Will I need a Tummy tuck after losing weight? (photos)

Question

I'm 16 and since the start of the year I have gone from 242 pounds down to around 200, I'm 175cm and looking to get to around the 150 mark I was wondering if I would have allot of loose skin left over. I regularly exercise around 5 times a week and incorporate strength training. Would this be enough to avoid loose skin or would I have to get a tummy tuck.

Joubin Gabbay, MD · Answer

Hi there…Congratulations on your amazing weight loss. It is very challenging, and you have accomplished a lot! Your goals are appropriate and admirable. I feel that after you stabilize your weight, you will likely have a substantial amount of excess abdominal skin and abdominal wall laxity/looseness. I feel that you will likely benefit from tummy tuck / abdominoplasty.At this point, I would focus on achieving your ideal body weight and stay stable at that wait for sometime before considering surgery. It is absolutely essential that you seek the advice of the surgeon who is board certified and has extensive experience in body contouring.I wish you the best.Dr. Gabbay.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your successful weight loss thus far. Based on your photographs, I think that you may be an excellent candidate for tummy tuck surgery at some point. The redundant tissue consists of both skin and adipose tissue; often, despite best efforts, these areas may be resistant to diet/exercise.  Of course, specific/meaningful advice would necessitate an in person evaluation;  complete history/ physical examination/discussion of goals/expectations will be necessary. Generally speaking, the “ideal” patient for tummy tuck surgery is one who has completed pregnancies, is psycho socially/emotionally/financially stable, has an excellent social support system surrounding him/her, is capable of arranging enough recovery time, does not smoke and who has reached a long-term stable weight.  I hope this, and the attached link, help.  Best wishes as you continue to work towards your goals.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for this interesting and important question.Trying to lose weight before a surgical procedure its a very delicate matter, since in many cases a restrictive diet can cause problems, such as anemia, electrolyte disturbances, decreased protein, etc ... retarding the healing process and damaging the surgery.For these reasons, if your purpose is to lose weight, i recommend you have a BMI less or equal to 30.In this regard, you must to have a support with a nutritionist, so you can achieve the desired goal, in the most healthy way, without incressing complications risks in the plastic surgery to perform.On the other hand, I recommend you yo be treated by a board certified plastic surgeon, with special training in Plastic Surgery After Massive Weight Loss. Therefore, it will use different surgical techniques and special safety measures for ex- obese patients.It's very important to make a preparation weeks or even months before the surgery, advising the patient to take certain measures that helps to have a successful surgery with very good results.Finally remember you are a minor and for any procedure you will need your parents consent.Respectfully,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol.-

Peter J. Capizzi, MD · Answer

Wonderful news on your weight loss!  Everyone is different when it comes to skin elasticity.  My suggestion is to seek a consultation from a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon when you have reached your goal weight and feel confident you are able to maintain it.  Only then can you get the answer you are needing.  All the best.

Farah Naz Khan, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss! From your pictures, you do appear to have some loose skin which is best dealt with via a TT. Continue working towards your goal and when you have reached your ideal weight, explore your surgical options with board certified plastic surgeons if you so desire. Best of luck in reaching your goal!

Will I need a Tummy tuck after losing weight? (photos)

Answers (10)

Answer: Seek a consultation when at your goal weight

Answer: Seek a consultation when at your goal weight

Answer: Do you need a TT after weight loss?

Answer: Do you need a TT after weight loss?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Will I need a Tummy tuck after losing weight? (photos)

Answers (10)

Answer: Seek a consultation when at your goal weight

Answer: Seek a consultation when at your goal weight

Answer: Do you need a TT after weight loss?

Answer: Do you need a TT after weight loss?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.