Muffin top after lipo/tummy tuck - non surgical solutions? (Photos)

Question

I have a muffin top that i didnt have before or maybe didnt notice before. After my tt and lipo of the abdoman and flanks, a very noticeable layer of fat is sitting on my hip making my hip dips look even worse. What can i do that doesnt include surgery? Im afraid of going under due to a plumonary embolisim i got after my procedure in 2024 which doctors say may or may not be there anymrore. Im no longer on medication for it.

Robert M. Lowen, MD · Answer

Dear Phenomenal,
  If this were determined to be pinchable fat upon exam,  I would just remove it with liposuction in the office operating room using local tumescent anesthesia.  There would be no risk of recurrent pulmonary embolism.  You could also process this fat and put it in your hip dips under local as well.  You could also treat your hip dips under local using alloClae regenerative fat.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

I would first make sure the pulmonary embolism history is fully clarified before considering any elective treatment, even if you are no longer on medication. A hematologist or your primary doctor can confirm whether there is any ongoing clot risk and whether any procedure is appropriate.
For the contour itself, a muffin-top appearance after tummy tuck and liposuction can come from residual fat, swelling, scar-related tightness, skin laxity, or a transition between treated and untreated areas. Non-surgical options such as cryolipolysis, radiofrequency, ultrasound, or skin-tightening treatments may give modest improvement when the issue is small fat or mild skin looseness, but they are not as predictable as revision liposuction or surgical revision. If your surgery was recent, I would also allow the tissues to settle fully, often 6-12 months, before judging the final contour.
An in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to decide whether a low-risk non-surgical option is reasonable or whether observation is safer until your PE history is cleared.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Phenomenal270954,

I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You have excess fat and you will need repeat liposuction.  Non-surgical treatments will not work.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Kadir Berat Oyur, MD · Answer

I truly hear your concerns, and it is completely understandable that you would want to avoid further surgery after such a serious experience as a pulmonary embolism. What you are describing is a common concern where the remaining fat above the surgical site becomes more noticeable as the surrounding areas are flattened. Since surgery is off the table, we can focus on non-invasive body contouring treatments like CoolSculpting to freeze and reduce those specific fat cells, or radiofrequency treatments like Morpheus8 or TruSculpt, which help to tighten the skin and smooth the transition between your waist and hips. These options require no anesthesia or downtime, making them a much safer way for us to refine your results while prioritizing your long-term health and peace of mind.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Liposuction will help to address the hip asymmetry that concerns you.  Because the area is small you should be able to have this addressed under local anesthesia.  If you are wanting more than just this small hip area corrected then general anesthesia may need to be discussed.  I've included a video I hope you find helpful.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Based on the nicely post of photos, you could have liposuction done under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation so you’re not under full gentle anesthesia to gain the best result. Best of virtual consult with. Expect fee fees to range from $4000-$8000. Non-surgical options, for example, injections of fat dissolvers or cold sculpt or other non-invasive options would need multiple sessions to attain results desired. Again, best of virtual consult with.

Muffin top after lipo/tummy tuck - non surgical solutions? (Photos)

Answers (7)

More Liposuction Questions

Can I Get Lipo with my Stomach Tattoos? (Photos)

Volume loss and contour irregularities in my inner thighs - How can this be correct or at least improved? (Photo)

Picking between smart laser lipo, Vaser lipo, bodytite, and traditional lipo - What are the benefits and risks of each? (Photos)

Lipp 360 poss revision and or TT

Gaining weight after lipo - how does it affect the area? (Photos)

105 lbs. and 158cm (5’2) tall - Do I have enough fat for liposuction? (Photos)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS