Should I lose more weight before a tummy tuck? (Photos)

Question

36 yr old female, im 5'0 and 162 lbs my goal weight is 140lbs. ive lost 36lbs (previously was 198lbs) I have a lot of visceral fat i believe. Would getting down to 140 be best before i get a tummy tuck? Or should i lose more weight?

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

That’s great, losing weight will allow for best results. This allows maximal skin removal and tightest abdomen.

Especially losing visceral fat which is inside your belly.  If a tummy tuck is performed with significant visceral fat, your belly will still be round, bulging from the inside.

You’re almost there. An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended to further discuss your options and expectations.

Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS · Answer

In your case, the answer is yes.  You appear to have a fair amount of visceral (intra-abdominal) fat which can make it difficult to tighten the abdominal midline during surgery.    This fat can also not be addressed by an external liposuction you may have so better to lose it before the procedure.

Otherwise, you are a great candidate for the True Tuck Abdominoplasty procedure:
-Circumferential combination ultrasonic/power-assisted liposuction + Renuvion skin tightening
-Midline rectus muscle plication
-Internal Mons Lift
-Shaping/Quilting sutures (to avoid drains and create a very nice cinched waistline)

I hope that helps and wish you the very best on your journey!

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

At 5'0 and 162 lbs., your BMI is 31, which puts you in the obese category. However, you do have about 5 to 10 lbs. of fat that can be excised during a tummy tuck. Also, at the time of a tummy tuck, you can undergo liposuction that would take off about 5-10 lbs. It is possible that a tummy tuck can be done and liposuction. Losing weight is very difficult to do and I congratulate you on losing 36 lbs. so far.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Serdar Bora Bayraktaroglu, MD · Answer

Based on the strict 5-liter safety limit for liposuction and the fact that surgery cannot remove visceral fat, yes, getting closer to your 140 lb goal weight before your tummy tuck is definitely best.Attempting to lose that remaining 22 pounds through VASER liposuction and a tummy tuck in one session exceeds safe extraction limits and puts you at high risk for dangerous complications like fluid shifts and shock. Reaching your target weight first reduces visceral fat, lowers surgical risks, and ensures a safer, more sculpted final result. Consult a board-certified plastic surgeon to confirm your ideal surgical weight.

Manuel Diaz, MD · Answer

Hello. Based on your photos and the amount of loose skin you described, I believe you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck combined with 360 liposuction. 
This combination would remove the excess skin while contouring your abdomen, waist, and flanks, helping to create a flatter and more defined silhouette after your weight loss.
Regarding your weight, you are currently at a good weight to undergo surgery. However, if you are able to lose a little more weight before the procedure, your results are likely to be even better, as being closer to your ideal weight can provide a more refined body contour and enhance the final outcome.
A personalized evaluation is the best way to determine the ideal surgical plan based on your anatomy and goals.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss!  It is best for you to continue your weight loss journey and achieve your goal weight before considering your tummy tuck.  This will give your surgeon the opportunity to maximize your results.  Visceral fat is not affected by a tummy tuck or liposuction as it is located behind the muscle wall.  Losing weight will help decrease that fat as well.

Should I lose more weight before a tummy tuck? (Photos)

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