Tummy tuck and visceral fat. Can I expect good results from a tummy tuck? (Photos)

Question

I am 61 year old 5' 6" currently weigh 152 lbs. I have had a big tummy for a while and surgeon said I was not a candidate for a tummy tuck as I had visceral fat, carrying all weigh in my belly. She recommended loose more weight.She did perform a breast lift and I was happy with the results.Consulted another board certified plastic surgeon who says he may be able to get good results but not a flat tummy. Concerned visceral fat will eventually push out muscles, etc. How can I know?

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

Patients who have excessive visceral fat generally will not achieve a "flat" stomach with a tummy tuck. The fat is this area cannot be safely removed, so it remains after surgery. Patients will often still choose to proceed with surgery knowing they will have improvement, but not a perfect outcome. Discuss the anticipated changes with your surgeon who can help you with your decision.

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. You may be a better candidate for liposuction instead of a tummy tuck if you don’t have the excess skin.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Fat that can be removed with a tummy tuck is typically “pinchable”. If you can grab the fat between your fingers, then it may be removed. How much fat can you grab? In the photo where you are pushing against your stomach, it looks like there is still some protrusion. Therefore, it does appear that you have some visceral fat that would prevent you from getting a flat stomach, as your consulting surgeons have mentioned. You may want to consider following a healthy diet and exercise plan to see if you can reduce the visceral fat first.

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

The protruding abdomen in your case,  is because of two reasons: loose muscle mainly and some visceral fat because when you lay down it flattens (not completely but flatter). So I am sure the Tummy tuck in combination with a nice a tight muscle repair not only vertical but also horizontal will help you to create a beautiful flatter abdomen and a nice and smaller waistline. 
My advise will be to prepare the lungs for the reduction of the abdominal cavity volume, and that will be achieved doing cardio exercise 2-3 months before surgery and also pulmonary exercise with inspirometer. 
So be encouraged!!! You will look awesome!!
Dr. Cárdenas

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The technique I recommend is abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement. The mesh creates a more hourglass figure by compressing the abdominal wall resulting in early satiety and helps maintain a reduced weight.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear 1architrav,
generally speaking, you want to reach your goal weight before you consider a tummy tuck, otherwise your results will be suboptimal if you continue to lose weight after the surgery.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

Antonios Mitsakos, MD · Answer

The liposuction typically carried out together with the tummy tuck will not obviously affect the visceral fat and so you may result into having some persisting fullness to the abdominal area. Liposuction (or abdominoplasty for that matter) will help with the shape and the contouring of your body but will have no effect on this intra abdominal fat unfortunately.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

A tummy tuck should give you some improvement as it appears you have abdominal wall laxity.  However you will not likely be able to achieve a flat tummy due to the visceral fat.  Weight loss is the best way to help you reduce the visceral fat and improve your potential tummy tuck results.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

You do appear to have significant visceral fat with loose abdominal muscles too.  If you are still an abdominoplasty candidate, you will have a "flatter" abdomen, but most likely, not a FLAT abdomen.
You might want to go for a couple more consultations to compare.
Best wishes.
Dr. Taranow

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

based on your photos , it looks you may benefit from a tummy tuck but to be certain you need to be seen in person.

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