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I've Had 2 Kids and a Hysterectomy, and I'm 26. I'm Not Sure if I Should Do Lipo or Tummy Tuck?

asked 1 year ago by 7075anon in Michigan
Latest answer by Karol A. Gutowski, MD
Question viewed 338 times
Tags: age 25-34, female, liposuction alternative

I have skin that hangs over and not a whole lot of strech marks. But I have a long scar from my belly button to about the pubic bone.

16 answers to I've Had 2 Kids and a Hysterectomy, and I'm 26. I'm Not Sure if I Should Do Lipo or Tummy Tuck?

When a tummy tuck is better than liposuction

From what you describe (2 children, hanging skin and a vertical scar), a tummy tuck would be the way to go. Feel free to post a picture (front and side views) but really, the next step would be to get a consultation with a Board Certified plastic surgeon.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Tummy Tuck vs. Lipo alone

Based on what you describe, I would likely recommend a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck (also called abdominoplasty) is a very popular cosmetic surgery procedure for moms. A tummy tuck can be an effective tool for shaping and sculpting the body for better body appearance and improved self esteem. Sometimes no amount of diet and exercise can create a flat tummy. Tummy tuck plastic surgery actually tightens abdominal muscles and removes excess fat and skin from the stomach area to create... more

C. Bob Basu, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

www.basuplasticsurgery.com

Tummy Tuck or Liposuction

If you have stretch marks, extra skin and vertical scar below your umbilicus then a tummy tuck would be better than liposuction. Your abdominal muscles and skin have been stretched by your pregnancies and will not be resilient enough to shrink back after liposuction. Seek consultation with a couple of board certified plastic surgeons. Dr. ES

Earl Stephenson Jr., MD, DDS
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Liposuction vs Abdominoplasty

Liposuction removes extra fat but does not remove any excess skin from the abdomen. To do this, a tummy tuck is required. With "skin that hangs over," the procedure you need is an abdominoplasty. As a bonus, most or all of the vertical scar will also be removed.

Robert T. Buchanan, MD
Highlands Plastic Surgeon

Liposuction and Tummy Tucks are not the same

In general, tummy tucks are best for removing excess skin while liposuction is best for removing excess fat under the skin. It is true that liposuction will tighten the skin, but the best results are when the overlying skin is tight. Once you have loose or hanging skin, a tummy tuck (with or without liposuction) will give you the best results.

Lawrence Iteld, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Liposuction Does Not Address Excess Abdominal Skin

Although you can (in some patients) get some redraping of their skin after liposuction (if they have very elastic skin), Lipo is not the way to treat excess skin. An abdominoplasty or TT is needed for this and, if you have as much excess skin as it seems, then the lower midline abdominal scar you mentioned would likely be removed entirely.

John Whitt, MD
Louisville Plastic Surgeon

I've Had 2 Kids and a Hysterectomy, and I'm 26. I'm Not Sure if I Should Do Lipo or Tummy Tuck?

Wow many responses but I find you did not post a photo so I can not advise in any manner. But your posts leads me to feel you need a full tummy tuck. From MIAMI Dr. Darryl j. Blinski

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck is a definite for excess skin

Balancing between tummy tuck and liposuction can be difficult for some, and liposuction may result in modest skin shrinkage. Skin excess and a fold over your lower abdomen definitely puts you into the group that benefits most from tummy tuck. You will lose the lower up and down scar and have a low transverse on that is more easily concealed, and a flat smooth stomach as well. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Liposuction Vs. Tummy Tuck

Only a tummy tuck will remove the excess skin. While liposuction is great from removing disproportionate fat, redundant skin looks worse when it looses the support of the extra "stuffing". A tummy tuck can tighten the abdominal wall muscles, remove excess fat, remove excess skin and the stretch marks and scars contained in that skin. A definitive answer can only be obtained with a consultation. Be certain to see a qualified board certified plastic surgeon in your area.... more

Joseph Mele, MD
Walnut Creek Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck

Based on your description (since a photo is not available) a tummy tuck is probably the right choice. It will help eliminate most of your stretch marks.

Shahin Javaheri, MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

Hanging skin needs a tummy tuck

A tummy tuck is the only way you are going to get rid of hanging skin. Liposuction will only make the looseness worse. If they overdo the liposuction then it reduces the odds of a good tummy tuck result, and you waste the money spent on the liposuction.

Victor Au, MD
Chapel Hill Plastic Surgeon

Tummy Tuck or Liposuction

Short Answer: Tummy Tuck Long Answer: Your abdominal skin has lost its elasticity from the stretch associated with multiple pregnancies. A tummy-tuck, or abdominoplasty will remove the inelastic skin (and vertical scar), replacing it with a low-lying transverse scar concealed by your undergarments. In addition, any muscle laxity, also caused by multiple pregnancies, will be tightened, flattening your abdominal muscles helping give you the best result possible. A full... more

William A. Wallace, MD, FACS
Jacksonville Plastic Surgeon

Tummy Tuck is THE Answer

Regarding: "I've Had 2 Kids and a Hysterectomy, and I'm 26. I'm Not Sure if I Should Do Lipo or Tummy Tuck? I have skin that hangs over and not a whole lot of strech marks. But I have a long scar from my belly button to about the pubic bone." Excess skin. Completed your family and will not get pregnant. Ugly vertical scar below belly button. A Tummy Tuck will flatten the tummy, remove the skin hangover and the vertical scar. Liposuction will do none of these... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

You need a tummy tuck

There is almost no question even without a photo that you need a tummy tuck, not liposuction. It is a shame that the promoters of things like Smartlipo have been effective enough that you would even think there is a possibility that you are a liposuction candidate.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Hanging abdominal skin will not tighten with liposuction.

The lipo which is typically performed with a tummy tuck is used to reduce fatty deposits in the hip region. Since you mentioned you have skin hanging, to correct this, you will need a tummy tuck. Liposuction will not fix loose skin. see video

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck vs lipo

If you have loose hanging skin then liposuction is not the right procedure. You are more than likely a good candidate for a tummy tuck but a formal exam is in order.