I Am Not Sure Whether I Should Get a Tummy Tuck or Just Liposuction? (photo)

I am 23 years old and have not had children but I would like to have children in the future. I'm looking to either have a tummy tuck or liposuction on my abdomen but I don't know which would be the best choice for me. I had a consult with a plastic surgeon; he said a tummy tuck would be best to achieve the result of a smaller waist and flat stomach.

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21 Doctor Answers | Asked by pnklukyduky in Virginia

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23 and no children - Lipo is for you!

Dear pnklukyduky, Unless you forgot to mention a major weight fluctuation (such as gain and loss of 100 lbs), you are likely the ideal candidate for liposuction, and I would discourage you from considering a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck works best on someone who has already "pre-stretched" their abdominal skin (typically by delivering children, or occasionally thru massive weight loss). If your skin hasn't been stretched out, you will not be able to remove much with... more

Tummy tuck vs liposuction

Without an examination I cannot give a definitive answer, but based on your photographs it appears that liposuction would be sufficient. Characteristics that are desirable for liposuction include those relatively close to their ideal body weight, minimal excess skin, minimal laxity of the abdominal musculature (diastasis), and realistic expectations. In addition, since you want to have children in the future, I would suggest that you should defer the tummy tuck. While a... more

Liposuction versus Tummy Tuck

Although your photos are a little dark, it looks like you don't have much loose skin, but have a moderate amount of lipodystrophy. It appears that you would be a good candidate for just liposuction. I would recommend that you seek the opinion of several board-certified plastic surgeons before making a decision.

Donald Griffin, MD

8 reviews

Nashville Plastic Surgeon

Liposuction Versus Tummy Tuck

Based on your photos, it appears that you would benefit from liposuction and would not need a tummy tuck. However, an in person consultation would be needed for a complete evaluation. In general, if you have good skin tone and a moderate about of fat which is not hanging, then liposuction is good. If you have loose skin or hanging fat or diastasis (roundness of the abdomen from muscle separation) then a tummy tuck / abdominoplasty would be needed to achieve the best results... more

Liposuction rather than tummy tuck is best when the skin tone is OK

Based on the photos, your skin tone looks pretty good. You do have some localized fat excess. I would recommend liposuction of your abdomen and flanks (tummy and love handles). Later, after you have children, you may wish to have a tummy tuck to treat extra loose skin and muscles that have been stretched by pregnancy. It is best to have a tummy tuck after having children rather than before. I have attached the portion of my website on liposuction. more

Lipo is the answer!

Women that have not had children and have areas of fat that are diet and exercise resistant can often achieve good results with liposuction.

George John Alexander, MD

3 reviews

Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck versus liposuction

Stop! I hope I caught you in time. Based on your photographs and the historical data that you gave, I would not recommend tummy tuck surgery. You don't appear to have redundant or damaged skin. Unless you are not telling us about a massive weight gain and subsequent loss, your abdominal fascia is probably intact. If you think that there is a good chance that you will have children in the future, then that alone is a relative contraindication to tummy tuck surgery.... more

23 with no children and good skin, lean toward liposuction

Based on the pictures you sent, it appears that you would be a good candidate for liposuction. You appear to have good skin quality and have not had children. I hesitate to do tummy tucks on women in their 20's who haven't had children yet. Seek the advice of more than one plastic surgeon in your area.

Tummy Tuck or Cool Sculpting

Hi, We usually wait until a patient is done having children before doing a tummy tuck. You look good. I would recommend CoolSculpting which would remove your fat with no downtime, no anesthesia, and no needles. Good luck with your family in the future. All the best ! "Dr. Joe"

Liposuction is all you need.

You have many things in your favor of getting an excellent result from just liposuction. You are young and you have not had children. You gave no history of, nor do your photos show any evidence of, you being very overweight. You appear to have focal collections of fat which you want addressed. Therefore your skin should be of excellent quality and elasticity and should conform very well over the areas after the liposuction is done. I would strongly steer... more