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

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.

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.)

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.

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.

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.

Dear lauramj1987,
based on your photos, you look like a good candidate for a TT. Full tummy tuck should tighten your abdominal muscles and remove the excess skin. Flanks liposuction would give you a better shape. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon because only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hi and welcome to our forum!From your photos, I note a full abdomen, flanks, and hips, associated with a hanging abdominal pannus, multiple bra and lateral body rolls. BMI, or body mass index (weight in kg / square of height in meters) is one criterion to determine the results of a cosmetic surgery. You can find BMI calculators on the internet. If your BMI is greater than 30, the cosmetic result will not be optimal. If your BMI is greater than 35, your operative risk will rise. YOUR BMI IS 35.87.We recommend a regimen of diet and exercise to reach a safe and healthy body weight. If not achievable, one may consider a bariatric procedure such as a gastric sleeve to achieve dramatic weight loss, performed as an outpatient procedure. Once your weight is at or below a safe level, one may proceed with abdominoplasty with lower body lift (circumferential) and upper body lift. Visit a board certified plastic surgeon for in-person evaluation and discussion.Best wishes...