43, female, 45 pound weight loss. Would liposuction with skin tightening help or is a tummy tuck needed? (Photos)

Question

43 y/o female and I've gained, then lost, 45 lbs in the last 5 years. I've 5'4 128 lbs, which is within a few pounds of where I've been my whole adult life . My stomach didn't look like this with the loose skin after pregnancy 20 and 18 years ago, or before I gained weight. I've maintained for 1 year now and am wondering if lipo with skin tightening will help or if I need a full tummy tuck? The belly button looks weird from a piercing in college and I would want that addressed as well. I work out 5-6x a week and eat a high protein diet so I don't think I will see much more progress on my own.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for sharing such detailed information and photos—it really helps to understand your situation.

Given your history of weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and current body composition, it sounds like you have moderate loose abdominal skin that isn’t likely to fully tighten on its own despite your excellent diet and exercise routine.

Here’s how the options generally break down:

Liposuction with Skin Tightening
Liposuction alone removes excess fat but does not remove loose skin.
Non-surgical or energy-based skin tightening (radiofrequency, ultrasound, laser) can improve mild skin laxity, but results are limited if the skin is significantly loose.
In your case, since you notice a noticeable “fold” or excess skin, liposuction alone with skin tightening may not fully address the contour you want.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
A tummy tuck removes excess skin and can tighten the abdominal muscles if needed.
It also allows for repositioning or improvement of the belly button, which could address the appearance concerns from your piercing.
This procedure provides the most predictable and long-lasting result for someone who has maintained weight but still has loose skin.

Summary:

For mild skin laxity with minimal folds, liposuction + skin tightening could give subtle improvement.
For moderate to significant loose skin (as appears in your photos) and a desire to improve the belly button, a tummy tuck is generally the most effective option.

You’ve done a fantastic job maintaining your weight and fitness, and surgically addressing the skin now would provide a more refined abdominal contour that exercise alone likely won’t achieve.

43, female, 45 pound weight loss. Would liposuction with skin tightening help or is a tummy tuck needed? (Photos)

Answers (1)

More Skin Tightening Questions

28 years old - What options do I have for mild sagging and laxity? (Photo)

Is SkinTyte safe and effective for dark skin?

60 lb. weight loss - recommendations for chin and arm skin tightening? (Photos)

Crepey skin and cellulite on thighs and buttock area - what is the best procedure to fix this? (Photos)

Vivace and Ultherapy with no improvement - what can help with skin tightening?

Skin tightening on face and abdomen - what are the best non surgical options?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS