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

Question

I don't want the scar of a tummy tuck, but I don't know if Liposuction will work. I've lost a lot of weight, but can't seem to get rid over my lower tummy or my back fat, I thought Lipo might be the solution. How can I test my skin to see if the elasticity of it is still good?

George Marosan, MD · Answer

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.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

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!

Daniel B. Kim, MD · Answer

Thank you for reaching out. There is no way of knowing which procedure will provide you with the best results without seeing you for an in person consultation. How much weight you have lost, if you have had children and a lot of other factors will play a part in which procedure would be best. Also the end result you are looking to get is important and will play a large role! Be sure to visit a few experienced board certified surgeons. best of luck. Dr. Kim

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

and tummy tucks remove skin (and fat) so you need to determine if your problem is one of fat (full and thick) or excess skin (lax and hanging).  Along with your expectations, your surgeon should easily be able to tell you what will achieve your expectations.

George John Alexander, MD, FACS · Answer

A tummy tuck can help remove excess skin, remove fatty tissue and tighten abdominal muscles.  This procedure will help your abdominal or tummy area. Liposuction removes stubborn fatty tissue but does not address excess skin or muscle tightening.  If your skin is loose and will not “snap back” after liposuction surgery, a surgeon may recommend a tummy tuck surgery.  It’s best to meet with a board certified plastic surgeon who can personalize the best surgery plan for you based on your goals and anatomy.

Chester K. Cheng, MD · Answer

This is a great question, in that many patients are confused as to why their plastic surgeon will recommend one procedure over the other. First and foremost, it is very important that every patient has realistic expectations about what their Plastic Surgeon can achieve with each procedure. A good way to check if you are more likely a candidate for a tummy tuck is to see if your lower tummy has a fold. If you do have a fold, then you are more likely a better candidate for a tummy tuck procedure because you most likely do not have very great skin elasticity and most likely have more loose skin than belly fat. If you find that your belly is just full with little to no loose skin and no fold then you are more likely a better candidate for liposculpture. Make sure you have a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to get a professional opinion and to be fully assessed.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

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.

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

Haha. Great face pic but it doesn't help us much in evaluating your tummy. If you can lean forward and grab up a handful of skin then a TT is the procedure.

Michael Carlisle, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Usually patients with weight-loss have lost enough elasticity in their skin that liposuction alone will not work to achieve the results they want. The reason is because the stretched skin (think of it like a spring) has been stretched to the point that the skin will not recoil, or go back to its original position. And, liposuction depends on this in the skin. So, if there is very loose skin, we can liposuction the fat underneath, but the skin will not recoil or shrink-wrap back down to the contour of your body. Therefore, most patients with a significant amount of weight-loss will need a tummy tuck for the best results. Hope this helps.

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

Answers (9)

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