Will lipo cause loose skin? (Photo)

Question

I am a 36 year old with 4 full term pregnancies. No stretch marks or significant loose skin. I am currently 140lbs(was 125 before children). I gained no more than 40lbs with each pregnancy. I would like to have lipo of the abs and flanks but am afraid it will cause loose skin. My biggest concern is the skin that hangs when you sit. Will lipo remove that or will it make it worse. What are the best types of lipo for me to avoid these issues if at all possible?

David L. Kaufman, MD FACS · Answer

Your question is a good one, as poor skin elasticity in the treated area could result in loose skin after liposuction. Although you don’t have a great deal of fat to be removed, your skin likely already has some laxity following your multiple pregnancies. The best way to get a definitive answer to your question is by scheduling an in-person consultation and evaluation with a board certified plastic surgeon. A tummy tuck could give you better results if there is significant skin laxity.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This will ultimately depend on skin laxity, but a hi definition procedure like VASER HI DEF will give you the best results with body shaping. I use VASER HI DEF with ThermRF and fat grafting to get the most fat removal, skin tightening, contour and definition.This combination will give you the most toned result. If you are a candidate for a tummy tuck, this can be performed at the same time. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a hi definition physique expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Jennifer Lauren Crawford, MD · Answer

Liposuction has the most success in areas of mild-moderate fat excess with excellent overlying skin tone.  The skin at our abdomen can be stressed from aging, weight loss changes, and pregnancies.  People have variable degrees of skin elasticity (or bounce back) after those stresses.  Most women who have had several pregnancies have some lax skin to variable degrees.  Many women I see in my clinic often have more loose skin than they believe.  The 'bulge of fat' that they grab in their hands is often times part fat and part loose skin.But, the contour of the abdomen can be complicated.  After pregnancies our abdomen may not be flat for multiple reasons.  Our muscles separate and stretch and may not return to normal after pregnancies and cause the abdominal wall to bow outward.  We can have loose skin.  We can have fat that rests under the skin (subcutaneous fat- the fat that can be treated with liposuction).  We can also sometimes have a large accumulation of fat that is inside, around our organs (visceral fat that can only be treated with diet changes).  Pictures are helpful but an in person exam is better to identify what is contributing.In your lateral, sit down picture, you have some skin overhang.  In most cases, this is not greatly improved or worsened with liposuction.  There are some people who's skin retracts really well after liposuction and others who mostly stay the same.  Prior pregnancies lead to skin damage that makes all this less predictable.  If you really don't want that overhang of skin when you sit or stoop over, you will likely need to consider a tummy tuck.I have used all forms of available liposuction machines in use today (laser, ultrasound, standard, power assisted, etc).  The most important aspect of liposuction is effectively removing fat in a practiced, controlled way.  I cannot perceive great differences in skin tone in my postop patients despite years of using different devices.  So, there is not one technology that I can tout above all others although they make for great marketing.

Landon Pryor, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. It appears from your photos as though you have good skin quality. Typically, patients with good skin quality do not have a problem with their skin contracting following liposuction. However, this is impossible to guarantee. It also depends on how much fat the surgeon takes out during liposuction. It is possible if a lot of fat is taken you could have loose skin, but if the liposuction is more conservative it would improve your chances of not having issues with skin contraction. See a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for a consultation to discuss your options and potential outcomes. Best of Luck,

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Liposuction produce some some loose skin but skin is elastic and shrinks over a period of 6 months. Good quality skin skin shrink better and it is hard to predict exactly how much it shrinks. Smart lipo can to certain degree can tighten the skin.  Based on your description you probably will have some loose skin. If you want loose skin go away , then TT is the option. Please consult with a board certified PS for evaluation and to discuss your goals.

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Will lipo cause loose skin? (Photo)

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