How can I tell if I have Visceral Fat Or Subcutaneous fat I asked about getting a Tummy Tuck and was told it won't help. (photo)

While some of your fat may be visceral (around your internal organs) what you can grab on the outside is fair game. A tummy tuck can certainly improve your shape, but some of your upper abdominal fullness will likely remain to some degree. Happy to chat further if you like about your options. Good luck!  Dr K

Based upon the pictures submitted, you would likely get the best results with a tummy tuck with liposuction of the sides and back.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Fat that is around your organs and bowels is visceral fat and is NOT accessible during a tummy tuck.  Fat that is under your skin is the fat that is accessible during a tummy tuck and can be removed.  Visceral fat presents itself as a firm-to-touch abdomen, even though the belly is protruding out. You often see this type of excess fat in men. Fat under the skin is more doughy and soft to touch. Most women have this type of excess abdominal fat.  The fat under the skin is what responds very well to a tummy tuck.  In your case, it appears that you may have a combination of the two and would likely still benefit from a tummy tuck.  It would be worth your while to get another opinion.  Dr. B.

I think that based upon your picture you would still get a lot of improvement from a tummy tuck. I tell people in the office that we start with you and while we can change you to an arguably better version of you we cannot change you to someone else. That being said you would have a lot of skin tightened.Good Luck!

Thank you for your question and for attaching photos. An abdominoplasty with some flank liposuction would get rid of the excess skin, tighten your abdominal muscles and smooth out the "love handle" area. This being said, you do have some visceral fat that is around the organs that we cannot get to with an abdominoplasty or lipo. This fat can only be reduced by diet and exercise. It really comes down to your expectations. An abdominoplasty with some lipo will make you look better, but it will not get you a flat stomach without a significant amount of work on your part with diet and exercise. If you are expecting a flat stomach, you will not be happy. If your expectations to remove the excess skin and some fat are realistic, you should do well. I wish you the best. 

You likely have visceral fat, but a tummy tuck with liposuction and tightening of the muscle will make a dramatic change. Consult with a board certified plastic surgery with experience in these procedures.