Body-contouring or tummy tuck with 34 BMI? (Photo)

Dear Iowan,   Thanks for posting your pictures and congrats on your weight loss. From observing your pictures you appear to have significant abdominal skin and muscles laxity from the chest bone to the pubic bone.       I have been in practice for over 31 years and performed tummy tuck surgery on well over 1000 patients. Based on that experience and your pictures , I would strongly recommend that you have tummy tuck first. That procedure will give you flat stomach, tight and youthful looking skin, nice belly button and ,most likely, you will lose significant amount of weight due to the muscles tightening that will reduce the amount of food that you can eat and your sense of hunger.   As far as your BMI of 34, it is fine for surgery (my limit is 35) as long as your abdomen does not protrude much when you lie flat on your back, which mean that the surgeon will be able to tighten the muscles well without compromising your lung and breathing.   You have to realize that not all results are the same, because experience, technical skills and aesthetic eye are critical for good outcome. So, do your due diligence carefully and choose your surgeon wisely.   Always, consult with experienced board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center. Most importantly, check the before and after pictures in the photo gallery, to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive with the above mentioned features and low scar (avoid Fleur de Lis).                  Best of luck,                                      Dr Widder   PS,           A good surgeon will be able to improve on your inner thighs skin fold by puling the groin skin upward.

Thank you for your question and photos.  I believe it is best to be within 10 - 15 pounds of your ideal body weight prior to surgery for optimal results. Please consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in body contouring for an in-person examination. Ask to see a lot of before and after pictures of their work to understand what can be achieved. Hope this helps and good luck.

I
recommend abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement if you are not planning future
pregnancies.  The mesh creates a more
hourglass figure by compressing the abdominal wall resulting in early satiety
and helps maintain a reduced weight.  I
also recommend a breast lift using The Bellesoma Method.  This will reshape your breast tissue creating
upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and
more medial to increase your cleavage. 
Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation and the ability to breast
feed are maintained. Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.