24, male, 230 pounds to 155 pound weight loss. Is a tummy tuck my best option after weight loss? (Photos)

Question

Hey, I am currently 155 lbs 6'0 and M24. I used to be 220-230 and a little shorter back when I was 16-18ish and have lost the weight since then, i floated around 180-190 for a bit but now have been solid at this weight for a while. I recently 3 weeks ago just started focusing on lifting x3 a week while eating 1900 cals with 150g protein daily. I plan on atleast seeing what I can do change wise in the next 3-6 months before making a decision but I feel so stuck currently, its almost like a "catfish" feeling cause i look so lean in clothes but im still stuck with my loves handles and lower stomach softness which I cant tell if its mostly leftover fat or looseness. What do you guys think? Thanks!

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your journey and photos. Congratulations on your massive weight loss—that is a huge accomplishment.
Regarding your concerns, you are correct that after significant weight loss, skin often loses the ability to contract, leaving laxity that exercise cannot fix. Based on your photos, you are a great candidate for body contouring. I agree with your plan to wait 3-6 months to stabilize your weight and work out.
Looking ahead, a comprehensive approach—likely a male tummy tuck and a lower body lift—will provide the long-lasting, toned result you are looking for. I also notice some residual gynecomastia (skin/glandular tissue in the chest). I highly recommend addressing both the abdomen and chest together to ensure a balanced, masculine contour.
My team and I specialize in post-weight loss body transformations. I encourage you to schedule an in-person consultation to create a tailored plan. Let’s make sure your final look matches the hard work you've put in.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Cool816775,

it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. 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

Laura Roider, MD · Answer

@Cool816775 Based on your photo it seems more like loose skin than residual fat (especially over the flanks), this could be confirmed by physical exam. 
If it is extra skin, it will not be addressed by additional weight loss or exercise.

Ned Snyder, IV, MD · Answer

Thank you for reaching out and submitting questions/photos.  First of all, CONGRATS on the weight loss.  This is not an easy thing to accomplish!  When a large amount of weight comes off, it can unfortunately cause some skin laxity.  The best way to improve the contour would be to surgically remove the excess skin and re-contour the waistline with either skin removal and/or liposuction.  You may require a lower abdominal incision that carries around to your backside to tighten the entire trunk.  Please seek out a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to go over your options.  Good luck and thanks again for reaching out!

Milan Doshi, MS, MCh · Answer

Hi Cool816775From your photos, this appears to be a combination of residual fat with mild skin laxity, which is very common after significant weight loss. The key point is that your skin does not look severely loose, so a good portion of what you’re seeing is still fat that can respond to training and body recomposition.
At 3 weeks into lifting, it’s still very early. Over the next 3–6 months, with consistent training and nutrition, you can expect:
Improved muscle tone, especially in the coreReduction in stubborn fat areas (though slower)Some natural skin tightening as muscle fills out underneath
At your current stage, the best approach is to continue training and reassess after 4–6 months. If a small pocket of fat persists, targeted liposuction can refine it. If significant looseness remains (which seems unlikely here), then skin procedures are considered&mdash;but you are not there based on these images.
This is a great question. I would recommend consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon to further discuss your goals and evaluate you in person.

24, male, 230 pounds to 155 pound weight loss. Is a tummy tuck my best option after weight loss? (Photos)

Answers (5)

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