Question:
How do you know when you need to have a tummy tuck?

I've lost 70 lbs and am not sure if I need a t.t. I feel like I still have a lot of fat on my stomach. It hangs a bit, but I think I still have a lot to lose there. I'm like 50 lbs away from my goal. Anybody have any suggestions or knowledge of when or how to know if you need a tt? Thanks!    — Michele :. (posted on April 17, 2002)

April 17, 2002
Check my profile for the criteria for an abdominoplasty to be considered medically necessary. I have also listed links to other good information regarding plastic surgery.
   — [Deactivated Member]

April 17, 2002
Somebody used the term there stomach looks like an "elephant butt". That would DEFINATELY describe my stomach!! My surgeon estimates they will cut off about 10 to 15 pounds of skin and fat in my stomach area. That's the only real bad area on my body right now (minus my upper arms). If you have a lot of fat and hanging skin ABOVE your belly button, an abdominoplasty would probably be needed. If you don't, then a panniculectomy would probably be the way to go to remove the extra skin below the belly button. Unfortunately, I need the full abdominoplasty.
   — Patty H.

April 17, 2002
My surgeon told me it was time a couple of months ago. I have an incisional hernia and she told me I was 'close enough to goal weight' that a panni could be done at the same time. I'm just waiting for insurance approval right now (heh, have learned to live with the d**n hernia during the wait). But, I guess the key would be 'close enough to goal'. Good Luck!
   — DonnaCarol