Is a tummy tuck appropriate when 15 to 20 pounds overweight? (photos)

It should be possible to achieve a very good result for you with a full Abdominoplasty and Liposuction to the sides. With suffecient tighning of the skin and correction of muscle laxity the appearance of your abdomen will be quite flat with no hanging apron. To achieve the best outcome your scar may extend a little longer round the sides compared to someone who is thinner but the scar can be designed in a low position so it is hidden.

From your photographs, it seems you are an excellent candidate for a tummy tuck with liposuction contouring. If it is not feasible that you will lose that 20 pounds and keep it off, than you can feel confident in proceeding with surgery. Ideally, If you are going to lose the weight and keep it off, then you should do that and then proceed with surgery. In my view, 15 to 20 pounds is not altogether that much weight difference, and you could go ahead and talk to a board-certified plastic surgeon about your expectations with surgery.

You would likely achieve a better tummy tuck outcome if you were thinner. Your best approach is full abdominal liposuction in the first stage. This will thin out the layer that needs to be redraped. See the attached video for before and after photos of this liposuction change. The tummy tuck would proceed as a second stage approximately 3-6 months after the thorough lipo.  

I must congratulate you for the determination to lose the weight!!You have the two conditions to be a perfect candidate for Tummy Tuck and muscle repair: Saggy skin and loose muscle. These two procedures will create a beautiful flat abdomen and also a smaller ad tapered waist. I will add some liposuction to improve even more your results of course it will depend on what you want to achieve after your surgery. It is really important for you to know that your belly flap is tick and to prevent complication risks during your recovery I will encourage you to loose some pounds before your surgery as most of the remaining overweight is located in this area. Visit my profile to see results and other patients experience. 
Be encouraged, You will look wonderful!!
~Dr. Cardenas 

Congratulations on your weight loss!
 
For optimal results you should be within 10 to 15 pounds of your final weight.  This approach would minimize the possibility of recurrent skin laxity with further weight loss after your procedure. I would recommend consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Based on your BMI and a realistic goal weight he/she can advise you on the timing of the procedure.
Best regards, Andrew Lyos MD, FACS.