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I'm concerned about my protruding my upper belly? (photo)

When I ppinch it there is a lot of fat. PS is only performing a TT and BR and says lipo is too risky to do at the same time. I weigh 177 and am 5'4"And am 51. Will he be able to reduce all the excess on my belly and waist. What kin of results should I expect? If I lose 20lbs. After the surgery what would happen with my results.

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24 Doctor Answers | Asked by Heidikins

Doctor Answers (24)
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Liposuction and tummy tucks

It is risky to liposuction the upper abdominal wall as you can disrupt the blood supply to the lower abdominal wall. I cannot tell from looking at the photograph but it looks like you might have a large amount of intra abdominal or visceral fat. If that is the case the best result will be obtained with you losing weight before the surgery and strengthening your core muscles so when the tummy tuck is done your PS will be able to maximally tighten your fascia. more

Robert Kearney, MD, FACS

6 reviews

La Jolla Plastic Surgeon

Mommy makeover

I think you will be happy with the results, but if you are concerned, then you could see another surgeon who is willing to suction at the same time.

Concurrent liposuction of the abdominal skin with abdominoplasty is dangerous and often unnecessary.

Liposuction of the abdominal drape edge trauma to tissue already elevated and placed under tension. This increase the risk for wound healing and tissue loss. If a drape is too thick it can be liposuction secondarily. Seldom is it necessary.

Results without liposuction after a tummy tuck

Sure, if you lose more weight like the 20 lbs you mentioned, you will be better off. Intrperitoneal fat( the fat under your muscles) will not be treated so some girth will remain. You can always have liposuction of the abdomen after the tummy tuck as well.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Abdominal wall laxity

Hello, Thank you for the question and the photo. The fullness or protrusion of your upper abdomen is likely secondary to a combination of issues including fat above the abdominal wall, abdominal wall weakness, and fat below the abdominal wall. Tightening of the abdominal wall (muscle tightening) will correct one of these issues. I think you would also benfit from some liposuction of this area. Each plastic surgeon has his/her own method of doing things and of... more

Liposuction can be done with a tummy tuck...but usually only of the hips

It appears as though you'll get a nice result with a breast reduction and a tummy tuck. I frequently perform liposuction of the hips at the same time as a tummy tuck, but liposuction of the upper belly can endanger the blood supply to the skin. Good luck! see video

Liposuction At Time of Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Thank you for the question and pictures. I would agree with your plastic surgeon, in that too much liposuctioning of the abdominal wall at the same time as tummy tuck surgery may be dangerous and ill-advised. If at all possible, try to achieve as close to your long-term stable weight PRIOR to proceeding with body contouring surgery. Doing so will decrease the chance of complications around the time of surgery and minimize chances that you will need additional... more

Surgery

I would not perform liposuction with the abdominoplasty on the upper abdomen at the same time. You run the risk of having complications which are unnecessary

Definitely: Lipo with Abdominoplasty

Combined Breast and Abdominoplasty procedures provide some of the most dramatic results in plastic surgery. Breast reduction provides plastic surgeons with their happiest patients. Abdominoplasty addresses muscle separation, skin excess and fatty tissue of the abdominal wall. It does not, however, address intra-abdominal fat. Your photos demonstrate that you are a very good candidate for BR. Your photos show minimal fullness in the hip, buttock, and thigh regions... more

Breast Reduction and Tummy Tuck after 20 lb Weight Loss

Breast Reduction and Tummy Tuck after a 20 lb weight loss in someone with your parameters could produce a very nice result. I would agree that liposuction of the abdomen at the time of tummy tuck would not be advisable. Find the plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds of mommy makeovers each year. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Liposuction with tummy tuck

I agree that liposuction in the central part of your abdomen may be risky to your skin. That said, the bulge you see may be more related to intra-abdominal fat. If you were able to loose the 29lbs you mentioned before surgery would be very beneficial. It would enhance your results and help guide you and your surgeon to pinpoint your "trouble spots".

Best treatment for tummy fat

Thank you for your question about tummy tuck, breast reduction and liposuction.Assuming your stomach muscle is stretched by pregnancy - Breast reduction and tummy tuck with flank and central liposuction are reasonable. Done separately reduces the risk of blood clots. Fat will remain under central tummy skin and inside the tummy. Surgery will improve your ability to exercise. Losing weight will loosen the skin a little and improve your health a... more

Upper abdominal fat/bulge

Based on your photo it appears that you have intra-abdominal fat which is the fat around your internal organs that is contributing to your bulging abdominal area. This can not be addressed by liposuction or a tummy tuck. Weight loss will decrease this area. Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon for a complete consultation. You may also consider staging your breast reduction and your tummy tuck if medical reasons indicate. Best wishes, Dr.Bruno

I'm concerned about my protruding my upper belly?

Your surgeon may be able to reduce the fat on your abdomen and waist, but probably not to your satisfaction at this weight. The photos suggest that much of your bulge is from the intra-abdominal content, and only weight loss can reduce that. The current volume will make it not possible to get your muscle repair tight enough, so losing some weight first would make the procedure safer and would yield a better outcome. It might be wiser to proceed with the breast reduction now, and... more

Stablize Weight First

It is hard to say what your results would be after a 20 lb weight loss. The best plan is to obtain your desired weight and maintain it. Then you should proceed with your breast reduction and tummy tuck.

Liposuction of the abdomen and hips can be done safely at the same operation

You look like you will be a good candidate for a breast reduction, liposuction of you hips and abdomen in conjunction with a tummy tuck. Unfortunately you are a bit over weight and you should get your weight done to your desired weight before undergoing any surgery. At 5'4" your BMI is just under 31 and you should be at at least a 29 which is 169. But it would be best for you if you could get your BMI to 24 which is 140. As I review your photos it appears the your abdomen is... more

I'm concerned about my protruding my upper belly?

In my opinion based upon the posted photos you should loss the 20 pounds prior to surgery. especially since you are heavy with intra abdominal fat. This will allow you to attain the best result. So post pone is my opinion.

Protruding Upper Belly #tummytuck

I agree with my colleague. Liposuction is safe with a tummy tuck procedure if done correctly. I do this all the time to add to the contour of the abdomen. It is hard for me to tell you how much of a difference it will make however. You may have extreme laxity of the abdominal wall muscles that can contribute to the protruding of the abdomen. I would revisit the issue with your surgeon.

What you really need is ...................

A DIET. your BMI is about 34. You are very much overweight and should not have surgery until you have lost weight. You will not be happy with the result. You have much too much intra-abdominal fat and need to get your weight below 160 or less. Loose the 20 lbs before the surgery not after.

Liposuction is fine with tummy tuck

The old concept that liposuction is risky with a tummy tuck is flat out incorrect, if done correctly. It is perfectly safe to do liposuction in your upper abdomen. The liposuction should be not excessive ,but can be very appropriate, and ultrasound and laser should not be used. Small cannula liposuction gently don is absolutely safe. This assumes that your surgery of the abdomen is correctly done with all parameters of measurement perfect . I do... more

Liposuction at the time of tummy tuck

Thanks for your question and pictures. Based on your photos, it does appear that you will benefit from liposuction of your upper abdomen. Performing it at the time of the tummy tuck can be safely done, however not all surgeons feel comfortable with that approach. If you do not have liposuction done at the time of the tummy tuck, you will likely need it at a later time. Some of the upper abdominal bulge may also be due to internal abdominal fat that can only be... more

Upper abdomen bulging

Although it is difficult to tell based on your photos alone, I am assuming your bulging in your upper abdomen is due partly to the muscle separation from having kids (rectus diastasis). The muscle tightening that occurs during your tummy tuck (muscle plication) should address this. Should there be additional fat in this area that needs treatment, then I would concur with your PS. You can consider some secondary liposuction of this area after you have fully healed from your... more

Liposuction with tummy tuck

Yes, liposuction of the upper abdomen can be performed safely at the same time as the tummy tuck to decrease the bulk of the upper abdomen. You should discuss this possibility with your surgeon.

Todd C. Case, MD

14 reviews

Tucson Plastic Surgeon

What to expect after tummy tuck.

Thank you for your questions and for your photographs. You look as though you're an excellent candidate for breast reduction surgery. From your photographs it appears that you carry weight both inside and outside of your abdomen. Tummy tuck will remove the loose skin from the lower abdomen and help to flatten the abdominal wall, but how flat it will get depends upon the weight you carry inside. When the abdominal wall muscles are tightened they will... more