Liposuction after tummy tuck - Will that cause loose skin?

Question

I had a tummy tuck with muscle repair 7 months ago and light upper ab lipo 5 months ago. I have a bulge when I sit and I am not happy with my results. I went to talk to my doctor about removing more skin but he thinks full abdominal liposuction would be the best approach. He is truly amazing but I am a bit nervous I will be left with loose skin and be less happy then I am now. Can you have liposuction after tummy tuck without causing loose skin

Nikesh K. Patel, MD · Answer

Hello and thanks for your question. I’m sorry to hear you’re not completely satisfied with the results of your tummy tuck. Thankfully, you have plenty of options to ensure your final results are more in line with your original vision. A second liposuction procedure could directly remove the unwanted fat. Liposuction does run the risk of creating more loose skin, however, and you’ll need to discuss this concern with your surgeon beforehand. You could also opt for a noninvasive body contouring procedure like SculpSure to reduce your fat without surgery.

If you have any additional questions about your options, bring them up with your plastic surgeon during an in-person consultation. Best of luck!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The answer to this question depends upon your anatomy and the skill of the surgeon.  Loose skin is a possibility after liposuction as lipo will not improve skin quality. There are some patients who have skin that is not perfect, but may respond well to liposuction alone.  A simple exam can determine if you fall into that category.  BodyTite may be an option for you as it does not remove any fat, but it is capable of producing a 45% contraction in tissues.  Results can be seen immediately after one treatment and are more evident over three to six months post-treatment. Wait until six months to fully evaluate the aesthetic results.  Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Bianca Knoll, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your photographs.  Your results, when standing, do look good, but the areas of concern when you bend, and sit, are understandable.  It is hard to tell from photographs the quality of your skin- which is the key factor in whether there would be "loose skin" after liposuction.  It is important to understand that some skin might retract, some might not, and given that you have already had the tummy tuck, a revision would include additional scars.  An alternative is to possibly discuss is Vaser Liposuction, to consider as it is gentler, and allows for more control, as your abdomen has already undergone a major surgery.  It is key to ensure that you have waited enough time from your original surgery, to having additional liposuction for vascular purposes.  All the best!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Careful physical examination would be necessary to provide you with definitive advice; your plastic surgeon will be your best resource in this regard. Generally, factors that come into play include: the quality of the abdominal wall skin elasticity,  the amount of adipose tissue present,  as well as skillful performance of the procedure (avoidance of over resection…).   I hope this helps.

Liposuction after tummy tuck - Will that cause loose skin?

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Answer: Liposuction after tummy tuck - Will that cause loose skin?

Answer: Liposuction after tummy tuck - Will that cause loose skin?

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Liposuction after tummy tuck - Will that cause loose skin?

Answers (4)

Answer: Liposuction after tummy tuck - Will that cause loose skin?

Answer: Liposuction after tummy tuck - Will that cause loose skin?

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.