I Lost 100 Pounds. Now I Have Loose Skin, Stretch Marks, Love Handles. Recommendations? (photo)

Question

32yr, 6ft, Male. Went from 270 to 170. Plenty of loose skin, stetch marks, and love handles remain. I weigh less than 2 brothers, same height and build, but still have 5 more inches around belly vs them. 2 questions: Do I continue loosing weight to try to loose belly inches even tho fam/friends are complaining of too much weight loss, or is stuborn belly flab a real issue for big weight loss people? And what kind of procedure would produce the best results? TT, mini TT, TT+Lipo, Body Lift?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

To Whom It May Concern:
	
	Congratulations on your significant weight loss.  You should be very proud of what you have achieved.  I would strongly suggest continuing to lose weight as much as possible.  I would not listen too much to your siblings regarding weight loss.  Based on your anticipated further weight loss, I would suggest you undergo a 360 body lift.  This will eliminate excess skin and fat from the abdomen, hips, and buttocks.  If you just did a tummy tuck it would not eliminate the excess skin and fat of the lateral hips nor buttock regions.
	Congratulations again on your weight loss and good luck on completing your weight loss journey.
	
	Thank you,

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It's not unusual for patients to have loose lower abdominal skin following a 100 pound weight loss. This is often accompanied by stubborn areas of fat and loose skin in the flank areas as well. When this situation arises,  patients frequently hit a wall and are unable to lose further weight. At this point, it's appropriate to proceed with massive weight loss surgery. Based on your history, I believe you have reached this point.A variety of surgical options currently exist to address these issues. The specific procedure chosen will depend upon your anatomic findings, aesthetic goals, social situation and employment. Although your pictures are helpful, it's impossible to make a final recommendation without a physical examination. However, based on the available information, I suspect that you would benefit from a body lift procedure.This procedure would circumferentially remove excess skin and fat and simultaneously lift the buttocks in an upward direction. It would also address lower abdominal stretch marks. It would dramatically improve the contour and aesthetics of the trunk region.If you're considering massive weight loss surgery, it's important to consult a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in this area. This surgeon should be able to formulate a treatment plan that addresses your anatomic findings and achieves your aesthetic goals.

Paul Fortes, MD · Answer

It is always difficult when a photograph shows only limited hanging skin (abdomen).  I am sure that the skin is loose all the way around your torso.  If that is the case, then a 360 degree "belt lipectomy" may be your best option.  This skin-excising operation will tighten and lift the loose skin of the abdomen, pubis, front of the thighs, flanks, buttocks, and lower back.  Contouring the waist by liposuction can also help achieving great results.  Best of luck!

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Congratulations of your weight loss.  You will most likely benefit the most from either an extended tummy tuck (+/- liposuction of your waist/flanks) or a circumferential body lift.   My procedural recommendation would depend on your goals (what areas bother you the most) and your physical exam findngs (location and distribution of your excess skin).   Please visit with a board certified ASPS member surgeon to learn more about your options.Best of luck!
	
	Dr.Basu

	Houston, TX

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

You are at your ideal weight for your height. Your BMI is 23, normal.

	You are ready for body sculpting. Extended abdominoplasty , may be circumferential lift, plus liposuction to mefine the abdomen and waist.

I Lost 100 Pounds. Now I Have Loose Skin, Stretch Marks, Love Handles. Recommendations? (photo)

Answers (9)