Not sure which procedure is best? Butt lift, lipo, tummy tuck? (Photo)

Question

I am a 34-year-old female who is very active, I go to the gym daily for two hours at a time. I gained 85 pounds when I was pregnant with my son (3yrs ago) and have since lost all of that weight however, my body is now a mess. My stomach is loose and saggy, I have cellulite in my buttocks and thighs & would like a butt lift. Do I need multiple procedures? Ex: Bbl, lipo, tummy tuck? My goal is to feel comfortable in my body again, and love what I see when I look in the mirror.

Ryan A. Stanton, MD · Answer

First, congratulations on the weight loss and keeping up the hard work in the gym.  Unfortunately, working out does not effect loose stretched skin. That skin needs to be cut out with procedures such as a tummy tuck. Because you are so active and lean, BBL is not an option and will fail if tried, period.  Beware, if a surgeon asks you to purposely gain weight (i.e. fat) before BBL, know that the fat you lose first as you get back to your baseline weight after surgery is that very same fat that was transferred into your buttock, hence your new buttock shrinks first, the fastest, and the most...so please do not fall victim to this recommendation. Even those patients that had adequate amounts of fat pre-operatively, still end up seeking buttock implants after a year or so because most of the fat transferred melted away leaving them with minimal result.  Fillers such as Sculptra are cost prohibitive, provided enough volume is injected (i.e. at least 400 cc of active ingredient costing over $300,000) and last only 12 - 18 months.  So, if you're looking for a reliable, predictable, and long-term permanent option that also provides fullness and projection buttock, buttock implants are your best solution. Please note that an extremely few number of board certified plastic surgeons specialize in buttock or hip implants, so you may need to travel far and away from home to find this particular surgeon. Glad to help.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello DXn87 in Boston,
Thank you for reaching out with your question about the most suitable procedure for you, considering whether you need a butt lift, liposuction, or a tummy tuck.
First off, congratulations on your impressive 85-pound weight loss. This is a significant achievement and it's evident that your skin has responded relatively well given the amount of weight you've lost.
Given your weight loss history and the current state of your skin, it's important to consider the following:
Liposuction: While liposuction is effective in fat removal, it may not be the best option for you as it could potentially worsen your skin condition without addressing any laxity issues.
Butt Lift and/or Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL): If you are looking to enhance the size of your buttocks, you might consider a BBL. This procedure involves liposuction to harvest fat from other areas, which is then transferred to the buttocks. This option also includes an extended tummy tuck as part of the process.
360 Circumferential Lower Body Lift or 360 Tummy Tuck: If increasing the size of your buttocks isn't a priority, a butt lift combined with a hip lift and reduction, and a tummy tuck may be more suitable. This comprehensive approach addresses excess skin and reshapes the lower body, but does not involve augmentation of the buttocks.
Ultimately, the choice depends on whether you wish to increase the size of your buttocks. It's essential to thoroughly discuss your goals and expectations with a qualified plastic surgeon to determine the most appropriate course of action for your specific needs and desires.
I hope this guidance helps you in making an informed decision about your body contouring options. Wishing you the best in your journey towards achieving your aesthetic goals.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Miguel Mota, MD · Answer

Excellent question. You obviously have excess loose skin. Mostly on the lower half of the abdomen, but also abound your navel. Because your navel is high, the TT scar may not be as low as I would like…. still low enough though. It will be bellow any c-section scar for sure! 
Sometimes when we have a high navel we need a short vertical scar (about an inch) just above the horizontal TT scar, to make sure the skin flap reaches the scar. Not a big deal. This heals pretty well and is easily hidden under a bikini or underwear.  
As for lipo BBL. This can definitely be done….. though you do not have a lot a fat for the bbl. Liposuction will help with your silhouette and the BBL, no matter how small it is, will hell with your butt size and especially butt shape. Actually the BBL will not only help improve the butt, but will give you a more harmonious overall shape.

Best of luck,
Dr. Miguel Mota

Manuel Diaz, MD · Answer

Hi dear , I hope you are ok 
According to your photos you are the perfect candidate for a Tummy tuck , Lipo and BBL, you need tummy tuck to cut skin so you can lose excess skin and close the muscle and Lipo to create a better silhouette and with that fat fill your buttocks and hips. You will have excellent results for your body build.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Congratulations on losing the pregnancy weight. Unfortunately, you are only a candidate for an abdominoplasty to remove the excess abdominal skin. Liposuction of your sides with a BBL will improve your buttocks, I’m just not sure how much fat you have.  Very active patients (“gym rats”) tend to burn off fat post op.

Not sure which procedure is best? Butt lift, lipo, tummy tuck? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Tummy tuck , Lipo and BBL candidate

Answer: Tummy tuck , Lipo and BBL candidate

Answer: Multiple procedures

Answer: Multiple procedures

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Everything you need to know about Butt Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Not sure which procedure is best? Butt lift, lipo, tummy tuck? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Tummy tuck , Lipo and BBL candidate

Answer: Tummy tuck , Lipo and BBL candidate

Answer: Multiple procedures

Answer: Multiple procedures

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Butt Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.