Can I get away with just lipo? I really don't want tummy tuck (Photo)

Question

I've lost 120 lbs with no surgery but unfortunately it came with the cost of loose skin. I'm 34 and would like children (please no medical advice on geriatric pregnancy) so id like to hold off on a Tt. Would lipo and j-plasma work?

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Liposuction only removes fat, not excess hanging skin. Unfortunately, if you underwent liposuction, you will have excess hanging skin. I agree that waiting to have a tummy tuck after you are done having children is a good idea.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Afroblue306,
based on your photos, you look like a good candidate for a TT. Liposuction will not help with your issues. Full tummy tuck should tighten your abdominal muscles and remove the excess skin. Flanks liposuction would give you a better shape. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon because only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

Congrats on your weight loss!
Unfortunately, you do not appear to be a good liposuction candidate . Based on limited photos - you appear to be a good candidate for extended  abdominoplasty -to remove all of the excess skin. I suggest that you seek a formal consultation with an experienced Board Certified PS

Ricardo Vega, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry and photos, based on photos liposuction on its own would not leave good results, also with time stomach skin will become more flaccid, you are a candiate for tummy tuck in order to obtain good results and also remove excessive skin. A full tummy tuck with muscle repair comined wiht liposuction 360 would have a good outcome result, flat tight belly. You will not be happy with only liposuction results since its mainly skin removal needed. I suggest seeking board certified plastic surgerons to discuss further details. Best of luck!

Matthew Schulman, MD · Answer

Since you are starting with loose skin, any liposuction procedure will result in more loose skin. J-plasma, or any other thermal energy procedure, will be unsuccessful in tightening up your skin to a point of you not needed any skin removal (tummy tuck).  My recommendation would be to wait until you are done having children and then consider a tummy tuck, combined with liposuction.

Hooman Khorasani, MD · Answer

Due to the amount of skin laxity I can see, based on your photo, a tummy tuck is the only procedure that would fully address your concerns. With that being said liposuction, subdermal skin tightening (BodyTite), and Morpheus8 Body, may give you a fair amount of improvement. These treatment modalities may be a viable option for you, so long as you are aware that they will not achieve the same results as a tummy tuck. The positive to these treatment modalities is that rather than having a scar across your abdomen, you will have very small (~2mm in diameter) scars (one hidden in the belly button, two near the pelvic area, two on the lower back). When considering these procedures, it is important to do your due diligence in research. One modality yields more impressive results, but also leaves you with a very noticeable scar. The other yields less drastic results, but typically has less scars associated. Additionally you do not run the risk of distorting or loosing your belly button - a real risk with the tummy tuck procedure.

Brady Harris, MD · Answer

Liposuction will remove volume and create a more shapely appearance, however it will not address the skin laxity issue. J-Plasma will not be effective enough to contract the amount of excess skin you have from weight loss.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss! You might get some improvement with liposuction and J plasma, but it will not be a tummy tuck. Do wait until you have had all the children you want before getting the tuck.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your impressive weight loss!  Based on the photos there is too much skin laxity to achieve a good result with liposuction, even if J Plasma was added.  You do however appear to be a good candidate for a tummy tuck which would address loose skin, excess fat and tighten the abdominal wall.  You can consider liposuction of the hips and flanks to enhance your curves. I've included a video I hope you find helpful.

Jean Paul Giudicelli Saba, MD · Answer

Hi, and thanks for sending your pics. You are definitely a candidate for a tummy tuck, combined with lipo and BBL/ Hips if wanted. The tummy tuck will allow you to get rid of all that excess skin you have and lipo will remove the fat deposit and help you with your body shaping. In my opinion, getting just lipo won't be worth it.