I had bariatric surgery in 2013, now at 135 lbs. Which type of tummy tuck is right for me to achieve a smooth look? (photos)

​Without examining you it is difficult to be certain but based on the photos it appears as though you would be a very good candidate for a combination extended tummy tuck combined with a BBL followed by a medial thighplasty 3-6 months later. Based on these photos it doesn't appear as though you need a circumferential body lift. Most surgeons in Canada will try to get you do this procedure in 3 stages: BBL then TT then thighplasty, but its not necessary and combining the BBL with the tummy tuck is completely reasonable and there are a few of us with extensive experience doing this.

Thank you for your question.
Based on your photos, I believe that a traditional abdominoplasty would give you a great aesthetic. An abdominoplasty will be able to remove the excess tissue between the umbilicus and the pubic region, create a youthful umbilicus, and repair your rectus muscles that may have been separated during child bearing. This will leave you with a flatter, smoother contour to the abdomen. I also tend to liposuction the flanks in order to provide an hour glass figure. I recommend speaking with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options.

Thank you for your question regarding what to do with your stomach, buttock, and thighs after a 120 lb weight loss. Congratulations on your weight loss. Great Job. Thank you for your pictures and history. Since your weight is stable, I would suggest you are a good candidate for reconstructive plastic surgery after massive weight loss. I would suggest liposuction of the abdomen and love handles, an extended tummy tuck, a BBL, and a vertical medial thigh lift. I would suggest liposuction because fat needs to be collected from the abdomen and love handles to be transferred to the buttock. At that same time, an abdominoplasty and a medial thigh lift can be completed. Your recovery position would be on a unique BBL pillow to protect the transferred fat while still being bent to the waist. Alternatively, you can stage the procedures. If you were to stage the procedures, I would suggest liposuction of the abdomen, love handles, and a BBL. Later, I would suggest the abdominoplasty and a medial thigh lift. Plan on a 3-4 week recovery. I hope this helps to answer your question about your abdomen, buttock, and thighs after a 120 lb weight loss.
If you have any more questions regarding reconstructive surgery after massive weight loss, please contact my office. Reconstructive surgeries after massive weight loss include an abdominoplasty, tummy tuck, thigh lift, breast lift, mastopexy, arm lift, brachioplasty, torsoplasty, back lift, buttock augmentation, and buttock lift. Since these reconstructive surgeries after massive weight loss, are big procedures, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing these types of lifts. Do your research. Make sure they have performed at least 100 of each procedure you are considering for reconstructive surgery after massive weight loss. Make sure they have the before and after pictures to prove it. Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.

Thank you so much for your question and congratulations on the weight loss. Looking at the photos you have provided I would recommend an extended tummy tuck to the last fold of skin, liposuction of the inner and outer thighs and maybe some cellulaze to help with the cellulite issues. This will allow the surgeon to tighten up the abdominal wall muscles, remove the extra skin and give you the flattest belly. They will be able to tighten up and contour the legs for you as well. I would suggest speaking to a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in person to evaluate you and discuss your options. Best of luck to you.

Congratulations on your weight loss! In person exam is essential. Based on your photos- it appears that you would benefit from an extended tummy tuck with possible vertical component, and possible flank liposuction. I suggest that you seek an experienced Board Certified PS and review your options and details.

Hello and thank you for your question.
First of all, congratulations your weight loss!
Based on your photos, you appear to be a great candidate for a traditional tummy tuck with liposuction. This can be done through a low and short incision, all completely below the bikini line. The belly button can be designed to look natural with minimal scarring on the exterior. Your muscles can also be plicated resulting in a flatter and firmer abdominal contour and profile.
I would recommend to obtain an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to further discuss your options and expectations.
I hope this helps.Best, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzBreast Fellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Thank you for you questions about different types of tummy tucks and for including photos! Congratulations on losing a significant amount of weight. Now comes the problem of excess skin.

Without a photo of your back, it is hard to tell if you would need a belt abdominoplasty or full abdominoplasty.

The excess fat that you still have could potentially be utilized for a BBL.


To be sure what will work for you, see two or more experienced, board-certified Plastic Surgeons in your area for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to undergo the procedures.

Hope this help!

Dear Exuberant861759,
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 there, Thanks for your question and Congrats on your weight loss, I know it isn't an easy task!I think you are an excellent candidate for an extended tummy tuck. Meaning that you would need to "chase" your excess skin past your hip bones and extend the scar to your sides. Your scar would be wider than most traditional abdominoplasties, but its the only way to remove all of your excess skin and not leave a "dog ear" behind. I think you would have an excellent result and much better mobility in the end also! Good luck on your surgical journey!

Congratulations on your weight loss! An extended tummy tuck will probably work very well for you to remove the excess skin and tighten your abdominal wall.