How much subcutaneous fat can be removed from a Tummy Tuck? I'm 25 year old male and have lost roughly 100 lbs.

Hello sletterman,

Thank you for your question regarding how much subcutaneous fat can be removed from a tummy tuck.

Understanding Tummy Tuck Procedures:

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) primarily focuses on removing excess skin and tightening the abdominal muscles. While some fat can be removed during this procedure, the primary goal is to contour the abdomen and remove excess skin after significant weight loss.

Subcutaneous Fat Removal:

Excision During Tummy Tuck:

The tummy tuck procedure itself involves the excision of both skin and some underlying fat. The amount of fat removed through excision is usually less compared to liposuction. However, combined with the skin removal, it can result in significant contouring and flattening of the abdomen.
The exact amount of fat and skin removed varies depending on the individual's anatomy and the extent of excess skin.
Liposuction of Flanks or Back:

While liposuction directly on the abdomen during a tummy tuck is not advisable due to the risk of compromising blood flow and skin healing, liposuction can be performed on the flanks and back in combination with a tummy tuck.
This approach can significantly improve the overall contour and appearance, creating the illusion of a smaller waist and more balanced proportions.
The amount of fat that can be safely removed through liposuction on the flanks or back depends on individual factors but typically ranges up to several liters.
Factors Influencing Fat Removal:

Current Body Composition:

Your current weight, body fat percentage, and distribution of fat affect how much can be removed.
Health and Safety:

Your overall health and the surgeon’s assessment will determine the safe amount of fat removal. Ensuring a safe procedure is the top priority.
Desired Outcome:

The goal is to achieve a natural, aesthetically pleasing result. Over-removal of fat can lead to complications and undesirable aesthetic outcomes.
Consultation with a Plastic Surgeon:

Personalized Plan:
During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your specific case, including your body composition and goals. They will provide a personalized plan and discuss the potential amount of fat that can be removed safely.
Conclusion:

In summary, while a tummy tuck itself focuses on removing excess skin and tightening the abdominal muscles, liposuction of the flanks and back can effectively reduce subcutaneous fat and enhance the overall contour. This combination can help achieve a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing result.

Good luck, and I hope I’ve answered your question regarding how much subcutaneous fat can be removed with a tummy tuck and liposuction of the flanks and back.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic Surgeon

Hello, if a tummy tuck is done without liposuction, typically the entire layer of skin and fat below the belly button is removed, then this layer from the upper abdomen is pulled downward, stretching it out to close the wound. Technically this means that the fat on the upper abdomen is actually removed, but it is stretched out thinner. If liposuction is done, then some of this fat is actually removed. Liposuction does not remove all of the fat, and if it is done very aggressively then the risk of complications (seroma, skin breakdown/necrosis, contour irregularities) increases. I hope this information helps.

Congratulations on your weight loss, 100 lbs is quite an achievement.
As many of the other professionals have commented already, there really is no exact way to determine how much "weight" will be removed via liposuction or removal of skin during the tummy tuck procedure. These measurements are taken following surgery and most patients are surprised to hear that it's not as much weight as they expected especially with the results they experience.
Following such a drastic weight loss such as yours, patients are left with a lot of loose skin that doesn't allow them to enjoy their new bodies. Once the skin is removed, muscles tightened and the body smoothened and contoured, the results are so much more evident and you really see the patient's confidence return. The outcome of surgery has a far greater effect than the number on the scale and can really demonstrate the hard work and effort that patients have put in during their weight loss journey.
All the best during your consultation,

Greetings Sletterman.Serious congratulations on losing those 100 pounds!! You have done all the hard work with regards to weight loss and the skin is not going to weigh that much. Best on my previous experience of 15 years, I think your skin will weight less than 10 pounds. It all depends on how much is hanging down after your weight loss. With photos, I better estimate could be done.As long as you're healthy, you should be a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery. I think you will see a dramatic effect in terms of body contouring/body shape from this operation. This surgery will really pay off for you!

Great job on the weight loss. 100lbs is quite a lot. You’d be surprised at how much of an improvement in your appearance can be achieved from removing bulges of fat and loose skin - but in many cases, these two things don’t weigh much. Usually, it would be a few pounds at most that you’d lose. It’s better to concentrate on the aesthetic improvement, rather than the impact it has on the scale.

Thank you for sharing your question and congratulations on your amazing weight loss.  In most tummy tucks the skin from just above the belly button to the upper pelvis is removed with weights that can range from a few pounds to perhaps 10-15 in cases of massive weight loss.  Hope this helps.

Thanks for this question.In a usual tummy tuck an elipse of skin is removed. This usually extends from hip to hip and just above the umbilicus to the pubic hairline. This is a full thickness removal, meaning it contains the skin and fat.  In addition there is some fat removed from above the umbilicus either by liposuction or direct excision. Finally there is some liposuction of the subcutaneous fat of the hips. Of note in a massive weight loss patient, sometimes one needs to remove a vertical ellipse of skin and fat as well.It's impossible to estimate the amount of fat that's removed from all of these places without a photo. Your Plastic Surgeon will be able to help you with that number at your consultation.

Hello and thanks so much for your question. Congratulations on the weight loss!! A consultation is required in order to properly assess your situation.  Subcutaneous fat can be very difficult to treat and expectations must be managed accordingly.  Your surgeon will examine and go over the procedure in detail with you. Good luck on your search!!

As I am sure you know, a tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure.  You have done the hard work of losing weight so the goal of the procedure is to reduce the amount of loose skin and give you the improved appearance you want.  So it really doesn't matter how much weight is removed and it would be impossible to predict how much it would be without performing an examination.