD · Answer

Congratulations on the weight loss! Based on your photo provided you would need a tummy tuck in order to address your skin laxity above your umbilicus. During this you could also have your muscles tightened to help with your overall result.  I would recommend seeing a board certified plastic surgeon for a consultation as well.

Alexandrish Karvendrish Rodríguez Tavárez, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your doubts with us. In your case, the flaccidity in the abdomen would improve a lot with a tummy tuck, which will also make the periumbilical area look more youthful.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

​Thank you very much for sharing your concerns with us.​ Based on the photos and information that you provided, the first recommendation is tummy tuck with muscle repair to correct the sagging skin excess and fat tissue, getting a flat and stronger abdomen plus belly, waist, laterals liposuction, to improve your body contour and get better curves, especially in your waist area. 
Respectfully,
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Yily De Los Santos, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and pictures. I would recommend you Mini Tummy tuck for betters results. If you're willing to travel, Surgeons in the Dominican Republic have experience and very high standard of excellence when it comes to plastic surgery. I'm positive you can get what you're looking for

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Working out increases muscle strengthen and tone but does not increase the skin tone.  You will need excision of the excess skin or a tummy tuck.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Sincere747880,
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

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Muscle will tighten with exercise, but skin and fat will not. I would suggest meeting with a board certified plastic surgeon and discussing your concerns and options.

Manuel Diaz, MD · Answer

Yes, you need to perform a mini tummy tuck because when you lose weight your stomach is flaccid and the excess skin is not eliminated with exercises , you are the perfect candidate for a mini tummy tuck.