I am 5'2" and weigh 300lbs. I am 51 years old. I have a hanging belly. Would lipo and a tummy tuck be possible? (Photo)

Extended abdominoplasty is best for you. Your BMI is a little high-so Hospital Surgery is required . Seek an experienced Board Certified PS for in person exam

When patients have experienced extreme weight loss due to diet and exercise, #gastricbypass surgery, or #stomachstapling  or #lapband surgery, there will be excess body skin that needs removal. In order to correct this problem many patients will need a #TummyTuck surgery, #panniculectomy, or #abdominoplasty.   This is becoming a highly requested procedure among patients who wish to rid themselves of excess skin and tighten muscle in their abdominal area. This procedure can be beneficial for women with loose skin and stretch marks following pregnancy, and patients who have undergone significant weight loss.







Women and men who have excess skin and/or fat around the abdomen which does not respond to diet and exercise are candidates for abdominoplasty. Many patients complain that they cannot flatten their abdominal muscles through exercise, which also means a tummy tuck may be right for them. Abdominoplasty candidates have:



·       excess abdominal skin which may sag



·       a disproportionate or protruding abdomen



·       weakened or separated abdominal muscles



·       excess fat concentrated in the abdomen



Other tummy tuck patients may recently have lost a lot of weight and need to have excess skin and tissue removed. Many women choose to have an abdominoplasty following pregnancy. Older patients may be candidates for a tummy tuck due to reduced skin elasticity.Now, if you are looking to lose more weight it would always be best to come as close as possible to your goal weight before a tummy tuck as the weight loss after surgery would always cause the potential for additional loose skin which would cause a need for a revision. It would be good to visit local board certified plastic surgeons for consultations to determine the most effective procedure for your case. Good luck!

Thank you very much for this interesting and important question.Trying to lose weight before a surgical procedure its a very delicate matter, since in many cases a restrictive diet can cause problems, such as anemia, electrolyte disturbances, decreased protein, etc ... retarding the healing process and damaging the surgery.For these reasons, if your purpose is to lose weight, i recommend you have a BMI less or equal to 30.In this regard, you must to have a support with a nutritionist, so you can achieve the desired goal, in the most healthy way, without incressing complications risks in the plastic surgery to perform.Kind regards

While you will be a good candidate for tummy tuck at 5'2" 300lbs. your risk of surgery is too high. If you want to consider any surgery safely you must get well below 200.  While this is disappointing it is without doubt in your best interest.I hope you can achieve a healthy weight loss.

Thank you for your question and photo. You will eventually be a candidate for Tummy Tuck / Liposuction. First, we recommend you lose weight by being on a healthy diet and get your BMI below 30, and being within 10-15 pounds of your actual goal weight.  Your body needs protein, iron, nutrients and yes, even fat, to recover properly. Eat healthy, don't go crazy cutting calories and you will achieve this goal in order to move forward with surgery. 

Make sure you consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss and personalize a treatment plan that works best for you.