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

Question

I had a gastric sleeve over a year ago and lost 80 lbs. My weight has stabilized at 15-20 pounds over what I should be for a normal BMI. I feel good at this weight. My biggest problem is my overhanging gut. I carry a lot of fat in my middle and have slim arms and legs. I am 5'8 and 182 pounds. Will a tummy tuck be right for me since I'm overweight? What kind do would be best? Will I end up with a very thick waist since I carry so much fat there? Not worried about scars, just want the gut gone!

Walid Sabbagh, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

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.

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

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.

Justin Yovino, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

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

Andrew T. Lyos, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Benjamin Mandel, MD · Answer

Thanks for your questions. Your current weight and height places you at a BMI slightly under 28. As long as you do not plan on losing any more weight, it is reasonable for you to consider abdominoplasty. If, however, you would like to lose more weight, I suggest you reach your goal prior to undergoing a tummy-tuck. Weight loss after this operation can dramatically alter the final result. In the meantime, there is no replacement for formal physical examination. I suggest that you meet with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and concerns. Congratulations on your weight loss!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Cryamsalt,the optimal weight to have Tummy Tuck surgery is a very common question and for good reason. Having surgery before you reach your target weight can lead to suboptimal results if you were to lose more weight after surgery.
Good first questions to ask yourself are:
1. Am I at my goal weight?
2. Is my weight stable? have you lost or gained more than 10lbs in the past month? What was your weight last year?
3.  Are you eating a healthy diet and exercising?
If you are not at your goal weight or your weight is not stable, you should hold off on surgery.
If not, great! I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. You will get the best recommendations after a thorough examination.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

The ideal candidate for an abdominoplasty/tummy tuck is healthy and has reached a stable healthy weight (preferably with a BMI < 30). Most patients who have undergone a bariatric procedure will stabilize at approximately 1 year post op. Based upon your photos, you appear to be a reasonable candidate for abdominoplasty. If your weight has stabilized and you do not anticipate further changes I would suggest beginning the process with an in-person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear!!
  
Thanks for the question and provided information as well. 
  
Based on your pictures you are good candidate for  liposuction with a traditional tummy tuck. This combination has 
become a very common procedure. It is safe to combine the two procedures
 mainly to address the hip and flank areas. This is a very effective way
 to extenuate the contour of the waist along with the abdominoplasty. It
 is also important to realize that there is usually a limit on how much 
fat can be remove in a combined procedure. 
  
In general you may be a good tummy tuck and liposuction candidate if: 
  
You are physically healthy and at a stable weight 
  
You have realistic expectations 
  
You are a non-smoker 
  
You are bothered by the appearance of your abdomen. 
  
 I recommend to book a consultation with a board certified plastic 
surgeon in your area to discuss the best options for your goals. Good 
luck :)

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

Based on the information provided, it looks like a tummy tuck with liposuction is appropriate. See link below for examples.

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

Answers (18)

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