Can I Safely Have A Tummy Tuck At Age 60?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have lost weight and have an apron of loose skin that hangs over, plus some fat at my waist that I would love to not have to look at anymore. I have looked at your gallery and have seen a couple of pictures that are very close to my condition, and like the after photos. I would be very happy to look like that. I am 60 years young and still have a lot of living to do. I am very healthy with only a thyroid condition that I take a small dosage of synthroid to correct.

A: Your age of 60 is certainly not a limiting factor in having tummy tuck surgery. As long as you are healthy and have no restrictive medical conditions, which it appears you are, there is no reason not to enjoy the outcome of removal of an overhanging abdominal pannus. Such a removal can be very liberating and improves not only your clothing options and hygiene but your self-image as well. Tummy tuck surgery is performed as an outpatient surgery under general anesthesia. The biggest issue in after surgery recovery is that you will have a drain for 7 to 10 days afterwards. This is more of a nuisance than anything else as you can move about and shower normally.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana