Allan Eckhaus, MD

The answer unfortunately is always "it depends...".  While the photos are helpful, when contemplating a thigh lift (which entails liposuction and skin excision) vs liposuction alone, it is crucial to examine the patient and get a sense for the skin elasticity and whether the excess fat is in distinct deeper pockets (like the outer thighs) or whether it is diffuse and superficial.  Liposuction on the thighs work best when the fat is deeper and more to the outside of the thighs (the risk of skin contour abnormalities following surgery goes down).  Liposuction alone may be sufficient, but if done aggressively or if skin abnormalities are present following the procedure, then a thigh lift (skin excision) can be performed as a second stage.  Best of luck,

I'm glad that you used the word "qualified" in your question.  This means that you are on the right track and that that you are likely already aware that the most important pre-consultation research that you can do is to make sure that you are seeing a board certified plastic surgeon.  Following this, it is always helpful to get recommendations from friends who have seen a particular plastic surgeon as this can give you good insight into how the entire experience may go.   From your photos, I would speak to your plastic surgeon about the differences between a tummy tuck and a body lift (circumferential tummy tuck) and how these address the flank area. I would also encourage you to see post op photos of a medial thigh lift as this procedure can leave quite a visible scar.   Best of luck,

Often the compression garment is enough for both thigh compression and abdominal wall support and compression following a mini tummy tuck and thigh liposuction.  If however, a patient feels that the compression garment is not very snug then an abdominal binder can be added for additional support.   I would caution to ensure that you don't put it on too tight.  It should be supportive but not constrictive.  Meaning that it should not limit your ability to take in deep breaths and it should not limit your mobility.  That being said, it is always best to consult your plastic surgeon in these situations. All the best,

Fat transfer is done with a blunt cannula with fat placed in the layer just underneath the skin and around the breast tissue.  While it is possible to rupture the implants with the cannula, it can often be done safely with the right technique.  You would need to find a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in fat transfer to the breast.  There are other options available to patients in your situation such as- 1. removing the implants and using fat transfer alone (though this often requires multiple surgeries to achieve the end result) 2. using smaller or "more natural" implants Ultimately you should see a plastic surgeon in your area to discuss what options would be best for you. Best wishes,

There are a number of techniques available.  In a traditional tummy tuck, your original belly button is released from the skin and left attached at the stalk to the underlying abdominal wall.  Once the excess skin and fat are excised, the original belly button is brought out through a new opening in the skin (there are even different techniques for how this opening is made).  This leaves a scar around the belly button. In a mini tummy tuck, a belly button scar can often be avoided if the skin and fat excised is kept below the level of the belly button.  Thank you for your question.

Congratulations on your weight loss!  Typically when a patient loses that much weight there are many areas that need to be addressed in terms of skin excess.   The limitation on skin removal is not related to its role as the body's largest organ.  The limitations are more surgical in nature, such as being careful not to excise an amount of skin that makes closing the wound difficult.   Though it would be great to have all the necessary procedures in one operation, it is often unsafe to do so.  Most often one can achieve excellent results in 2 stages. All the best,