Will a tummy tuck be sufficient to address the skin on my back? Do I need two surgeries to address my abdomen and back? (Photos)

Question

RxNY in 2013, open abdominal revision in 2020. Pre surgery weight 280, current weight 135. I have loose skin on almost every part of my body but my first focus is my abdomen and back. Will a tummy tuck be sufficient to address the skin on my back? Would another procedure be more appropriate? Do I need two surgeries to address both?

Alexandrish Karvendrish Rodríguez Tavárez, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for contacting us. In your case, it would be ideal to send your back photos, although with the photos you have already sent, we can determine that a circumferential abdominoplasty would greatly improve the sagging of your front and back. We are here to help you!

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Neat503222, thank you for your question. It is imperative to perform a surgical plan in which a number of aspects are taken into account. This will enable us to determine if it is possible to carry out both procedures. It is the criterion of the treating physician, when carrying out the face-to-face consultation and obtaining the clinical tests, that helps him to assess whether it is convenient to conduct both processes or not. I would encourage you to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. During your consultation, your surgeon will be able to assess your unique needs and develop a treatment plan that is right for you. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. A tummy tuck will not address any loose skin on your back. If there is significant skin laxity in the back, a second procedure may be needed. Discuss the options with your plastic surgeon after your evaluation.

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions and photos. A tummy tuck will address excess skin & repair of the abdominal muscle. The abdominal wall can be weakened after pregnancy and (or) significant weight gain & loss. By repairing the muscle, not only does the appearance of your abdominal area improve, but your core strength as well. The repair of the muscle will cinch your waist like an inner corset, which will accentuate your curves. Liposuction will remove excess fat from unwanted areas with some skin retraction. Your expectations and health will dictate the best procedure(s) for you. I suggest a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to go over the options that best address your goals. Best of luck!

Dhaval Patel MD
Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Chicago
South Barrington
Oakbrook
Orland Park

Dhaval Patel MD 
Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon 
Chicago 
South Barrington 
Oakbrook 
Orland Park

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

To target the loose skin on your back, a circumferential tummy tuck or body lift may be more suitable for you. This would treat the area in the front and back of your mid-section.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  You are correct in that two surgeries will be needed to address your abdomen and back.  A likely tummy tuck with FDL modification and likely a back lift.  You may also be a candidate for a belt lipectomy or body lift.  Hope this helps.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Neat503222,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Full tummy tuck should tighten your abdominal muscles and remove the excess skin. Flanks liposuction would give you a better shape. 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

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

No, the tummy tuck will not change the loose skin on the back much, and that area will need to be addressed if you want.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your impressive weight loss! Though an in person examination is preferred you photos indicate that you will benefit from a fleur de list tummy tuck to address the abdomen.  You will likely need a separate procedure to address the loose skin on the back.  See a board certified plastic surgeon near you for a consultation to learn more.

Cagil Meric Erenoglu, MD · Answer

Hi, Neat503222 ! Thank you for your question and photos. 
From the front side photo it is understandable that you have skin excess in both horizontal and vertical vectors, which means that a FDL (fleur de lis) operation (horizontal and vertical skin excision tummy tuck) will be much more helpful compared to a classical tummy tuck. Excising as much skin as possible in the first session, and waiting 6 months will show how much skin excess you have on your back. It will be more determinable to do the second operation (back lift) like this. You can contact us for further details.