B-Shaped Belly - is a tummy tuck the best option to correct this shape? (Photo)

Question

I am on a weightloss journey and have lost 75 lbs with about 30 more to go. I am 5 ft 1 and weigh about 155 currently. I have always had a “B” shaped belly whether I was at my highest weight or lowest. Is a tummy tuck the best option to correct this shape?

Robert M. Lowen, MD · Answer

Dear,
   When you get down to your target weight, 125 lbs.? a lipoabdominoplasty will correct your shape.  A combined procedure is technically demanding and your will have a lot of excess tissue to remove. But if you are medically cleared, not anemic you are a candidate.  If you and your surgeon feel that it should be staged, then a panniculectomy, just removing the main bulk of fat below your belly button is a less extensive proceure.

David Mateo de Acosta Andino, MD · Answer

With a 75 lb weight loss and more to go, you’re absolutely in the category where abdominal contour changes are often related to both skin laxity and how your fat distribution behaves genetically. A persistent “B-shaped” lower abdomen is commonly due to a combination of skin redundancy, lower abdominal fullness, and tissue descent rather than just fat alone.
A tummy tuck is typically the most effective option for reshaping this area because it addresses both skin tightening and contour correction in a way non-surgical treatments can’t fully replicate. In more significant weight loss cases, a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck is sometimes considered to address excess skin in both vertical and horizontal directions, but that does introduce a permanent vertical scar in addition to the scar on the lower abdomen.
Given your situation and goals, I would generally recommend a standard tummy tuck combined with liposuction and adjunctive tightening (such as Renuvion) to help refine the upper abdomen and waist while avoiding a vertical scar. This approach can significantly improve contour and shape without the additional scarring beyond what is absolutely necessary for your anatomy.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

In my opinion, a tummy tuck is often the most useful operation for this type of B-shaped abdomen, especially after significant weight loss. From the photo, there appears to be excess skin and soft-tissue laxity, so liposuction alone would be unlikely to correct the fold or hanging lower abdomen. A full tummy tuck can remove lower abdominal skin, tighten the abdominal wall if needed, and redrape the remaining tissue.
Because you still plan to lose about 30 pounds, I would usually wait until you are closer to your goal weight and stable for several months before surgery. That gives the surgeon a clearer idea of how much loose skin will remain. Depending on the amount and direction of laxity after weight loss, some patients need a standard tummy tuck, while others may benefit from an extended or fleur-de-lis pattern. An in-person exam is the best way to choose the right scar pattern and plan.

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry! We would love to meet with you to discuss you concerns. If you are within 10-20 pounds of your goal weight, you are there.   A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty consist of tightening the abdominal muscle, liposuctioning the abdomen, lifting the mons and removing excess skin. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear hlp1236,

based on your photos, you look like a good candidate for a TT. Full tummy tuck should tighten your abdominal muscles and remove the excess skin. Flanks liposuction would give you a better shape. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon because 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

Robert M. Wald, Jr., MD · Answer

Yes, a tummy tuck with liposuction is your best option to correct all your loose skin and improve the contour of your abdomen and flank areas. All the loose skin and fat of the lower half of your abdomen will be removed. You are an excellent candidate for this surgery and I would consult with a plastic surgeon.

Muge Sevindik, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. Yes, a tummy tuck would be the best option for you. We just need to decide on the type of tummy tuck together. Due to your B-shaped abdomen, I recommend a fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty. This way, you will completely get rid of your excess skin in the midline and achieve a permanent shape.

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

From your photograph, it seems like a tummy tuck is pretty much the only way to remove the extra skin and may be give you a little bit of a waist.  An examination by a plastic surgeon would allow you to better understand the expectations of surgery.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Loose skin and excess fat are most likely contributed to your shape. These issues can be corrected with a tummy tuck once you’ve achieved your stable ideal weight. The tummy tuck may be circumferential if issues extend around the sides and back.

Sameer Karkhanis, MS, DNB · Answer

Hello! Great, congratulations for your weight loss journey. Yes, you definitely  require a tummy tuck surgery which is lipoabdominoplasty. However, if there is a lot of excess skin in back as well (which we could not see in above photos) you may require a  complete lower body lift. Excess skin cannot we addressed by liposuction alone. Skin excision is mandatory.
We routinely do VASER liposuction with tummy tuck or lower body lift at Centre for Cosmetic Surgery, India.

Regards & best wishes,
Dr Sameer Karkhanis.

B-Shaped Belly - is a tummy tuck the best option to correct this shape? (Photo)

Answers (18)

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