Upper stomach fat and hanging lower skin - should I get laser lipo suction before tummy tuck? (photos)

The idea that liposuction can not be performed concurrently with a tummy tuck is outdated. I have done hundreds of cases such as yours combining full torso liposuction and the tummy tuck during a single surgery under tumescent anesthesia and conscious sedation. The results are just beautiful. The tummy tuck has some technical modifications to avoid damaging blood supply to the skin flap as described in the ample literature. Obviously you need a very experienced and qualified surgeon to accomplish this type of procedure. Best luck

Tummy tuck first. No, wait....lose 5-10 pounds first. Avoid white food items:no cane sugar, no pasta, no rolls, no bread, no potatoes, and minimize your salt consumption. Do not eat a piece of meat that is larger than the size of your palm. Eat at home and find a cookbook that teaches you new and interesting ways to prepare vegetables. Try a fruit or vegetable that you have never consumed before once a week. You will return to your surgeon in a healthier state which will help you maximize the benefits of the tummy tuck. Of note, during your tummy tuck your surgeon has the option to perform liposuction. Goodness, almost forgot: walk for 30 minutes (without stopping) everyday....no excuses!
Happy Mothers' Day

I find that the safest and most thorough way to approach your abdomen is to first perform complete liposculpting of the upper and lower abdomen, flanks, love handles, lower and mid back.  After 3-6 months of healing and weight reduction then you would proceed to a full tummy tuck.  

You can have a tummy tuck performed at the same time as hi definition liposuction. For best results, I recommend a hi definition procedure like VASER liposuction. I use VASER HI DEF with ThermRF and fat grafting to get the most fat removal, skin tightening, contour and definition. This combination will give you the most toned result. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a hi definition physique expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Thank you for your photos. Based on your photos you could be a good candidate for Smart Lipo. The energy of the SmartLipo™ laser performs two essential functions: (1) it liquefies fat cells, making them easier to remove; and (2) it heats the skin in the treatment area, triggering a healing response that stimulates collagen growth, leading to smoother results than other types of liposuction.  I recommend getting a in person consultation with a board-certified dermatologist.

I would recommend liposuction of your whole abdomen, or especially the upper abdomen, first to remove as much fat as possible. Then, about 6 months later, have the tummy tuck. This way you can have the flattest results. If you choose the tummy tuck first, more fat has to be left behind for safety to the skin. Should you also have liposuction after the tummy tuck, you might have some loose skin in the area treated. Also, doing liposuction first may help make the tummy tuck safer with less bleeding.

The answer is a definite no. Smart Lipo is not going to help with your particular issue and you would be wasting money, time and effort. You are a candidate for a tummy tuck only.

Dr. Knott

I would recommend liposuction first to the abdomen, flanks and lower back. In three to four months you could have a tummy tuck and get a better result. 

i am huge fan of Smartlipo but you have a poor muscle tone, a lot of loose skin. you are not a very ideal candidate for Smartlipo. You will get a much better, more dramatic change from a TT. however, you are carrying a lot of fat behind your muscle wall and it would be best if you could loose a some weight first so that the plastic surgeon can get more tightening to your abdominal wall. david berman md

I would recommend a large volume power assisted liposuction procedure with the removal of about 4 liters of fat, which is the maximum allowable amount  in the state of Florida in a single session.  You may be pleasantly satisfied with this outcome, particularly if you could diet off another 10-20 lbs post op.  If you want additional improvement,  at a later date,  you may  follow up with a laser lipo procedure or possiblly a tummy tuck, in order to gain additional improvement.

Have also included a video that shows a laser liposuction procedure: