Am I a Good Candidate for Liposuction or Tummy Tuck?

asked 3 years ago by tailscw in st. louis mo
Latest answer by George J. Beraka, MD
Question viewed 1,626 times

I have lost 20 lbs. since January (starting wt: 164lbs) but lost only one inch on the belly. I'm 30 years old, non-smoker, 5'2", 145 lbs, currently with a 38A bust, (33 in. ribs - 35 in. belly button - 38 in. fattest part - 37 in hips.)

Everyone has asked when my baby is due for years. I am so frustrated. I am sticking with my diet (1400-1600 cal) on which I lose between 1-2 lbs a week and hope to drop more weight naturally.

How much could I realistically get rid of with a tummy tuck or liposuction? Am I even a good candidate?

5 answers to Am I a Good Candidate for Liposuction or Tummy Tuck?

Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction

Thank you for your question - From the picture it appears that it is likely you will need an abdominoplasty. The way to think about the process is to consider the following parts of your abdominal contour: Intra-abdominal contents (organs, bone) - this part you can't change Muscle separation - Separated muscle can cause significant weakness resulting in abdominal bulge of the intra-abdominal contents. This requires a tummy tuck to correct. Subcutaneous fat - this is typically what... more

Steven H. Williams, MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

www.trivalleyplasticsurgery.com

You will need a tummy tuck

Keep working on the weight loss plan and get down as far as is reasonable. Then go to an excellent Board Certified plastic surgeon for an evaluation. From your photos, it looks as though you have dramatically lax abdominal muscles and this would only be improved by a tummy tuck. When the muscles are tighter, there will be substantial extra skin which will be removed in the tummy tuck. Good luck!

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Candidates for Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Thank you for the detailed info. It appears that you have significant muscle laxity which would not be treated with liposuction alone. However, you skin seems to be in relatively good shape. You should first determine if you have a diastasis recti (muscle gap). Lay on the floor with your hands at your sides. Then lift your head off the floor without using your hands as if you were almost attempting a partial sit-up. Now feel your abdomen. Do you feel a longitudinal gap between your six... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Too much excess skin not good for liposuction.

Hi. No question that well done surgery will make you look better. But you look like you have a lot of excess skin and probably separated muscles. So tummy tuck better than liposuction.

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck will give you the results you want

You would be a good candidate for tummy tuck. This will tighten the loose skin, tighten the muscles (like a corset) and remove any excess fat that is present. You can expect to have a flat and probably even a concave stomach afterwards. No one will think you are pregnant after a tummy tuck. Hope this helps.

Robert B. Pollack, MD
La Jolla Plastic Surgeon

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