Am I a candidate for tummy tuck now?
You are certainly a candidate for tummy tuck and breast surgery providing that you are healthy.
You are correct to consider an extended abdominoplasty and maybe even a “circumferential” abdominoplasty that combines the tummy tuck with a buttock lift and helps manage the “muffin tops”.
Also, it is not unreasonable to have a breast lift with or without implants at the same time.
You might be pleased to know that over that few years tummy tuck surgery has been revolutionized by the use of the “Progressive Tension Suture Technique” (NO DRAIN TUBES!) and with the use of EXPAREL.
EXPAREL is an injectable numbing medicine (liposomal bupivicaine) that we inject in the muscles and incisions at the time of surgery.
We have found that the need for narcotics is decreased 50-60% and our patients recover MUCH faster.
Seek the advice of an experienced board certified plastic surgeon (or two) to find out what would be best for you. (Kevin L. Smith, MD, FACS, Charlotte Plastic Surgeon)
Options for Body Contouring and Breast Lift
It is important to address the entire waist and lower back as well as the abdomen in order to obtain natural and balanced results when considering body contouring procedures particularly after significant weight loss.
The extended abdominoplasty removes excess and sagging tissues on the flank and lateral abdomen. In our practice, we have developed an extended abdominoplasty procedure called the ‘3 Position Body Lift’ because we actually place the patient in the lateral position on each side and then finish in the supine position.
– in each lateral position, excess fat and conturing are done with liposuction over the lower back, buttocks and flanks as needed and then the excess lateral skin and fat are excised and the loose lateral thigh or buttock tissues lifted. The lifting is accomplished by suture suspension of the deep fascia which anchors the support and elevation.
– the third position is supine, and the abdominal muscles are tightened if needed, and the excess tissues between the belly button and pubis are removed while elevating the lower pubis as well. In our hands, this three position body lift technique has resulted in the most natural and long lasting contouring and lifting of both the abdomen, flanks and lateral thighs and can be extended to the buttocks if necessary.
Judging from your history and photos, I believe you are a candidate for the extended abdominoplasty procedure and I would suggest that you discuss these options with your surgeon. (Frank Barone, MD, Toledo Plastic Surgeon)
Candidate for an extended tummy tuck
In my hands ( I specialize in post massive weight loss body contouring) this comprises of.
- A full tt.
- A mons lift.
- A strong lateral thigh lift.
- A buttock lift.
- In 90% of my patients and definetly for you, an auto-augmentaion of the buttocks and hips ( this gives you more of a feminine look rather thana boxy/square masculanized look.
I would not use an implant for your breasts, but rather use the excess fat along the side of your breasts to augment the breast while doing a lift. These can be done at one surgical session. Would encourage you to try as hard as you can to lose more weight even though you are stable now. If you can’t, the procedures can still be done. (Peter Fisher, MD, San Antonio Plastic Surgeon)
Tummy Tucks after weight stabilization
6 months at a stable weight is a very significant mark for you after a 120 wt loss. You might lose more weight. But it sounds like you are at a satisfied point with diet and wt so an Tummy Tuck would be appropriate at this time. If possible I would also do the Aug/Lift at the same time as it will be less down time and more cost effective in most PS offices with fee reductions for combined procedures. Cost vary in regions and cities due to overhead and surgeons experience or fee schedule.
TT might range from $7-15,000 and BA/BL $8-15,000 as a rough estimate. (David Liland, MD, Dallas Plastic Surgeon)
Extendend tummy tuck, weight loss
An extended tummy tuck in combination with liposuction and possible fascial plication of your abdominal wall would work for you. Depending on what kind of breast shape and size you are aiming for, a lift with an implant is one of the options. In order what will be best for you, also having these surgeries performed combined or seperate costs will be different and vary from medical facility etc.
Best option is to get some consultations and get an impression what is involved, and with which surgeon and his/her plan you feel most comfortable with. (Bianca Knoll, MD, Frankfurt Plastic Surgeon)
Am I a candidate for an extended TT now?
Assuming you are close to your long-term stable weight, you may be an excellent candidate for the procedures you are considering. When it comes to cost of surgery, there may be many “variables” involved.
The specific surgeon’s credentials/experience level (or lack thereof), the specific geographic area you are looking at, the different operations available, the location of the procedure ( quality of surgery facility), type/quality of anesthesia provider… are some of the potential variables involved.
You will find some average costs of surgery listed on this website and on individual plastic surgeons’ websites (including attached link) as well. When you feel the time is right, seek consultation with board-certified plastic surgeons to discuss your goals. Ask to see lots of examples of their work, achieving the types of outcomes you would be pleased with. You may find the attached link, dedicated to patients who have experienced significant weight loss, helpful to you as you learn more. (Tom J. Pousti, MD, FACS, San Diego Plastic Surgeon)