What type of tummy tuck would give me the best results? (Photo)

Question

Hello, I'd like a tummy tuck but I'm unsure which type of tummy tuck would be best for my frame. (Extended tummy tuck vs. Fleur de lis.) A major concern is the top roll on my sides near my bra line. Is it possible for that upper area on the sides in particular to become flat with only a tummy tuck or is a bra line back lift necessary as well? I'm terrified to have a tummy tuck and be left with a roll on each side. I'm 34yr old, 5'10", 250lb, I lost 130lb from RNY in 2008. Lowest weight was235.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding what type of tummy tuck would be best for you. Analyzing your pictures, you have excess skin and fat of the central abdomen, lateral abdomen, and lateral upper back. In my opinion, I think you would be best served with an extended horizontal tummy tuck and a bra-line back lift or bra-strap lift, or horizontal torsoplasty. These can be done at the same time. In my opinion, you do not need the vertical component of the tummy tuck AKA fluer de lis tummy tuck. I am very confident that with a good, solid horizontal abdominoplasty which is extended out over the hips, your abdomen will be smooth and flat. By pulling the abdomen down, you will not have too much vertical laxity requiring the vertical incision component of the tummy tuck. In regards to your lateral back fat, the best way to treat this is with an incision that goes across the back. People call this a bra lift or a bra-strap plasty or a horizontal torsoplasty. During this procedure, an incision is made across the back and a butterfly-shaped area of skin and fat is removed. Your extended tummy tuck should take approximately 4 hours. Your back lift should take approximately 4 hours. Again, these procedures can be combined at one surgical setting. These procedures will be done under general anesthesia. Your recovery will be on your back. Plan for at least a 2-3 week recovery. Drains will be required on the horizontal torsoplasty along with the tummy tuck and drains will stay in for approximately two weeks. Please seek an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon who has performed hundreds of tummy tucks and back lifts. Thank you for your question regarding what type of tummy tuck would be best for you.

I specialize in reconstructive plastic surgery after weight loss. If you have any more questions regarding a tummy tuck, lower body lift, 360 circumferential lower body lift, belt lipectomy, belt abdominoplasty, torsoplasty, bra-strap plasty, or more, please contact my office. Since the abdominoplasty and torsoplasty are big procedures, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing the lower body lift. Do your research. Make sure they have performed at least 100 tummy tucks or torsoplasty surgeries and have the before and after pictures to prove it. Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf. If you cannot find an experienced, tummy tuck or torsoplasty surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state if you must.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic 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 and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

For optimal results you should consider a fleur de lis tummy tuck.  This would allow your surgeon to remove the maximum amount of skin.  The tummy tuck will not affect the appearance of your back.  For that area you can consider a bra line lift.  See a board certified plastic surgeon to learn more.

Richard Zienowicz, MD · Answer

If you are not concerned with having a scar down your midline, a fleur de lis abdominoplasty might be better suited for maximal skin removal. Because you have excess skin on your back that concerns you, this would be best addressed by a back lift with skin removal from this area. A traditional tummy tuck pulls the skin apron down and out, while a fleur de lis pulls toward the midline. This might have a secondary tightening on the back, but your skin folds on your back would still be present. You can discuss this with a board certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in skin removal after weight loss surgery. Best of luck.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The best result wound be obtained with a circumferential body lift.  This can be done in 2 stages, the anterior first and then the posterior or all at once.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. Based on your height and weight, your current BMI is 36. I would advise you to consider bringing that down to 32 before scheduling cosmetic surgery. This will improve your chances for the best result. I hope this helps.

What type of tummy tuck would give me the best results? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Circumferential body lift

Answer: Circumferential body lift

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck

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What type of tummy tuck would give me the best results? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Circumferential body lift

Answer: Circumferential body lift

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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