41, 3 kids, currently 100 kg. Is a body lift or tummy tuck a better option? (Photo)

Question

I'm know I'm overweight ( currently 100 kg) i have trouble with rashes under my tummy apron, my gp suggested tummy tuck, feel like I'm in a circular hell of need to loose weight but severe painful rashes interfere with regular exercise I'm going to have lap band soon which will help reduce size of apron and make it physically easier to exercise but I'm starting to wonder if 1) can I have tummy tuck now or 2) tummy tuck or body lift ?

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

It is the best decision to make: lose weight before the Body lift. After losing a significant amount of weight, your apron will hang even more and your lower back will become saggier. So, then it will be the perfect moment to do a Lower body Lift which (in my hands) means: Circumferential Tummy Tuck, Pubic lift, lovehandle tightening and real buttocks lift. I complete the beautiful transformation with some liposuction to lower back.You will be looking awesome after all.Be encouraged.Dr. Cardenas

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about whether to undergo a body lift or tummy tuck before or after lap band surgery, along with the provided pictures.
The consensus among plastic surgeons specializing in post-massive weight loss procedures is to prioritize the lap band surgery first. The key is to lose weight through the lap band procedure and then allow your weight to stabilize for about three months before considering any reconstructive plastic surgeries like a tummy tuck or lower body lift.
Undergoing plastic surgery before your lap band could lead to complications if significant weight loss occurs afterward. You might find yourself needing revision surgeries for the tummy tuck or body lift due to further changes in your body contour. This could mean additional discomfort, more time off work, increased expenses, and potentially less satisfactory results.
In conclusion, it's advisable to proceed with the lap band surgery first, achieve and maintain your weight loss goals, and then assess the need for plastic surgery.
I hope this guidance helps in making an informed decision about the timing and sequencing of your surgeries. Wishing you the best on this journey.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Thanks so much for the opportunity to answer this question for you. I believe the Lap band surgery will lead to additional weight loss and create a different shape for your body. In turn, you may have additional skin excess that should be evaluated after your new weight has stabilized for at least 6 months. Once things are stable then get a evaluation for body lift versus tummy tuck. The decision to recommend a body lift will be dependent on whether the buttocks and outer thighs have sagged. If that is the case, then I think the body lift will be the better option. If your buttock and outer thigh does well and there is no sagging, then consider dealing with the skin folds in the front with an extended tummy tuck or Fleur-de-Lis tummyn tuck. Speak with certified plastic surgeons for best results. Best wishes, Dr. ALDO

Steve Merten, FRACS - Account Suspended · Answer

You should wait until you have lost weight after your lap band surgery, and after the weight is reduced, then I think it is likely you will need a body lift. If you have it done before the weight loss, then you are likely to need the surgery again. Good luck with the weight loss, Dr Steve Merten, Sydney

Ricardo L. Rodriguez, MD · Answer

If you're going to have lap band soon, wait until you've completed that and adjusted to it. It's likely exercise will be easier for you as you adjust following that surgery, prior to consulting with plastic surgeons about tummy tucks and body lifts.
A tummy tuck would address excess skin and fat in your abdomen, while a body lift would address excess skin and fat from the abdomen, hips, outer thighs, and buttocks.
If you are still undecided about lap band, go ahead and consult with a board certified plastic surgeon now about your concerns and goals to know what surgical options might be available (without lap band surgery) to help you address your concerns and meet your goals.
Either way, a board certified plastic surgeon can help you figure out whether a tummy tuck or a body lift would better suit your during a consult.
Best wishes!

Jennifer Boll, MD · Answer

If you plan on having a lap band soon, you should definitely wait until after you have lost weight to consider a tummy tuck or body lift. As you lose weight your apron will become looser and sometimes more defined. Everyone's body responds to weight loss in a different way but typically skin gets looser and the overhang becomes larger. You will get the best results for the long term if you wait until you achieve your weight loss goal. At that time I would be re-evaluated but a body lift is often an excellent way to remove the extra skin and fat from your abdomen, back, and even your outer thighs. Good luck!

Jean Paul Giudicelli Saba, MD · Answer

Hi, thanks for sharing your concern and photos with us!
First I want to congratulate you for making this important decision. Deciding to get an aesthetic procedure to change your body and get a new life style is a big step!
  
Looking at your photos I might say that you´ll be a great candidate to get an entire back, waist and flanks liposuction, with BBL, and tummy tuck, this is because all the extra skin located in this areas plus your abdominal muscle needs to be repaired. Before all this, of course, you need to get a complete medical evaluation and laboratory exams to check everything is fine. For us your safety, always, is going to be first.
  
Have a great day! 
  
Dr. JPG

Manuel Ventura Gonzalez, MD · Answer

After evaluating your photos my recommendation would be a tummy tuck, you can get it done with your current weight, this procedure will help you to have a better quality of life and to lose weight faster.

Adrian Sjarif, MD · Answer

Hi, I think you will find that following a successful lap band procedure you will lose alot of weight - alot of this weight loss will be from your mid-section. You will likely end up with more redundant "saggy" skin both at the front and more than likely around your flanks and lower back. You should not consider any body contouring procedure until you have lost your weight, achieved a stable weight for a few months and can then consider having the procedure. If you have significant redundancy of skin in your lower back, you would benefit from a body-lift procedure. Good luck!

Richard Bloom, MBBS (Hons), FRACS · Answer

Hi there and thanks for posting.
Really good question. I know that this can be a very frustrating period, but trust me you are going about it in the right way.
For patients who struggle with weight loss, bariatric surgery can be a great option. I have treated many patients who have successfully lost significant amounts of weight and made incredible changes to their lives.
As hard and as far away as it sounds, most definitely you should wait until you have lost your weight prior to having any body contouring surgery. Experience tells me, if you are successful with your weight loss it is likely you will need to have a body lift rather than a TT. Waiting will make the surgery much safer and give you a far better result.
All the best with your upcoming surgery

Richard

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