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Safe Way to Lose, Tighten or Improve Tummy Fat?

would lipo dissolve get rid of the flap of fat an skin caused by extreme edema during pregnacy,an a c/section at 36yrs old? I had my only baby at 36yrs old. I developed eclampsia in my 7th mth an as a result had 60pds of fluid weight which has left my tummy looking like a 90yr old with saggy,heavy tummy flap then had an emergency c/section which was done w/out any attempt to remove the massive amount of fat an strecthed out skin. I ve been unable to lose,tighten or improve my problem area sence the surgery in 2006.I have a severe multiple back injury an the added stress on my tummy is only making my injuries worse alot faster. What can I do safely?

Asked 44 months ago by Tara Rinebold
Sort 14 expert answers by:
+1

This is why a tummy tuck would be best

Great question! A tummy tuck would most likely be the best solution in this case because it would treat the extra fat, the extra skin AND it would also take advantage of the C section scar that you already have. Work closely with your doctor to design the tummy tuck and the scar that will best fit your body and your lifestyle. Best. see video
B. Pat Pazmino, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Lipodissolve, fat, and skin

Beware of Lipodissolve. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has issued some warnings about it. Read the weblink below about the issue of fat versus skin as far as making the choice between lipo and tummy tuck. Check out the video link below for info about muscle repair. see video
Ricardo Rodriguez, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1

Lipodissolve

Do not use lipo dissolve to treat your condition. You most likely will need a full tummy tuck to treat your laxity and tighten your abdominal muscles.
Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Don't do lipodissolve for two reasons

I would recommend against Lipodissolve for two reasons: safety and efficacy. Lipodissolve has never been proven to be safe and, in fact, the substances injected are not FDA approved for any indication. Secondly, it has not been shown to reliably dissolve fat. Even if it did, it sounds as if your problem is related to excess skin in addition to excess fat. There is no way that Lipodissolve could possibly improve your skin laxity. For these reasons, you would be much better served with... more
Jeffrey Horowitz, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1

Excess tummy skin

It sounds you have extra skin, may be swelling in the skin. You had severe complications during pregnancy. See a BOARD CERTIFIED PS he/she will evaluate your skin, muscles and a full medical evaluation by your Family MD and give you their recommendations.
Samir Shureih, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1

Post-pregnancy abdomen unlikely to be helped by injections

From your description, the issues are all of the things that a tummy tuck helps and none of the things that lipodissolve has been proven to do. Since there is already a C-section scar, that should not be a deterrent. Lipodissolve may help with small and localized fat accumulations but is not a realistic alternative to a tummy tuck. It isn't risk-free either.
Richard Baxter, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy Tuck fits the bill

If you have hanging, loose skin, then a tummy tuck is the right procedure for you. You also likely have muscle weakness from the expansion of your abdominal wall, and that will also be addressed during the tummy tuck. As long as your general health is good, an abdominoplasty procedure is fairly straight forward and can make a drastic change in restoring your pre-pregnancy body. Don't be fooled by the advertising put out by some of the liposuction companies - the minimal amount of skin... more
Michael A. Bogdan, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Lipodissolve MAY help fat but will do NOTHING for muscles or skin or back.

LipoDissolve = Lipo (fat) + dissolve. Your problems are due to a combination of loose skin, separated muscles, and some fat.  Therefore, removing the fat is treating only a part of the problem. see video
Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

You need to have an examination by a board certified plastic surgeon consultation

I would recommened that you get a cosultation with a board certified plastic surgeon . In the cosultation your doctor will recommened the best treatment for you. Based on the history and your condition ,you will need Tummy tuck.
Kamran Khoobehi, MD
New Orleans Plastic Surgeon
+1

Safe way to lose, tighten or improve tummy fat

It is hard without a photograph or an examination to postulate what procedure may best resolve your problem. But, it is safe to guess that IF an ABDOMINOPLASTY (Tummy Tuck) COULD be done, it would either largely or completely resolve all your stated issues. Assuming that you are NOT morbidly obese or have serious medical problems, an Abdominoplasty would totally flatten your tummy, narrow your waist, remove all loose hanging skin, lift a sagging Mons pubis and, if a Lockwood Abdominoplasty... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy tuck is your best option

Hi, You sound like a really good candidate for a tummy tuck. Multiple pregnancies and surgery have undoubtedly weakened the muscles of your abdominal wall. Not only does this give an unsightly bulge to the abdomen, but it also can contribute to lower back pain. Tightened the abdominal wall muscles may help improve that pain. In addition, the major fluctuations in weight you have experienced have probably compromised the elasticity of your abdominal wall skin considerably. Your best bet... more
Sam Jejurikar, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Options for tummy

Your situation would be best treated with a tummy tuck. Making it as safe and effective as possible is the bjob of your plastic surgery team. You can do other procedures that may be theorectically safer but you will never get the result you can get with a tummy tuck. Lipodisolve is not FDA approved and the things that they inject are "off label"
John P. Stratis, MD
Harrisburg Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tummy tuck is your answer

 You should be evaluated by a Board Certified plastic surgeon for a full tummy tuck to remove all of the extra skin and fat and tighten the loose abdominal wall muscles. Nothing short of this will help. You will really like the difference!!
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Tightening the abdomen will often help the back!!

From your description, it really sounds like you have a fair amount of excess skin and stretch marks. In general, this is really only best handled with an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck. This procedure uses a long incision placed low in the panty line to get rid of excess skin and tighten the underlying muscles to improve core posture. Some urologists I have spoken to feel that it even helps some patients improve their stress urinary incontinence. I will often combine this with love... more
Manish H. Shah, MD
Denver Plastic Surgeon
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