A body lift or extended tummy tuck - what would be best? (photos)

Question

Hello, let me first thank you for taking the time out for reading and responding to my question. I know I have a lot of lose skin and will need an extended tummy tuck or a circumferential tummy tuck. The main concern I have is if I were to do a circumferential tuck, how would I recover. I read that that procedure should she staged. Second issue is that I am afraid to do an extended tummy tuck and end up with a dog ears. Please advise me on both options. Thank you!

Jose Telich, MD · Answer

Dear LisaAnn37, thank you for reaching out with your question. It's great to hear that you're considering a surgical solution to address your concerns with loose skin.
The decision to undergo either a body lift or an extended tummy tuck depends on several factors, including the location and amount of excess skin you have. From the photos you provided, it appears that you have excess skin not only in the abdominal area but also in the hip and back regions. A body lift, also known as a belt lipectomy, may be a better option for you since it can address excess skin and fat in multiple areas of the body, including the abdomen, hips, and lower back.lipectomy. 
A belt lipectomy can effectively address all excess skin, improve your waist contour, and prevent any unsightly protrusions known as dog ears. This procedure can be completed in a single stage, and the recovery process is similar to that of a regular surgery.
Please feel free to discuss these options further with your doctor to determine the best course of action for your unique situation.
Best regards,
Dr Telich

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.

A circumferential tummy tuck, also known as a lower body lift, is a more extensive procedure than an extended tummy tuck, as it involves removing excess skin and fat not only from the abdomen but also from the back, hips, and buttocks. Recovery time for a circumferential tummy tuck can vary, but it is generally longer than that of an extended tummy tuck. It is also more common for a circumferential tummy tuck to be staged, meaning the procedure is split into two or more surgeries to allow for a smoother recovery and better results.

As for the concern about dog ears with an extended tummy tuck, it is possible to develop dog ears with any type of tummy tuck, but this risk can be minimized with careful planning and surgical technique. A skilled and experienced plastic surgeon will take steps to prevent dog ears from forming, such as placing incisions in strategic locations and using liposuction to create a smooth transition between the treated and untreated areas.

It is important to discuss your concerns and goals with your plastic surgeon and determine which procedure is best suited for your needs and expectations. Your surgeon will also be able to provide you with more information about the recovery process for each procedure and how to minimize the risk of complications.

Best of luck !

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding an extended tummy tuck or a body lift. Thank you for your history and your pictures. In carefully examining your pictures, you need a tummy tuck, pubic lift, muscle plication, excess skin and fat removal from the love handles, and a buttock lift. The last two are the areas that differentiate the tummy tuck and the body lift. In my opinion, you will have significant dog ears with an extended tummy tuck. If you do a tummy tuck, your dog's ears will be enormous. The incision will probably meet at the top of the buttocks if the dog ears are removed during your extended tummy tuck. You should undergo the entire procedure of 360 circumferential lower body lift. Experienced plastic surgeons dealing with weight loss patients know how to perform a 360 circumferential body lift safely. It does not need to be staged. The plastic surgeons advising these staged procedures may not have performed circumferential lower body lifts. Therefore, my vote would be for a 360 circumferential lower body lift. I hope I answered your question regarding whether you should undergo a body lift or an extended tummy tuck. Good luck. 
Sincerely,
Dr Katzen

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

It all depends on your goals and priorities.In person exam is essential. Based on limited photos- it appears that you would benefit from an extended abdominoplasty with extended breast lift. If the goal is to address middle back and lower body - then a circumferencial breast lift/ back lift + circumferencial tummy tuck/ belt lipectomy may be indicated . In our Practice this combination of procedures can safely be performed at the same time-provided a patient is a good candidate and all necessary labs+clearances are obtained pre-op. I suggest that you seek an experienced Board Certified PS and discuss these procedures in detail, including the recovery process

Derek Fletcher, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, you will benefit most from a circumferential lower body lift.  This operation will create the a harmonious transition from anterior, to flank, to posterior and has the capacity of create an hour-glass figure.  You would also benefit form an upper body lift and breast lift during a separate operation.  Best of luck on your journey.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear LisaAnn37,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

It is wonderful what you have achieved! Congratulations. 
You have developed significant saggy skin on your abdomen, sides, lovehandles and  loose abdominal muscle which make you look protruding. So you will be a great candidate for Lower Body lift in order to remove the saggy skin, do a tight muscle repair, tighten lovehandles and also do buttocks lift, I would also add some liposuction to lovehandles and add a bit of fat to buttocks. 
You also will be candidate in the future for Major  Breast lift with/out augmentation and Back lift to achieve a smooth and tight back. 
Be encouraged! You already have started this wonderful journey the correct way. 
Dr. Cárdenas

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

You can consider either the circumferential tummy tuck or the extended depending on your goals.  An extended tuck would address the tummy by removing excess fat and skin as well as correcting abdominal wall laxity.  Liposuction could be added to the sides and back if desired.  If dog ears do occur they can be revised. The circumferential would go all the way around to lift the buttocks and remove excess fat and skin.  I've included a video on a patient who had a circumferential tummy tuck with liposuction that I hope you find helpful.

Ahmad H. Ahmadi, MD · Answer

You have excess skin on the abdomen and the sides. The photos are too far to determine if you have hanging skin on your bottom. Short of examining you, you are a good candidate for an extended incision tummy tuck. I would add lipo to better contour your torso, like in a lipotuck.

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