Am I candidate for liposuction? Any other suggestions besides a tummy tuck? (photos)

Question

I’ve had 3 c-sections in the last 5 years and have some abdominal separation that I’m currently working on with PT. I know that a tummy tuck is the ideal procedure for my body but I would prefer to opt out of it due to the increased downtime & recovery. I am not expecting a perfect outcome but would just like it to look less outward, preferably flat.. even if there is skin leftover. If not liposuction are there any other suggestions besides a tummy tuck?

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Looking at your photos your a great candidate for a tummy tuck that will allow your Surgeon to tighten up your abdominal wall muscles and remove the extra skin.  If you chose to do liposuction, it would reduce you in inches and you will get some skin retraction but you would still have the extra skin.  It also looks like you may have some intra abdominal fat, which is fat down under the abdominal wall muscle.  The only way to get rid of that would be a low carb diet and exercise.  If you worked on reducing the intra abdominal fat, that would help with the shape of the belly.  I would suggest seeing a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in person to evaluate you and discuss your options.  Best of luck to you.

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. If you understand that liposuction is not the ideal operation for you and that you will be left with excess loose skin, you can proceed with that option. It can remove the fat and bulk from your entire trunk and reshape the frame. Discuss this with you plastic surgeon.

Julia Spears, MD · Answer

Hello! Unfortunately with your case, I believe Tummy Tuck would be the best decision and procedure for you. To remove excess skin the only procedure that would do that is Tummy Tuck. When you receive Lipo it can actually add more excess skin. I would consult with a surgeon that you're interested in and see what plan they decide for you.
Best of Luck!Dr. Julia Spears MD

Ugur Horoz, MD · Answer

hello, as you mentioned it is the best solution to do tt with liposuction for you to have the smooth shape and contour. only with liposuction and plasma ( to tighten skin more after liposuction in same operation) may give you a better result when compare with liposuction alone. We recommend to do for you liposuction combinated with abdominoplasty.
best regards

Warren Schutte, MD · Answer

Thank you for providing photos. Unfortunately there are no other great options for aesthetic improvement in your case. I would not recommend liposuction due to increase in skin laxity as a result. Any other less invasive options would not be worth the money spent. I would strongly suggest to wait until abdominoplasty is a feasible option in your schedule.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Your abdomen is protruding anteriorly. Liposuction only removes fat not excess hanging skin. If you underwent liposuction your abdominal skin will hang. If you are not planning future pregnancies, I recommend abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement. The mesh creates a more hourglass figure by compressing the abdominal wall resulting in early satiety and helps maintain a reduced weight.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear MomMaMommy3,
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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Justin K. Williams, MD · Answer

New, a tummy tuck with liposuction would provide the optimal result. It is great that you are exercising and that will absolutely help you if you do not want surgery. There are Nonsurgical medical devices on the market that claim to have good results and not only can improve your abdominal muscle tone The claim to improve visceral fat, subcutaneous fat, and tightened skin. They are not cheap but that is a possibility as well

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Based on your stated goals your best option is the tummy tuck.  This will remove excess fat and skin as well as correct abdominal wall laxity.  I think you will be disappointed with other treatments as the laxity of the skin will not retract enough to give you good results.  The muscle wall repair will also greatly improve the abdominal contour.

David Janssen, MD, FACS · Answer

You are correct in that TT with muscle repair is the best answer. The fact that it does not fit your lifestyle is one that we must consider. When we answer questions, we try to "climb the reconstructive ladder" of choices from least expensive and risky to more involved. One way to reduce fat volume is Ultimate Contour which may be available in your area. I am preferring it to Coolsculpting which we also offer. After that, Lipo might be considered, but would leave your skin looking worse, not better. Even with Laser add-on to lipo, results may not be desirable. RF skin tightening after Ultimate Contour might fit your desires, as long as a flat abdomen is NOT what you are expecting.

Am I candidate for liposuction? Any other suggestions besides a tummy tuck? (photos)

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