Tummy tuck vs Lower Body Lift - which would give the best results? (Photos)

Question

I am 52 and have had two c/s in the past. I have lost around 80 lbs over the past 6 years. I am 5’4 and about 109lbs. I initially was considering a tummy tuck but considering if I would have better results with a lower body lift due to all the loose skin. It was suggested a tummy tuck with muscle repair and liposuction onthe flanks. However, now thinking a lower body lift may give better overall results. Would a tummy tuck be enough to give me good resu or would I be better with a lower body lift? Thank you .

Emre Guvercin, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

After an 80 lb weight loss, especially at 5’4” and 109 lbs with a history of C-sections, loose skin is usually circumferential rather than limited to the front of the abdomen, so while a tummy tuck with muscle repair and flank liposuction can improve the anterior abdomen, it will not address laxity of the flanks, lower back, outer thighs, or buttock descent; in cases like yours, a lower body lift is generally more appropriate because it removes excess skin 360 degrees, tightens the waistline, lifts the outer thighs and buttocks, and creates a more harmonious and long-lasting contour improvement, making it the better overall option when skin redundancy extends beyond the front of the abdomen.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Sunny2024,

based on your photos, you look like a good candidate for a TT. Full tummy tuck should tighten your abdominal muscles and remove the excess skin. Flanks liposuction would give you a better shape. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon because only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Sunny2024 in Franklin, TN, 
Thank you for your question regarding Tummy tuck vs Lower Body Lift - which would give the best results?  Congratulations on your 80 pound weight loss!  Great accomplishment.  Thank you for your history and your pictures.  A tummy tuck addresses just the abdomen.  Due to your weight loss, muscle plication and a mons (pubic) lift are highly recommended.  Liposuction is not advised due to your age and weight loss history.  If fat is removed with liposuction, your skin will not predictably contract. Liposuction will probably leave wrinkles.  A lower body lift does everything a tummy tuck, BUTT more.  The lower body lift includes a tummy tuck, but also lifts and reduces the lateral hips and buttocks. The lower body lift takes longer to complete than the tummy tuck.  Also, the recovery after a lower body lift takes longer than a tummy tuck.   Compared to a tummy tuck, the lower body lift is a much more comprehensive surgery after significant weight loss.  Bottom line, if your hips and buttock bother you, do the lower body lift.  If just the abdomen bothers you, chose the extendeed tummy tuck.  However, given your weight loss history and age, a lower body lift will achieve the best results for you.  Good luck.  If you have any more questions regarding the lower body lift, 360 circumferential lower body lift, belt lipectomy, belt abdominoplasty, or belt dermolipectomy please contact an experienced plastic surgeon. Since the body lift is a big procedure, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing the lower body lift. Do your research.  Make sure they have performed at least 170 circumferential lower body lift surgeries and have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   If you cannot find an experienced, lower body lift surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state if you must. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen, MD, MBA, FACS, FICS, FASMBS (President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery RealSelf Hall of Fame, and RealSelf Doctor Advisory Board for Medical Review and Consumer Panel.)

Kadir Berat Oyur, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing these photos.
Based on the images, it appears that the loose skin is mostly concentrated around the abdomen and upper thighs, with less concern around the buttocks. In this case, a tummy tuck combined with flank liposuction could effectively address the abdominal area and improve contour.

Javier Parada, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss &mdash; that is a significant achievement.The choice between a tummy tuck and a lower body lift depends on where the excess skin is located. A tummy tuck with muscle repair and flank liposuction can provide excellent improvement if the looseness is mainly confined to the front of the abdomen.However, after an 80-lb weight loss, many patients also have circumferential skin laxity &mdash; meaning looseness that extends to the flanks, hips, and lower back. In that situation, a standard tummy tuck may leave residual skin and laxity on the sides and back.A lower body lift addresses the abdomen, flanks, hips, and buttocks together, offering a more balanced and predictable contour when excess skin is present all the way around the torso.A consultation would confirm the best approach for your anatomy and goals.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photos. Congratulations on your weight loss. To fully correct your skin excess of your trunk, and maximize your trunk contour, a lower body lift would remove loose tissue and smooth the contour of your abdomen, some of your inner thighs, lateral thighs, flanks and improve the shape and contour of your buttocks. Liposuction of your flanks, without removal of some of the loose skin, would only compound that problem and therefore I do not recommend that as a good option for you.  Only a tummy tuck would only address the excess skin on your abdomen but no where else.   Best wishes.

Paul M. Parker, MD, FACS · Answer

Given your history and pictures submitted, you might consider both a tummy tuck and a body lift at the same time--this has been given a variety of names but in our practice, we often refer to it as a circumferential abdominoplasty. While this is a longer operation, it is more comprehensive and would rejuvenate your abdomen, hips, outer thighs and buttocks. Consult a board certified plastic surgeon near you who performs a lot of these procedures to discuss in greater detail. Good luck!

Vasileios Vasilakis, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, 
Thank you for the question and congratulations on your weight loss!! Based on the photos, the best surgery for you would be a circumferential lower body lift due to the fact that your skin laxity is circumferential and not restricted to your abdominal area. 
I wish you the best
Vasileios Vasilakis, MD FACSDouble Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

The answer to this surely has to do with what your expectations are.  It is always hard to give good advice without and exam.  It seems you would get a beautiful result from a tummy tuck.  Whether you would need a lower back lift is hard to say, largely because this area cannot be well seen in the photographs.  A consultation with a plastic surgeon could give you a much better idea of whether the much larger surgery of a lower body lift is best for you.  Good luck with your surgery.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

After 80 lbs. weight loss, you have hanging skin over your breasts, abdomen, back and buttocks. You would benefit from a circumferential body lift. This can be done in 2 stages, the front first and then the back or they can be done simultaneously.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Tummy tuck vs Lower Body Lift - which would give the best results? (Photos)

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