Will I Need a Tummy Tuck or Will Large Volume Lipo Be Ok? (photo)

Thank you for the question and pictures. Congratulations on your significant weight loss;  you will be best off continuing to lose weight and achieving a long-term stable weight prior to undergoing body contouring surgery of any kind.  As you know, achieving your long-term stable weight prior to proceeding with body contouring surgery will help minimize risks associated with the surgery and help diminish chances that additional surgery will be necessary down the line. 

At that time, I think you will do much better with tummy tuck surgery; in my practice, I would not offer you liposuction surgery alone.

The “ideal” patient for tummy tuck surgery is one who has completed pregnancies, is psycho socially/emotionally/financially stable,  has an excellent social support system surrounding him/her,  is capable of arranging enough recovery time and who has reached a long-term stable weight.
 


When the time is right, to seek consultation with board certified plastic surgeons. Ask to see lots of examples of their work helping patients in your situation. You may find the attached link helpful to you as you educate yourself about the procedure. I have also attached some advice that I provide to my patients who are about to go tummy tuck surgery:

1. Make sure you are doing the procedure for the right reasons (for yourself)  and that you have realistic expectations.  Be aware that an improvement in the “problem area” may not translate to an overall improvement in your life   situation.  You are bound to be disappointed with results of the procedure if your motivation for doing the surgery is not internally driven.


2. Time your surgery carefully; generally, it is not a good idea to have surgery done during or immediately after a stressful period in life (for example divorce or death of a loved one). The additional stress of surgery will undoubtedly be  more challenging to deal with if a patient's emotional reserves our already exhausted. Remember, that an improvement in your physical appearance will not translate to an improvement in your life situation.


3. If possible speak to patients who have undergone similar procedures and query them about the toughest times of their recovery period. Any practical hints previous patients can provide may be very helpful.


4. Make sure you are aware of potential complications that may arise how to reach your surgeon if necessary.
5. Make sure you have a strong and patient support system (several people if possible) in place who have time/patience to take care of you. Arrange for professional nursing if any doubt exists regarding the availability and/or stamina  of your caretakers.


6. Be patient with the healing process, understanding that it will take several weeks to months to feel “normal” again. It may also take many months/year to see the end results of your surgery.


7. Be prepared to distract your mind with things of interest such as books, magazines, and movies.


8. Expect less of yourself; do not go back to work, school or chores too early and let others take care of you (for a change).


9. Pick your surgeon carefully (a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon) and trust in his/her advice. Keep in close communication with your surgeon and do not hesitate to communicate questions/concerns and the   emotional swings that you may experience.


10. Resume all medications that you were using preoperatively when cleared by your plastic surgeon and stop the use of narcotics and sedatives as soon as feasible after surgery.


11. Keep in mind the end results as you go through the tougher emotional times after your surgery.

 
I hope this helps.

In my humble opinion first of all you will need to lose some more weight and not only for better results but for safety ( reduce risks) reasons. Hopefully you may reach 190-180 prior any type of surgery. Skin retraction occurs on skin which is not that saggy. So, I do not want to be discouraging but honest and I do not consider your skin will retract and lipo would only make your abdomen saggier and lumpy. In my opinion you will need an extended Tummy Tuck to get rid of the saggy skin (after losing the weight will be a bit worst) and the muscle repair will help to achieve a flatter abdomen and tapered waist. I have had many patients pregnant after a Tummy Tuck and not problems through the pregnancy and if you maintain your weight during pregnancy your results will be there after delivery. Hopefully you have a great experience on your PS journey Dr. Laura Carmina Cardenas