Will surgery help the belly overhang? (Photo)

Question

Female mid 40s. 5’2 180 pounds. BNo known health issues. Exercise around 90 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Weight loss plateaued for two years. I was at a plateau for a year before that then lost 10 pounds when pet died. 80 pound weight loss over 7 years. I know I need to eat less to lose more weight, but it’s a struggle. I needed steroid shots in my pelvic area last year. Not sure if the belly is causing the pain. My Belly is also causing self esteem issues, slaps around, and gets in the way.

Stanley Okoro, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and the photos you provided. Based on the photos and your lack of past medical history, you would benefit from lipoabdominoplasty: liposuction, skin excision and possible muscle repair. Make sure you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Good Luck

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and for sharing your photos. By examining your photos, it looks like you’re a great candidate for a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, can remove excess skin and fat while also tightening the abdominal muscles, which helps address both the belly overhang and improve the overall contour of the abdomen.

To clarify the difference between a tummy tuck and a panniculectomy, a tummy tuck not only removes excess skin and fat but also involves muscle repair and recontouring of the abdomen for a more aesthetic, tightened appearance. A panniculectomy focuses solely on removing the hanging skin or "pannus" without addressing the muscles or providing as much of an aesthetic improvement. Therefore, if you’re looking for both functional and cosmetic benefits, a tummy tuck would be the better option.

If you are struggling to lose more weight and have hit a plateau, I’d recommend talking to your primary care physician (PCP) about the new weight loss medications available, such as Ozempic or Wegovy. These medications have shown great results for people who are trying to lose weight. Once you’ve reached a stable weight and feel comfortable with your progress, you can revisit the idea of surgery to address the remaining skin and fat.

I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck on your journey!

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Andrew Ray, DO · Answer

Your abdomen is the definition of why i love to do the surgeries i get to do now. You’ve made the changes, lost weight, and now the excess skin is affecting your ability to do more activity and feel good. I would 100% recommend a tummy tuck with core 360 lipo for sculpting or at the very least flank and abdomen liposuction. There are many facebook groups about abodminoplasty surgery, Preop, recovery etc. I highly recommend doing some research follow a few accounts on social media and follow some surgeons and watch the work they produce and show.

Tek Przylecki, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Surgical removal of belly overhang also known as a panniculectomy can be helpful in removing the apron of abdominal tissue that forms with weight loss. Unfortunately as we age, our bodies lose the skin elasticity that would accommodate weight loss and the result is excess tissue or pannus. The contour improvement can be quite dramatic, but long lower abdominal scar is the price you pay for this improvement. I would recommend consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who can better discuss options that are available to help you reach your goals! I hope this helps!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

A panniculectomy will remove a small amount of the skin overhang.  I encourage you to consider an exercise and weight loss plan to address your visceral (internal) fat.  Once you have reached your goal weight you can have a tummy tuck for a more dramatic transformation.  In my practice I help patients first address their weight loss goals through a personalized plan. Visit my website to learn more.

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