Should I get a tummy tuck if I have not had kids yet? (Photos)

Question

Hi all ! Would you recommend getting a tummy tuck? I’m 23, I’ve never had kids, and I lafter struggling with obesity most of my life. My BMI is now 24.2. I’m not really comfortable with the idea of surgery, but I’m wondering if it might be necessary because of loose skin. Has anyone been in a similar situation or have advice on whether it’s worth it or if there are other options

Sameer Karkhanis, MS, DNB · Answer

Hello. Since you are young, the quality of skin is many a times good. I would not recommend a big excsional procedure for you. Rather VASER liposuction with Bodytite & body Morpheus will work wonders. VASER liposuction helps in removing excess fat and better skin tightening and Bodytite with Morpheus for better skin retraction. We routinely do VASER liposuction with Bodytite at our Centre for Cosmetic Surgery, Mumbai, India. For any further queries feel free to contact to us.
Thank you.

Regards,
Dr. Sameer Karkhanis,
Centre for Cosmetic Surgery, Mumbai, India,
+919833571333

Kadir Berat Oyur, MD · Answer

Reaching a healthy BMI of 24.2 takes an immense amount of dedication and you should be incredibly proud of your journey. What you are dealing with is purely structural loose skin and a small amount of residual stubborn fat, which is entirely normal after significant weight loss because skin loses its elasticity over time. Since you mentioned you are uncomfortable with the idea of surgery, I want to reassure you that nothing is "necessary" unless it is causing you physical discomfort like chafing or rashes; however, because the tissue has stretched, non-surgical skin tightening treatments will unfortunately only offer very minimal results for this amount of laxity. A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) would indeed give you the flat, contoured result you are looking for, but at 23, there is absolutely no rush, and I highly recommend consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can assess your skin quality in person and help you weigh your options comfortably.

Gregory Lakin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You can have a tummy tuck before having children, especially after major weight loss, but future pregnancy can stretch the skin and muscles again and may partially affect the results, which is why many surgeons prefer waiting until after children if possible. You should have an in-person examination with a board-certified surgeon to determine whether you truly need a full tummy tuck, a mini tummy tuck, or if your skin laxity is mild enough to manage without surgery for now.

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

This is a question that i have been asked repeatedly over the years. It is most common amongst women who have had children and are considering having more in the future. Having children after a tummy tuck could cause recurrence of the loose skin as well as separation of the muscles. This means you could require another procedure. My personal advice has been, if you are planning on having children relatively soon, e.g. 2 years or less, I would recommend waiting. If you are not planning on having children soon, I tell patients to weigh the benefits of a tummy tuck vs the possible need to repeat this in the future.

Robert M. Lowen, MD · Answer

Dear Sandra,
  This is a very subjective question because you do have loose skin. That does not mean you "need" a tummy tuck, but it does mean that you will have the same or similar appearance without one.  It's generally recommended not to get a tummy tuck until after having kids, but a tummy tuck does not interfere with having kids, and I have seen patients who had aa tummy tuck an did not need a revision after having kids
  So it's really a personal choice.

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

This is a personal decision to be made by you.  You may be a good overall candidate for a tummy tuck to correct your loose skin.  It is impossible for me to know how much your muscles have been stretched by obesity.  If you think you might not have a family for many years, then it is reasonable to consider doing a tummy tuck now to enjoy the tightened skin to look good in a bathing suit or just make yourself feel better.  Also, most woman do not need a tummy tuck after having a child.  This is a relatively small group.  Good luck with your decision.  It seems like it would be good for you to talk to a plastic surgeon who could do and in person exam and lay out the options and expectations.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

If you’re planning on having kids soon, you may want to consider waiting, especially since you mention that you’re not comfortable with the idea of surgery. This is because the results of a tummy tuck can be undone. A tummy tuck is an elective procedure, so it’s not “necessary” to have one unless your midsection is causing you serious issues.

Vasileios Vasilakis, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for the question. Congratulations on your weight loss. This is a very personal decision. If the loose skin truly bothers you then undergoing a tummy tuck is the right procedure for you. If you are planning to have children and the loose skin is not a big issue, you should wait.
I wish you the best. 
Vasileios Vasilakis, MD, FACSDouble Board Certified Plastic SurgeonHouston, TX.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

If a tummy tuck is done and then you have a pregnancy after that then the skin will stretch and you may need a repeat tummy tuck. If this concerns you then you may consider liposuction. However, remember that liposuction only removes fat not skin.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

Unfortunately, after large weight loss skin and stubborn fat can remain.

If you are not having children in the next 2 years or so, tummy tuck would give the flattest stomach and also include muscle tightening if needed. Trade off is scar and recovery.

An option to remove stubborn fat and tighten skin (not as much as with tummy tuck), in my experience, many patients benefit from Vaser ultrasound liposuction. This avoids large scar and usually easier recovery.

An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon who performs these procedures is recommended to confirm you are a candidate as well as discuss your options and expectations.

Should I get a tummy tuck if I have not had kids yet? (Photos)

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