Skin tightening treatment for loose skin after Liposuction?

After liposuction on my upper and lower abs, I now have loose skin on my upper abs that fold over my belly button. It's not a thin fold, almost a meaty 1 inch pinch-size fold; but the doctor said it's just skin now. He suggests skin tightening surgery now (similar to a tummy tuck). What procedure other than tummy tuck can I consider to tighten my skin? Any laser treatments? Please advise.

Read my review "Skin loose after lipo"

Sort: Date | Helpful
10 answers to “Skin tightening treatment for loose...”

A: Thermage

Ronald Shelton, MD

Thermage radiofrequency tightening has helped patients with similar history. It is not surgery however, and the results are not guaranteed. Some patients obtain better improvement than others.

A: Only surgery will help

Christopher L. Hess, MD

It sounds like this should have been discussed first.  In the abdominal evaluation the surgeon must appreciate the skin to fat ratio and the tone of the skin.  He must understand what the skin will do once the fat has been removed.  Often a mini tummy tuck is needed in conjunction with abdominal... more

A: Was skin tone discussed before lipo?

Richard Baxter, MD

I am hearing a lot of questions like yours lately, thanks to the promotion of liposuction with lasers and other techniques that promise to tighten skin. With the amount of laxity you describe, it sounds like you should have had the tummy tuck instead of lipo, and I haven't seen anything that will tone it up... more

A: tummy tuck is the answer

Steven Teitelbaum, MD

If you have thousands of dollars to spend on painful laser treatments and won't be disappointed if you don't get an noticeable improvement after undergoing those treatments, then it is reasonable to try.  These techniques have little or no evidence to document their effectiveness in a situation like yours... more

A: Most likely need abdominoplasty

David Shafer, MD

You most likely need abdominoplasty.  There are skin tightening procedures, such as Smartlipo MPX which uses a laser to help tighten the skin, however, it sounds like you are beyond what that can achieve.  Good luck.

A: Skin tightening

Steven Wallach, MD

After liposuction there is a percentage of patients that their skin does not retract adequately that require skin excision.  Skin tightening lasers may give about a 15-20% improvement in the skin.  If you have alot of loose skin, then you need excision.

A: I am afraid you probably need surgery.

George J. Beraka, MD

Hi! For small amounts of loose skin, we get good results with Thermage.  But from your description, you probably have too much loose skin for Thermage. There probably is no good alternative.  I think you need an abdominoplasty.

A: Infrared/Radiofrequency skin tightening at high power properly used will tighten skin 20-30%

Brooke R. Seckel, MD

Infrared (LuxIR Deep and Titan) and Radiofrequency (Thermage and Refirme) if used PROPERLY by well trained personnel at high power settings, will tighten skin about 20-30%. The problem is that very few people who offer these treatments (spas, etc.) really know how to use them. High power settings by a well... more

A: We are still waiting for the magical treatment to tighten the body without surgery.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

 Dear BodyArt09 It is very reasonable to first have liposuction of the abdomen even in individuals who might eventually need a tummy tuck.  The reason for this is that some individuals often get remarkable skin contraction and firming.   Further, liposuction, especially tumescent liposuction... more

A: Skin Tightening after Lipo

Farbod Esmailian, MD

The best choice is a tummy tuck.  Really from what you are describing anything else would be a waste of money and time. There are many laser and devices that claim to tighten the skin in a "non surgical" fashion, but in short they all fall short compared to surgery.  In certain cases, like... more

Post your question

Liposuction: 214 reviews

62% said it was worth it

Liposuction before & after photos

Post your question
IMPORTANT: As noted in our Terms of Service, the information found on RealSelf.com, including that provided by professionals in the Questions & Answers area, is a general educational aid. The Questions and Answers contain opinions and views created by community members. RealSelf.com is not responsible for the accuracy of any information posted by community members. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical or healthcare advice, or for diagnosis or treatment purposes.