Focus is reducing overall puffiness & smoothing out contour of lower stomach “shelf.” Vaser lipo 360 or tummy tuck?

Question

26 years old, 5’4”, 135 pounds. Trying to decide if I should opt for vaser lipo 360 or a tummy tuck. I had traditional awake lipo to my lower abdomen and flanks only in 2021 and the results were so-so. I would love to avoid the scars and recovery of a tummy tuck. Not looking for perfect, but significant improvement. I’m told that I have some skin laxity due to being overweight when I was younger. Focus is reducing overall puffiness and smoothing out contour of lower stomach “shelf.”

Joshua T Halka, MD · Answer

You have excess loose skin along your lower abdomen. The shelf you are noticing will likely get worse with liposuction because if you remove the tissue underneath it, it will become looser and more wrinkled. The best option for you to address your concerns is a tummy tuck.

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

Your photos suggest that your tissue excess and skin laxity would make you a better candidate for a tummy tuck rather than additional liposuction. You didn't mention if you have had children. In general, women who have not had children can get by with liposuction. In you case however, the weight loss has seemingly simulated skin changes of pregnancy making the tummy tuck the preferred procedure.

Donald Groves, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. From the pictures you have provided, you have some striae (stretchmarks) present throughout your lower and mid abdomen, and a moderate amount of excess subcutaneous fat and skin throughout this region, extending to the sides into your flanks, with that notable "shelf," as you mentioned. There is some upper abdomen adiposity (excess skin/fat) as well. Given your young age, I would also like to avoid a more invasive procedure if possible, while still achieving your goals. Unfortunately, the striae indicate that you have poor quality skin in those regions, which has lost its ability to stretch and recoil properly, and therefore likely will not fully contract if you were to do some form of liposuction alone (without resecting any of the excess skin). This would result in a very deflated appearance and ultimately require another procedure to resect the excess skin and tighten the overall contour. 
Based on all this, you would benefit from a traditional abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) with liposuction of your flanks to best help improve your abdominal/trunk contour. Regarding the transverse lower abdominal scar, it should be well hidden within your bikini or underwear, and if you adhere to proper scar care and sun avoidance after surgery, it should eventually heal to be minimally noticeable.
Liposuction is a great adjunct which would definitely provide additional benefit, particularly to the contour and symmetry of your flanks, and would be done at the same time as your tummy tuck procedure for the best possible single operation results. 
With all that said, it is always difficult to provide tentative surgical recommendations, as there is only so much information to be gained from any photos and descriptions provided. I recommend for you to come see me or another plastic surgeon for a formal consultation to thoroughly discuss your surgical goals, undergo a formal examination, evaluate all your options (surgical and nonsurgical), and decide on the best procedure(s) for your specific case. I hope this helps!
Best wishes,
Dr. Donald Groves
Plastic Surgeon

Carlos Mata, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Thank you for sharing your pictures. Given your age, current weight, and primary objectives, it sounds like you might achieve your desired results without a tummy tuck. Considering your goals of reducing puffiness and achieving a smoother contour, Vaser liposuction is an excellent option as it can precisely target and remove stubborn fat areas. Renuvion skin tightening is also be strongly recommended to tighten the skin. However, it's essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

If you are planning no future pregnancies the best result would be a tummy tuck with liposuction for contouring.  This would remove excess fat and skin giving you a flatter, tighter tummy.  You will have some improvement with liposuction alone if you are planning future pregnancies.  J Plasma may be an option for you to aid in skin tightening.

Focus is reducing overall puffiness & smoothing out contour of lower stomach “shelf.” Vaser lipo 360 or tummy tuck?

Answers (8)

Answer: Tummy Tuck, Vaser liposuction and Renuvion

Answer: Tummy Tuck, Vaser liposuction and Renuvion

Answer: Tummy tuck or lipo

Answer: Tummy tuck or lipo

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Focus is reducing overall puffiness & smoothing out contour of lower stomach “shelf.” Vaser lipo 360 or tummy tuck?

Answers (8)

Answer: Tummy Tuck, Vaser liposuction and Renuvion

Answer: Tummy Tuck, Vaser liposuction and Renuvion

Answer: Tummy tuck or lipo

Answer: Tummy tuck or lipo

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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