I lost 60 lbs., do I need a tummy tuck or will lipo alone be enough to flatten my stomach? (Photo)

After a significant weight loss, the right approach depends on whether the main issue is extra fat, loose skin, or both.
If the skin has good elasticity and the main concern is remaining fat, liposuction alone can often achieve a flatter, more defined stomach. This is especially true for many male patients, since the skin tends to retract better.
If there is stretched or loose skin that does not contract, then a tummy tuck is the option that removes it and tightens the area. In that case liposuction alone would not fully correct the contour.
From your photo, the skin does not appear to be severely loose, so liposuction may provide the result you are looking for. The final decision should be based on an in person evaluation of your skin quality and abdominal wall.
I have also shared a detailed video where I explain how to choose between liposuction and tummy tuck after weight loss, with patient examples to show the difference in outcomes.
— Güray Yesiladali, MD

Whether liposuction alone will give you the flat stomach you’re hoping for really depends on the amount of loose skin you have after the weight loss. Liposuction is excellent for removing stubborn fat pockets, but it doesn’t tighten excess skin or repair separated abdominal muscles (which are common after major weight changes or pregnancies).
That said, there are advanced liposuction techniques that can help avoid a full tummy tuck in some cases. Technologies like VASER, Renuvion (J-Plasma), and BodyTite can enhance skin tightening and improve overall contour results. Some surgeons specialize in combining these methods to minimize or even avoid the need for large incisions or skin removal.
The best next step is to book a consultation (virtual or in-person) with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can assess your skin elasticity, abdominal muscle tone, and fat distribution. With the right approach, you might be able to achieve your goals without a full tummy tuck — but it all depends on your unique body.
Hope this helps and wishing you the best on your surgery journey!

Thanks for your question and photo. Sixty pound weight loss is no easy feat. If your goal is to improve your rather chiseled abdomen, it can be done. Your photo does not give me sense of how firm your tissues are, or how loose your skin actually is. Essentially, soft fat and loose skin can be somewhat improved with skin tightening technologies with or without liposuction (such as Vaser). Extra skin can be removed with a mini-abdominoplasty. It all depends on what result you seek. But, the decisions and discussions have to be in-person. Photos alone will not tell the entire story.

4K liposculpture with Vaser technology would be sufficient for your case, since you don't have that excessive amount of skin at the abdominal level

Thanks for your question! From what I can see in this photo, you would be fine with some moderate liposuction. It doesn't appear as though you have a lot of loose skin. Good luck!

From the photo, you do not appear to have a lot of lose skin, some stubborn lower abdomen fat with good contours after weight loss.

In my experience, Vaser ultrasound liposuction will remove stubborn fat and tighten skin to avoid a tummy tuck scar, easier recovery, etc.

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.

At 6'1 and 177 lbs., your BMI is 23.5, which is the normal range. It is unlikely that the removing fat only will flatten your stomach. More than likely you will need a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck can be done with mesh reinforcement creating a flatter abdomen by compressing the abdominal wall resulting in early satiety and helps maintain a reduced weight.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Hello. The photo doesn't show significant excess skin, so liposuction may be enough to flatten your abdomen. However, more detailed photos (frontal, side, and leaning forward) would be needed to fully assess whether there is any excess skin and recommend the most appropriate procedure. You can send these photos to 829-554-6062 so we can send you a quote.

Congratulations on your weight loss! When deciding between a tummy tuck or liposuction there are a few factors to assess. One is muscle wall laxity. That is corrected by a tummy tuck but not addressed with a tummy tuck. Next is skin laxity. Liposuction may give you a little tightening, but if you have loose or hanging skin a tummy tuck is needed. Liposuction could actually make it worse. Sometimes the combination of both liposuction and a tummy tuck is the best way to go to optimize results. I've included a video I hope you find helpful.

Weight loss, patience don’t need Liposuction and instead need skin surgery.
The more weight someone has lost the last of an indication they have for Liposuction and the more of a skin problem. They are likely to have.
Your weight loss took care of the fat and what now left is skin laxity.
Your picture is in insufficient to make a good assessment.
Generally speaking weight loss patient needs skin surgery, not Liposuction.
Liposuction isn’t treating the problem, which is skin not excess fat.
When you were overweight, you may have been a good candidate for Liposuction but now you have more of a skin problem
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD