Do I need a full tummy tuck? Can I have a minor BBL? (Photo)

Question

I posted a question yesterday, but for some reason, the photos did not appear. I went from 160 pounds to 110 pounds in about six months. I had a BBL five years ago and unfortunately lost most of the fat due to my weight loss. I know I need new implants. I'm wondering if I need a full tummy tuck and if I can have a minor BBL.

Stefan Mark Szczerba, MD · Answer

With a prior BBL, a full TT is with low scar position or the lack of umbilical scar on your lower abdomen (like an inverted T) will be much, much harder.   Additionally I think you do not have much fat to work with for another BBL given that you've had signficant weight loss and a BBL in your past.  For significant buttock enlargement and shape change, a buttock implant may be required.   Best Wishes!!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding whether you need a full tummy tuck and whether you are a candidate for a minor BBL. By examining your photos, it appears that you do not have sufficient fat for a BBL, even for a minor one. A BBL requires an adequate amount of fat for transfer, and in your current state, the amount of fat available is likely not enough to achieve a noticeable or meaningful result. If you are willing to gain weight before surgery, you might become a better candidate for fat transfer to the buttocks.

As for your abdomen, you appear to be an excellent candidate for a tummy tuck. Your photos demonstrate skin laxity and adhesions from your previous liposuction, which would be addressed effectively with this procedure. A full tummy tuck can remove excess skin, repair any underlying muscle separation, and help contour your abdominal area. This would also improve the appearance of the adhesions and create a smoother and more refined look.

If you are considering both procedures, it is possible to combine a tummy tuck with a BBL once you have sufficient fat for transfer. However, based on your current photos, the tummy tuck would likely give you the most impactful improvement for your midsection. I recommend consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options further and develop a personalized plan that aligns with your goals.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry!   This type of surgery is determined by the amount of abdominal skin laxity you have and how much fat you have available to perform the BBL.  This is hard to determine by photos.  We would love to sit down with you and discuss your options.  Schedule an appointment with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals.

Gregory Lakin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You have significant loose abdominal skin and potential muscle laxity due to weight loss. A full tummy tuck can remove this excess skin and tighten the underlying muscles, resulting in a firmer abdominal profile. Regarding the BBL, the amount of fat available for transfer may be limited. A "minor" BBL can improve buttock contour, but it's important to have realistic expectations based on the available fat. I recommend scheduling a consultation with a surgeon to assess your anatomy and discuss your goals. They can help determine whether a full tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck is more appropriate and evaluate the feasibility of a minor BBL.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear soholauren,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your query. You do not seem to have enough loose skin, based on your pictures, for a full tummy tuck. A minor BBL would also require some fat and there appears to be very little of it, in the pictures . You should, however,  find an experienced board certified Plastic surgeon who can examine you  and discuss various  options with you. All the best!

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss. It looks like you have some loose skin in your midsection that may be tightened with a full tummy tuck. An inperson assessment would be needed to determine whether you have enough fat to transfer to your buttocks.

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

You may not need a full tummy tuck, and a smaller procedure may give you the results you want.  It depends on your expectations.  An evaluation by a board certified plastic surgeon would go far to give you information about options.  It seems you may not have enough fat to harvest for even a small BBL.

Arif Eroglu, MD · Answer

Hello,
Due to the previous superficial abdominal liposuction and the resulting fibrosis, there are areas of indentation, particularly in the lower abdominal skin. There is also looseness in the upper abdominal skin, but this looseness is not sufficient to warrant a full tummy tuck. Two options are available: The first option is Vaserlipo for the abdomen, Renuvion J plasma for skin tightening, and fat injections for the indented areas. The second option, if breast surgery is to be performed in the same session, would be Reverse Abdominoplasty with fat injections for the indented areas in the lower abdomen. It may not be possible to obtain enough fat to enhance your buttocks.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

You have a lot of irregularities that extend up to and include your belly button. A full tummy tuck allows skin tightening to occur above the belly button which is crucial for you. "mini tucks' have longer incisions than most people realize, usually at least 80% of the length of a full tuck, so that's not worth getting when you loose so much skin tightening (and normalization of your belly button) with a full tuck. Further, it's not about the length of the scar, but the position. A good surgeon using modern techniques will place your scar very very low with a full tuck.

Do I need a full tummy tuck? Can I have a minor BBL? (Photo)

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