Becoming extremely lean, visible abs after tummy tuck, with training and diet

Question

Hi, as a child I was obese and when I was a teen I lost a lot of fat and gained a lot of muscle mass since, Even with a low body fat % I can't see any "six pack". Assuming someone has already a decent amount of muscle and has little fat, would a tommy tuck help me look "shredded" ? Like looking exactly like someone "shredded "/ extremely lean that never had to deal with loose skin? Or will it always be less defined than someone who was lean all his life?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello drrapp,

Firstly, I commend your dedication and commitment to health and fitness. Your transformation is an accomplishment in itself.

Your question about achieving a 'shredded' look after a tummy tuck is quite insightful. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, can indeed help improve the appearance of your abdomen, especially if loose or excess skin is obscuring your muscle definition due to significant weight loss.

The procedure involves removing extra skin and, in some cases, fat. It also often involves tightening the underlying abdominal muscles, which can further enhance your stomach's appearance. So theoretically, yes, a tummy tuck could help you achieve a more defined, 'shredded' look if loose skin is the primary issue.

However, it's important to understand that a tummy tuck is not a shortcut to a six-pack. Diet, exercise, and genetics still play the most significant roles in muscle definition. Even with surgery, you might not look exactly like someone who has been extremely lean all their life because each person's body responds differently to both exercise and surgery.

In essence, while a tummy tuck may enhance your appearance and provide a more toned look, the definition of your abs will still largely depend on your ongoing commitment to a fitness regimen and a balanced diet.

Thank you for your question, and best of luck on your fitness journey.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

The main reason why people have visible muscular definition is mainly genetics associated with NO subcutaneous fat.
I have seen many patients male and female, who really spend hours and years of their lives doing heavy exercise and never achieved muscular abdominal definition, and I have seen multiple who are well defined with minimum or no physical effort (my husband for example, who never have developed subcutaneous fat even after putting significant weight on). 
So don't be disappointed, you may have no genetics for muscular definition and High-Definition as would be a  Lipo-abdominoplasty with RAFT (rectus abdomini fat tranfer) surgery would be a good alternative for you.
Definitely, saggy skin will prevent observing muscular definition.
Be encouraged.
Dr. Cardenas

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear drrapp,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. 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

You will not look "shredded" with a tummy tuck since the skin must be kept at a certain thickness to survive.  Liposuction may give you a thinner look and can be done before or after the tummy tuck, but not at the same time.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

A tummy removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and corrects abdominal wall laxity.  Liposuction combined with a tummy tuck can further contour the waist, hips/flanks.  I encourage you to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you.  After an examination and discussion of your goals your surgeon can let you know what you can expect in terms of results.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

People look the way they do. There are lotta variables. Skeletal structure is probably the primary reason for each persons unique body shape. Skin laxity contributed significantly to contour especially in combination with age. in the end someone’s body contour is a combination of musculoscal structure, subcutaneous fat and skin.
People with highly athletic bodies typically require very low body fat percentage is and substantial amount of training. Genetic make up also has major influence.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

Based on your explanation of your situation and desires, it looks like you might benefit the most from modified abdominal skin resection and abdominal lipo and etching to achieve maximum abdominal highlights and "six-packs"The Gold Standard for superior liposuction results requires use of the advanced technology of ultrasound-assisted VASER liposuction. As an official trainer of VASER liposuction, I perform full body liposuction cases every week. VASER liposuction has been the only modality that has consistently resulted in outstanding liposuction outcomes. VASER liposuction ensures a smooth contour regardless of degree of excess fat by virtue of being able to remove any and all remaining fat comprehensively and uniformly. If skin redundancy is observed, Renuvion technology can be simultaneously applied to tighten your skin to optimize your overall contour outcome. A Skype or FaceTime consultation with a VASER specialist will help you get an accurate recommendation and pricing.

Respectfully,
Arian Mowlavi MD, FACS
Realself 100 Hall of Fame Inductee

Respectfully, 
Arian Mowlavi MD, FACS
Realself 100 Hall of Fame Inductee

Jose A. Munoz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!If there is little fat between the skin and underlying muscle, and if the abdominal musculature is of sufficient size, abdominoplasty will improve external skin contour if there is a degree of skin laxity which otherwise camouflages the underlying muscles. Some plastic surgeons perform "abdominal etching", which creates artificial indentations at the sites of the tendinous intersections of the rectus abdominis musculature. Without photos of your abdomen, I cannot venture a further guess...Visit a board certified plastic surgeon for in-person evaluation and discussion.Best wishes...

Becoming extremely lean, visible abs after tummy tuck, with training and diet

Answers (8)

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