How do I tell if I need Lipo or a Tummy Tuck? (photo)

Thank you for your question. You really are not giving any information to give you a meaningful answer. A "lot of weight" could be from 20lbs to over 100lbs! You need to be seen by a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in advanced body sculpting techniques to determine what would give you the best long term results. I find the with VASER Hi Def Lipo 360 degrees, excellent contouring can be done in the right person without excisional surgery.  

Thank you for your question. Without pictures or an in-person exam, it can be hard to give you specific advice regarding your options or what would be best for you. However, keep in mind that liposuction treats only the adipose tissue and does not treat the skin. I treat many patients after weight loss and the problem after losing the weight is usually excess skin, not adipose tissue. To get rid of excess skin requires incisions and scars and contouring procedures such as a tummy tuck. There is no "test" to check it out, your best bet is to schedule a consultation with a local board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options.Best of luck!

Thank you for the question.  Based on your description and past history of weight loss,  I think you will most likely be a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery.
Generally, the tummy tuck operation involves removal of excess skin/adipose tissue of the lower abdominal wall and re approximation of the abdominal wall muscles that may have spread with pregnancies and/or weight gain/loss. Liposuctioning is often used as a tool during the procedure.
Generally speaking, the “ideal” patient for tummy tuck surgery is one who has completed pregnancies, is psycho socially/emotionally/financially stable, has an excellent social support system surrounding him/her, is capable of arranging enough recovery time, does not smoke and who has reached a long-term stable weight.
Liposuction surgery, on the other hand, refers to an operation that essentially suctions out adipose tissue. The operation does not involve any skin removal or re approximation of abdominal wall muscles. The best candidates for liposuction surgery of the abdominal wall are patients with good quality skin elasticity and a moderate degree of diet and exercise resistant adipose tissue superficial to the abdominal wall muscle layer. Patients who are significantly overweight, have significant abdominal wall laxity, and/or have lost a significant amount of skin elasticity are not generally good candidates.
My best suggestion: seek consultation with board-certified plastic surgeons who can demonstrate significant experience helping you achieve the type of outcome you will be pleased with. You may find the attached link, dedicated to tummy tuck surgery concerns, helpful to you as you learn more. Best wishes.