I have lost 90 pounds and kept it off since 1985. Would I benefit from a tummy tuck?

A panniculectomy removes the fat and skin that hangs below your waist. If doesn’t improve the area above, which may be why you’re unhappy with the result now. A full tummy tuck may help resolve these issues.

Hello Julie Modugno. Thank you for your question regarding whether you would benefit from a tummy tuck after your significant weight loss.

First, congratulations on maintaining your 90-pound weight loss since 1985! That is an incredible accomplishment. Given that you previously had a panniculectomy, which primarily focuses on removing the pannus (the excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen), it’s understandable that over time, some skin laxity and changes in your abdominal contour may have developed.

An extended tummy tuck could indeed be an excellent option for you. Unlike a panniculectomy, an extended tummy tuck not only removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen but also tightens the abdominal muscles and addresses the skin and fat around the flanks and lower back. This procedure can create a more contoured waistline and smooth out any skin rolls that have developed over time.

Given your history and current concerns, most plastic surgeons would agree that an extended tummy tuck could help you regain a more youthful, defined waistline and a flatter abdomen. It’s important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your specific situation and recommend the best approach for achieving your desired results.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Hello and thank you for your question! Based on the description of the issues you provided it seems that a traditional tummy tuck, or lipoabdominoplasty, could help to contour your abdomen and remove any excess skin you are concerned with. As always, a proper in-office evaluation with a plastic surgeon would be best to determine what procedure/techniques would best suit you and your outcome goals. Hope this helps!

Anyone that has any excess skin or abdominal skin laxity would benefit from having an abdominoplasty done. Liposuction is done with an abdominoplasty as well as abdominal muscle tightening. I would recommend consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon like myself to ensure that you are a great candidate for that procedure.

Hello and thank you for your question.
It sounds like you would benefit from having a tummy tuck! Schedule a consult with a board certified plastic surgery to discuss your options. Best wishes!

Congratulations on your impressive sustained weight loss! From your description it sounds like you would benefit from a tummy tuck. This would remove excess fat and skin as well as correct abdominal wall laxity. Begin by scheduling a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Unfortunately, you have not provided photographs. However, if you lost that amount of weight and still have skin rolls then you would benefit from a tummy tuck with a possible circumferential body lift.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Hi , It's hard without seeing any pictures to evaluate. Congratulations on the weight loss but what is your BMI now? If it is below 30, then a tummy tuck extended to the sides may help.

Congratulations on maintaining your significant weight loss for such an extended period! Based on your description of having undergone a panniculectomy previously and now experiencing skin rolls and a lack of waist definition, an extended tummy tuck could indeed be beneficial for you. This procedure is designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen and sides, and it can also tighten the abdominal muscles, which might have become lax over time. The extended version of a tummy tuck is particularly effective for addressing concerns that span beyond the front of the abdomen to the sides, helping to create a more defined waist and smoother contour overall. Given your age and previous surgery, it's important to have a thorough evaluation by a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in body contouring after significant weight loss.

When it comes to having plastic surgery procedures, I generally say when the condition bothers the patients enough that they’re willing to have surgery, then they’re ready to have the procedure.
I see nothing wrong with having an extended tummy tuck, but ultimately the decision needs to be based on what your thoughts are in conjunction with your plastic surgeon.
If you haven’t had consultations with plastic surgeons, then I should suggest you do that.
Most likely your plastic surgeon would want to get medical clearance.
A full tummy tuck is a pretty major operation.
The procedure can be done with or without muscle tightening.
If done without muscle tightening, then the recovery is typically much easier.
Including pictures we can’t begin to make an assessment.
There are a lot of things to take in the consideration. These type of decisions are best done through in person consultations with providers in your community.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD.