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

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

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.

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