Tummy Tuck or Lower Body Lift While Avoiding Major Scarring?

asked 2 years ago by Annisa in Michigan
Latest answer by Michelle Copeland, MD, DMD
Question viewed 852 times
Tags: hips, thighs, female, scar, skin

Is there a more extensive Tummy Tuck where skin is pulled up from the front of thighs or would that just be going into a lower Body Lift?

I was wondering if there is something in the middle ground between these two procedures as I do not want the scar that goes all the way around my waist, from hip to hip would be fine though.

11 answers to Tummy Tuck or Lower Body Lift While Avoiding Major Scarring?

Ways to improve your abdomen and thighs

It used to be that a tuck was the only option for a woman with a bulging tummy. Then liposuction came along, and we could do a smaller procedure with virtually no scarring. However, people who have especially slack skin in their midsection need more than what liposuction can offer. I don't want to frighten you, but most lifts leave you with unsightly scars. There are many things surgeons do to improve a scar's appearance. Today, we suture almost every incision under the skin, leaving no... more

Michelle Copeland, MD, DMD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Tummy Tuck with tightening of the anterior thigh skin

Hi there- The procedure you are looking for is a High Lateral Tension Abdominoplasty, and it DOES allow tightening of the anterior thigh skin. In my practice we occasionally do this with a laser procedure for the skin just above the knees, to give the optimal result.

Armando Soto, MD
Orlando Plastic Surgeon

www.DrArmandoSoto.com

Scars are sometimes better than the hanging skin

If your skin redundancy is signifigant to the point of considering a tummy tuck and a body lift, the question you must answer is whether you would rather have the scars and a better contoured shape or no scars and remain as you are. When you know this answer you will be able to choose your next step.

David Shuter, MD
Jupiter Plastic Surgeon

Thigh lift and tummy tuck

Some surgeons call this an extended tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). The amount of vertical lift in the anterior thgh is relatvely minimal and difficult to appreciate without doing a full body lift.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Tummy Tuck or Lower Body Lift involves long incisions

Unfortunately, it's NOT POSSIBLE. These large operation involve many long incisions. incisions lead to scar formation. So if you can not live with scars than do not do these types of operations. Regards.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck versus lower body lift

Pulling skin up from the thighs is done with a lower body lift. A tummy tuck truly addresses only the abdomen. You may not need a full lower body lift based on your question, however. I suggest seeing a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area, preferably one who does a lot of body contouring, so that he or she can give you a more accurate opinion based on your examination. Good luck, /nsn.

Nina S. Naidu, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Tummy Tuck VS Lower Body Lift

You asked several questions in one. While I FULLY realize long scars are intimidating, a better way to analyze the situation and reach an intelligent decision is to go over 1. You particular Goals (Best vs. willing to accept)2. Your particular body deficits and proposed solutions for each. Based on this analysis you will reach 2-3 options which would best work for you. Now - if you have a loose abdominal wall in the front but no butt sagging OR you are not interested in having butt sagging... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Tummy Tuck versus Body Lift

There is no magic wand to perform plastic surgery without surgery and without incisions. If you want dramatic results, then you need to understand that there will be incisions. If you want average results just to minimize the size of the incision, then don't expect miracles.

David Shafer, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

www.ShaferPlasticSurgery.com

Lifts remove skin which results in scars

Hi Annisa, The only way to lift and tighten the skin is by removing the extra skin. The lift is then closed as a scar. A tummy tuck will not lift the front of the thighs to a very significant degree. Most of the thigh lift is done either on the outer aspect or the inner aspect. A body lift involves lifting the outer thighs through an incision on the hips that extends out from the tummy tuck scar. I don't think there is a "middle ground" procedure that will accomplish much on... more

Marcus L. Peterson, MD
Saint George Plastic Surgeon

You need to be seen

Your problem, and what you want to accomplish determines what operation and hence what scarring you will get. We all want small scars, but sometimes one needs a longer one to get rid of the excess skin.

William B. Rosenblatt, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Tummy Tuck vs Body Lift

Neither a tummy tuck nor a body lift is going to address excess skin on the anterior part of your thighs. A total body lift does improve excess skin on the lateral and posterior thighs. You may need a thigh lift for your concerns. Obtain a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can provide you with your options.