Can I achieve a flat stomach with just lipo? (Photo)

Question

Overall great health.Active.Non Smoker. 2 c-sections and down 40lbs ..seems like a never ending fight. Do not want a tummy tuck due to unable to take time off. I really dont care about the skin more than I do getting it as flat as possible. I can worry about that later :)

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

Good liposuction treatment of the abdomen and waist can make a dramatic difference in your abdomen and mid-section. Additionally, after the liposuction is done, you can have a lower abdominal skin excision (like a mini-tummy tuck) to remove excess skin which will tighten the lower tummy, get rid of the overhanging skin and lift the mons area. The skin excision will not add any time to the recovery, no drains and you can be back to work in 3-5 days for most people.  This can all be done with a light oral sedation and local tumescent anesthesia; no need for general or even deep IV sedation. If you desire, you can get  a tummy tuck down the road when you have more time and resources . . .

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

You would probably be disappointed with liposuction alone, since you appear to have some loose skin that won’t be tightened up. This loose skin will become even more prominent, giving you a “muffin top” so your mid-section won’t be flat.

Robert N. Severinac, MD · Answer

This is a common question and so I am glad you asked.  My answer is not necessarily the correct one, it's my opinion that will differ from others.Liposuction removed fat just below the skin.  It will not tighten the skin.  So the best candidate are patients who do not have very much skin in the area.You are a much better candidate for a tummy tuck.  Doing liposuction alone would decrease the bulk of the abdomen but I think the excess skin would be unsightly.The best option for you is more weight loss... I know, not what you want to hear.  Plastic Surgeons are physicians, so we are also concerned about the overall health of our patients.  It's great that your active and a non smoker with recent weight loss, but your not all the way there.  With more weight loss, your abdominal protuberance would reduce and you would enjoy even better results with Tummy Tuck.  There is excess fat under the skin and within the abdomen.  A Tummy Tuck can also include tightening of the muscle layer that is best done when there is not the tension of excess fat behind the muscle layer.My recommendation is to loose more weight until you can take time off for a Tummy Tuck.  You will be healthier and  have a much better result in the  long run.All my best.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and pictures, you seem to be a good candidate for liposuction of front,sides,upper and lower back for a nice contour, and a tummy tuck for a nice flat abdomen, always see a board certified PS.

Gregory C. Gaines, MD · Answer

Like the previous surgeons have stated, liposuction alone may not give you the look you desire. It is possible to do aggressive liposuction to the upper and lower abdomen to remove that hard to lose fat, however, the excess skin left behind may leave you with an unsatisfactory result. I would recommend vigorous liposuction to the upper/ lower abdomen, anterior/ posterior flanks, followed by an abdominoplasty to remove the excess skin left behind.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you Neakaboo01 for your question and congratulations on the weight loss. Liposuction will shrink you down in inches, contour your waist line significantly. With that being said you will still have some of the extra skin. If a laser assisted liposuction is performed then you can get some skin retraction.  Best of luck to you.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

you are not a liposuction alone candidate and will need tummy tuck but i suggest obalon first to lose weight and then you will get a much better result with body sculpting.

Kamran Azad, MD · Answer

It's best to have a consultation in person with a plastic surgeon, but based on the photos alone, I believe that liposuction alone will not give you the results you desire. Liposuction removes the fat but you would be left with excess skin and you won't have the flat stomach you dsire.  The only way to remove it is with an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). Liposuction of the flanks is often done in combination with a tummy tuck to offer an aesthetically pleasing silhouette. Good luck!Kamran Azad, MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Tyler Angelos, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for sharing your photos and congratulations on your weight loss! I recommend a combination of liposuction and tummy tuck. This would address the fat as well as excess skin to better contour the abdomen and flanks. Consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon is recommended to further assess the rectus (six-pack) muscles to see if internal tightening is necessary. Best wishes!

Alex Campbell, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The ideal liposuction candidate has localized fat deposits and quality overlying skin without significant excess skin or skin damage.  You can have good resulgts from liposuction alone although you will probably have excess skin on your abdomen after the procedure which can leave you with undesired results. The best results in your case would be achieved with a Tummy tuck procedure. Tummy tuck, also know as abdominoplasty, is a procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen and to restore the weakened abdominal wall, giving a firmer and smoother appearance.  That said, you definitely have to choose your surgeon correctly and make sure that he/she has the training and experience to meet your goals with absolute safety.  A key quality indicator is Board Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  Don’t settle for less than a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with specialized expertise in this procedure.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your
question. Congratulations on your weight loss.  Based on your photograph and C-section history, you are a better candidate for a full tummy tuck
with liposuction.  This can be done
through a low and short incision, all completely below the bikini line.  The belly button can be designed to look
natural and have no scars on the exterior.  
Your muscles can also be plicated resulting in a flat abdomen.  Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.  The most important
aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek
consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate
you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon