Lipo or not lipo?

By calimom2011 on 18 Mar 2011

Hello! I am new here. I am seriously contemplating getting a tummy tuck and breast reduction in June. I have very large, sagging breasts that I have always hated and thought of getting reduced - plus I have back pain and shoulder pain from the weight of them (and they are unequal to boot). Since having 2 children, I have a large sagging abdominal pannus that I hate. So, I am thinking of doing both surgeries together the end of June. I just found out today that my breast surgery can be covered by insurance (plus part of the anesthesia costs) due to medical reasons. I will be paying for the tummy tuck. So...then I asked about adding on lipo to my thighs and hips - I figured - do it all while I am under so that I don't (hopefully) need anesthesia again. But when reading this forum, an overwhelming percentage of women think that the TT is worth it, but only slightly more than half think the lipo was worth it and there are many more "horror" stories posted for lipo. Wanted to get the experiences/thoughts of those of you who have had combined procedures (ie, done lipo along with the TT and/or breasts) and if you think it was worth it or would just do TT. Thanks so much in advance! Sorry this is so long...just nervous...

Comments (15)

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TT_July1 2011
2 years ago

did anyone do just the tummy tuck without lipo? I am interested in seeing the results. i am scheduled for TT on JULY1

hg.girl
2 years ago

I am just having a TT, no lipo. When I asked my Dr. About it, he pulled in the skin and fat around my hips and said that I wouldn't need any. I was thinking about doing my bra area but decided against it, if a I lose a few more pounds it will go away. My TT is June 28th.

Wisconsin
2 years ago

I had a full TT with muscle repair. No liposuction. I have pictures on my review if you want to check them out. :)

Kansascurious123
11 months ago

you look great wisconsin, I have a consultation coming up and I think your before looks a lot like me now. I want a tummy tuck and revision on my implants but DO NOT want lipo. I keep reading that it's a given and was wondering if I would regret my decision but after looking at you I would be estatic to have your shape and curves, thanks for sharing..

Want to be thin
2 years ago

Calimom maybe I have a high pain tolerance but I had a TT (no muscle tightening) BR and lipo of the whole abdomen and the back and hips/flanks. And I will not be 3 weeks post op till Monday and I feel awesome. I would do it again in a heart beat! I personally did not have much pain. I was given some pain meds that were only given every 6 hours and I think here were only slightly stronger then Tylenol 3's. Have only been on Ibuprophen for the last week and a half. The lipo is the worst part but really not in my opinion very bad.

calimom2011
2 years ago

Thanks for all the responses! I have opted to go for the lipo of the saddlebags and hips along with my TT and BR. From what I read, it will all be quite painful and a lot to recover from, but I really only want (and can) do this once. I figure it is all going to hurt and I will just make sure to stay on top of my painkillers. I feel that if I don't do it when I can, I will regret it later when I have (hopefully!) a great, flat belly but hate my hips and outer thighs! I will let you know after my surgery what I think, though in the first few days/weeks post-op I may regret it! My PS seems to think I can do it all at once and it will all be outpatient - no hospital for me - which I am kind of sad about b/c I think I would be happier on IV painkillers for the first 24hours....

45isnew25
2 years ago

My doc does the mm's and tucks on an outpatient also, as most do, but you can opt to stay in the hospital you just have to pay extra. It cost me $500 to stay and I was so glad that I did. The IV pump for pain and having someone watch over me and check me was great. I had to stay on oxygen apparently from the anesthesia and I wouldn't have known that or had it available at home.

Kimmers25 (Community Manager)
2 years ago

I opted for lipo with my tummy tuck and very glad I did. He was able to smooth out my outer thighs, hips and butt. Glad I did it, love the results but darn did it hurt. It felt like a really bad sunburn for a few week. I had minimal bruising though.

Each person is different so try not to base your decision totally on what others experienced. You could ask the same question to several different women and end up with totally different answers.

Talk to your doctor and see how many and what procedure's they recommend for you.

If he/she is like mine they will be totally honest and up front with you.

Barbie892
2 years ago

I opted for lipo with my TT and the results are stunning. I got my hourglass figure back and my tiny waistline from the lipo contouring. But that's just two procedures. With what you're planning, your recovery sounds too brutal to attempt all at once. Also just my opinion.

45isnew25
2 years ago

Lipo is the devil! I had lipo to the flanks with my TT and MR and the TT was nothing but the bruising and swelling from the lipo has been a bear! I know it will be worth it and when I'm not swollen I have a nice hourglass figure because of the lipo but it is still the devil!! I certainly wouldn't do my thighs along with everything else...I think it would be to tough a recovery with the brests, tuck and muscle repair. Just my opinion.

kumama
2 years ago

I had tt 5 days ago without lipo. I really wanted inner thighs done but my PS suggested I wait. They are getting new SLIM lipo NOT smart lipo in their office in few weeks time. She said becasuse I have oviouse elasticity problems with my sj=kin she would be worrried there could be be minimal sagging with regular lipo. Other benefits "supposedly" are no general anathesia.so safer that way. Much less brusing and the skin is supposed to tighten thus no saggy skin. It will be the first machine in the kck area. Oh also because its not in hospital and your not under about 1500$ cheaper! I was on the fence about the lipo so I opted to wait anyway.

Country Gal
2 years ago

I had the TT, muscle tightening, and lipo done - but no breasts.

If you're getting the TT anyway, get the lipo done at the same time. Yes, it makes more healing and hurt and work, but you're going to be in pain from the TT anyway.

I think adding thighs would be too much.

I had lipo done on the flanks and back fat, as well as ab. Yes, it hurt, but on top of everything else, I don't think it's going to add much extra. You should see what your PS recommends.

10 days off work isn't much, but some do it. I took 3 full weeks off, then still only worked part time for the next couple. And, I only work 3 days a week!

Whatever you do, allow lots of time to heal properly. This is MAJOR, and you only get one chance to heal right.

calimom2011
2 years ago

I know what you are saying. I work part-time and will need to be on my feet a lot when I get back and can only take about 18 days off. But I feel like if I am under the anesthesia I should get it all done right then and there...conflicted...I am leaning towards doing it because I don't want to regret not doing it later and I don't think I will have the time to get it done in the future. Kind of now or never. You'll have to let me know how your recovery goes since you are getting close!

LochlandsMom
2 years ago

I had a full TT 3wks ago and from the shape I have now, I am starting to wish I had lipo'd my hips. I think I am going to be left with love handles!! I did not have them before, I am sure it is from the surgery. I still pray it is just the swelling. I say do it or you might regret it.

mixter
2 years ago

Hi Calimom. I'm scheduled for April 21st. I'm having a TT but will also have some lipo done on my back. I was also considering asking about the thighs since I'll be under but worry that the recovery may be overwhelming with all that work done. I work full time and don't want to take more than ten days off if I can help it.