Tummy Tuck or 360? Is It Worth the Scar If Loose Skin Only Shows When I Bend? (Photos)

From your photographs, it seems plastic surgery cannot offer you any significant improvement. A plastic surgeon would have to do a good exam to truly understand if something relatively small could be done to make a satisfactory improvement that you would enjoy.

First, I want to acknowledge the incredible achievement of losing over 100 pounds — that's a remarkable accomplishment, and it's completely understandable to feel conflicted about the next steps.

Based on your description and photos, it's clear that you have excess skin that becomes more visible when bending, which is common after significant weight loss. While your abdominal area may appear relatively tight when standing, this type of skin laxity will not improve with exercise alone. In your case, I would recommend surgical skin removal as the most effective and lasting solution. A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) or 360 lower body lift would not only remove the excess skin but also improve the overall contour and tone of your midsection. These procedures are designed to restore a smoother, firmer shape and are particularly beneficial for patients like you who have already done the hard work of losing the weight and building muscle. While scarring is a natural part of surgery, it is typically placed low and can be easily concealed. Most patients find that the improvement in confidence, comfort, and overall body balance far outweighs the tradeoff of a scar — especially when performed with a focus on natural, athletic results.

I believe that with proper planning and realistic expectations, skin removal surgery can help complete your transformation and allow your hard-earned results to shine through even more.

A tummy tuck is an elective procedure so whether it is necessary relies entirely on the patient. You would have to determine whether the result would be worth the surgical risks and resulting scar. However, it is important to note that some skin laxity is necessary, as it allows you to bend and twist your torso. Therefore you will have some visible skin laxity after surgery as well.

Congratulations on your impressive weight loss and healthy lifestyle! From the photos it appears skin removal would help complete your goal. Muscle wall laxity could also be addressed. The scar would be low and able to be hidden underneath swim suits and undergarments. Only you can decide if the scar is worth the contour improvement. From the photos a 360 lift is not needed.

There is not much loose skin, how ever the navel shape and the poor waist definition made you a good candidate for a mini abdominoplasty (short scar tummy tuck) to made a full abdominal plicature (muscle tightening), navel reposition an remove the extra skin.A 360 (circunferencial) removal will enhance also the tights and the buttocks but you will have a very long scar.
David Guarin MDPlastic Surgeon