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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.