I lost 30 kgs/66 pounds in the past few months. I have a bit of loose skin in my lower stomach. Will I need surgery? (photos)

Question

Okay so i lost 66pounds through strength training a high protein diet and a little of cardio. I have developed lose skin below my navel. It is kind of embarrassing. Will i need surgery or natural methods will do? Someone on the internet suggested demarolling. How much does it cost? I am 18 years old.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Aayush0505, Thank you for your question about losing 30 kg/66 lbs in the past few months, having loose skin in my lower stomach, and whether you need surgery.  Thank you for your pictures.  First, we should analyze your pictures to determine the best procedures.  You have cutis pleonasmus (excess skin) and dermatocholosis (loose skin) of your lower abdomen.  You do not have lipodystrophy or excess fat.  Therefore, you have a skin issue, not a fat issue.  Since liposuction removes fat, not skin, it would not be the best surgery for you.  Therefore, the best procedure for you would be a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). Dermarolling will not help.  Save your money and time.

A tummy tuck is performed under general anesthesia and takes about three to four hours to complete.  An incision is placed low on the abdominal wall.  Tissue dissection is performed to the umbilicus.  An incision is placed around the belly button, and the belly button is dissected from the abdominal wall.  Tissue dissection is carried to the sternum.  The rectus muscle is examined.  Usually, the rectus muscle is plicated or sutured together to flatten the abdomen and correct for rectus diastasis.  In your case, your rectus muscle is in good shape; you do not need muscle plication.  The abdominal wall skin is redraped, and the excess abdominal wall skinand fat are removed.  Two drains are placed and are usually removed after 10 to 14 days.  Most patients can return to activities of daily living after about two weeks.  Most patients are able to return to their regular exercise routine after about six to eight weeks.   Most plastic surgeons offer free virtual or in-office physical consultations.  Therefore, explore what other plastic surgeons have to say.  If you have any more questions regarding tummy tucks, abdominoplasties, or abdominal liposuction, contact an experienced plastic surgeon.  Since the tummy tuck surgery is a big procedure, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience in performing tummy tucks.  Do your research.   If you cannot find an experienced tummy tuck plastic surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state.  Sincerely, Dr. Katzen, MD, MBA, FACS, FICS. ( Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, RealSelf Hall of Fame, and RealSelf Doctor Advisory Board for Medical Review and Consumer Panel.)

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo! You would benefit from a tummy tuck.  Seek a board certified plastic surgeon and have a consultation.  Best of luck!Dr Dhaval PatelDouble Board CertifiedPlastic SurgeonChicago Hoffman Estates Oak Brook

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos.  First, congrats on the weight loss!  It appears that you would be an excellent candidate for a full tummy tuck.  To determine what you could realistically expect from surgery though, you need to be seen in person by a board certified plastic surgeon who is an expert in the tummy tuck procedure.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss! I think you would definitely benefit from a low scar tummy tuck and muscle tightening for a much flatter abdomen. Consult with a board certified PS.Kenneth Hughes, M.D.Beverly Hills, CA.

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

Hi... thank you for the question and photos... yes, after these weigh loss skin sags, and surgery is needed, these could be corrected with a Mini tummy tuck.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Congratulations! You may want to wait another 6 months to find out how much your skin may bounce back but it is unlikely that your excess skin will bounce back enough that you are satisfied. I recommend that you book a consultation with a board certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your options and expectations in person.All the best

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photos, and congratulations on your weight loss. Unfortunately, it does appear that you would be best suited w/ direct removal of that skin excess, and this requires a low incision/scar. I would meet w/ a local PS to discuss it. Best wishes.

Mark A. Brzezienski, MS, MD, FACS · Answer

You are a young person and should have some natural skin tightening.  Continue your exercise program and observe the changes.  If after 6-12 months, you are still unhappy...have a consultation with a plastic surgeon.Dermal-rolling is a technique where you take essentially a little "rolling pin" that has needles on it and roll it over the sight you want to treat.  The theory is that this micro trauma switches on the healing mechanism in your skin and produces collagen.  Better for elderly faces, then young people's bellies.  I don't think you can harm yourself with it, but also don't think it will produce the result you want. The duplicated skin envelope I see now would be treated by an excision technique...the key to which is a very low scar... It should hide beneath a bathing suit.

I lost 30 kgs/66 pounds in the past few months. I have a bit of loose skin in my lower stomach. Will I need surgery? (photos)

Answers (8)

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