Do I need Flankoplasty or Liposuction 5 month post Tummy tuck? (photos)

Question

I had a full tummy tuck with DR repair but no lipo done 5 months ago. Picture on the left is pre surgery and one on the right was taken yesterday. My 'love handles' seem more pronounced and noticeable especially when I wear tighter fitting jeans. Do you think this extra skin/fat can be removed or should I try to lose weight? I'm 5 ft 9 and 150 lbs pre surgery and now 145 lbs. thank you!

Ankur Mehta, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question as well as your photos. From the photos it seems as though liposuction should be able to give you a significant improvement to your flank region. However, the only way to tell for sure is by evaluating you in person.The reason is, it needs to be determined whether you have loose skin back there as well as excess fat. It also needs to be determined whether you have good skin laxity or not. Make sure you are evaluated by a board certified plastic surgeon. Hope this helps!Ankur Mehta MDBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

For the love handles you seem to be a good candidate for liposuction or coolsculpting. For more infromation on both procedures and the differences please click the below link. Regards,

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

You would do well with liposuction of the flanks.  Weight loss can also help but you appear to be at a good weight.  Best wishes, Dr. T.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for sharing your concerns with us.At this point (5 months post-po) the swelling have to be minimal.To reduce it, I recommend you perform daily lymphatic drainage massage therapy over the abdomen and wear a postoperative girdle from thigh to the breasts.If after six months post-op, I recommend you send us your photos again, to give you more information about how we can solve this problem.Kind regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. Tummy tuck and liposuction address different needs so it would help to conduct an in-person exam to give you an individualized answer. I would advise to perform a tummy tuck and liposuction together because this way you will save on downtime and have just one recovery period for both procedures. That being said, you can certainly get liposuction some time after a tummy tuck once you complete your recovery period.
A tummy tuck would probably be the best option for you because it offers the most effective way to correct loose skin and muscle separation in addition to eliminating excess fat. Liposuction will also remove fat, but it can't address flabby, hanging skin that typically persists after weight loss. For this reason, many patients who have experienced a massive weight loss or recent pregnancy tend to opt for a tummy tuck. This procedure can also be combined with liposuction for maximum effect. 
The bottom line is a full tummy tuck will not only remove excess fatty tissue, but also eliminate excess skin and correct abdominal muscles that have been separated and weakened by lack of physical activity or pregnancy. 
An in-person exam with a board certified plastic surgeon is always the best way to fully assess your needs and address your concerns. Best of luck!

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

Go for Flankplasty aka Flank lift.  Liposuction will not solve your problem.  Many times previous tummy tuck can also be polished up at time of Flanklift to get even better over all result.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I would suggest that you achieve your long-term stable weight and then evaluate the situation.  If you continue to have diet/exercise  resistant adipose tissue in the area (and concerns about the appearance of the "muffin top") liposuction and/or lipectomy ( extension of the tummy tuck excision) may be indicated.If this does become the case, make sure that you communicate your goals carefully. Sometimes, depending on the overlying skin elasticity, patients regret undergoing liposuction surgery only. Best wishes.

Peter Fisher, MD (retired) · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Tummy tuck will frequently cause widening of the flanks if liposuction is not done concomitantly with the tummy tuck. I would therefore suggest getting liposuction to improve this area.Peter Fisher M.D

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