Can I avoid a tummy tuck?

Question

Hello! I am a mother of 2, 5’4” 126-128lbs. I am considering vaser Lipo 360 with body tire and if need be a tummy tuck. However, I’d prefer to avoid a scar. I have this accumulated pocket of fat like a love handle just under where the underwear stops (bottom part). I can grab this far quite a bit and it’s definitely fat, not extra skin. Can I simple lose the weight and Lipo the stubborn fat off and avoid a TT? I TIA

Moises Salama, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. It is difficult to provide a proper evaluation without any pictures. I suggest uploading pictures of your front and side to best determine what procedure/s you would be a good candidate for. Always consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Take care, Moises Salama MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding how to avoid a tummy tuck. Your question is difficult to answer without pictures or a thorough physical examination. However, based on your current weight of approximately 127 pounds, I would suggest you would probably respond best to liposuction. I would strongly suggest VASER liposuction of the abdomen, love handles, and lower back. In my opinion, the VASER gives the best results for liposuction. Postoperatively, it will be important for you to have lymphatic massages and wear your garment for a minimum of six weeks. I believe because of your age and weight, you will have optimal results. If you were unsatisfied with your VASER Lipo 360 results, you could always opt for a tummy tuck at a later date. It will be essential for you to heal completely after the VASER Lipo 360 before considering a tummy tuck. The timing is usually approximately 6-8 months after lipo before considering a tummy tuck. However, I think you will get optimal results with the VASER Lipo 360. Please seek an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon who has done many VASER Lipo 360 procedures.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, 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 and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, 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 and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hi, Thank you for the question. 
It is difficult to answer the question without seeing your photos, but often Lipo 360 with Vaser will help tighten the skin and you may avoid the tummy tuck incision.
I would recommend an in person evaluation by the plastic surgeon to further evaluate the thickness of your skin and status of your muscles.
I hope this helps.Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzFellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

If you are sure you have no loose skin as well as stretch marks in the area, then liposuction alone may be suitable for you. However, for a more accurate assessment please see a board certified plastic surgeon. They’ll need to check your skin quality to make sure.

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

Dear va0822, thank you for your question, before anything it would be good to see some pictures to evaluate your case. But most if your abdomen is so distended the right thing to do is a tummy tuck so we dont leave an excess of skin making your abdomen look saggy and not stetic Make sure you go on consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Hope this helps and best of lucks. Dr. Luis Mejia.

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

The answer will greatly depend on the results that you are looking for.  I have included a video in hopes that it helps to answer some of your questions.  I would suggest scheduling an in person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  Without photographs or an in-person examination it is difficult to comment. I would seek out in-person consultations at your convenience to get the best advice!

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. It is difficult to say without photos or an evaluation what would be ideal for you. An in person evaluation by a board certified plastic surgeon will give you the best answers.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear sillysy4,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. 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

Chase Derrick, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Photos would be very helpful to help determine whether or not you would benefit from removal of skin in addition to liposuction. The important thing to consider is whether or not there is extra skin before liposuction as removal of volume will create more excess skin. The addition of vaser and body tite can be helpful additions to liposuction alone but are limited by the quality of the skin. You should have a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss expectations for results after each procedure. As you mentioned, weight loss done before any body contouring procedure can help localize the stubborn areas to help optimize your results.