I am 54 years old I’ve been on diets scence I was in my 20’s we have five children and I have tried and tried and tried. Thin most of my life I just can’t get rid of this ever seemingly growing middle section! I would like to have a tummy tuck so I can move and exercise more easily! I weigh 200 pounds and am 5’7” I’m pretty healthy . My goal is to get a tummy tuck and maintain my weight.
Good Morning Pamarash! Welcome to our world of Plastic Surgery and thank you for your excellent question! I suggest you choose a plastic surgeon who is a member of this society and is an expert in body contouring. On the surface with the little information you provided you are a candidate for plastic surgery. I say plastic surgery because a tummy tuck might not be the best option. Few members will agree with me that a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) may be a better option....until they see my before and after pictures on Instagram. A BBL will not only “snatch” your waist (very tiny) but make it possible for a beautiful looking torso from all angles, stunning buttocks and hips with excellent projection and separation of legs and avoid a long scar and risk of dog ears from tummy tuck. If you have significant drooping of abdominal skin, this can be excised later. Patients who undergo a tummy tuck inevitably will later undergo a BBL. This should be part of “informed consent” for tummy tuck
If you are a good candidate for an abominoplasty, it sounds reasonable to move forward. However you would have to be seen in person to see if you are a good candidate or not. Good luck!
I have to respectfully disagree with Dr. Dowback. I do not believe it is a true statement to assert that "Patients who undergo a tummy tuck inevitably will later undergo a BBL." Therefore, there is no reason to assert that this should be part of informed consent for a tummy tuck.
More specifically, pertaining to your situation, you are, at 5'7" and 200 pounds, over weight, especially if your build is average, that is not too slender nor stocky. While you could have a tummy tuck now, you will obtain a better result if you lose weight first. If you have the operation at your current weight and then lose weight, you will compromise the result because some of the slackness that is your concern now will return.
Dear Pamarash,
Hello and thank you for your excellent question. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. As others have noted on this email thread, your weight is concerning, but is not a contraindication to having a tummy tuck. However, you need to have a realistic discussion with your surgeon regarding the effects of your current weight on your outcome. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!