Would liposuction improve the appearance of my excess stomach fat or would I need a tummy tuck? (Photo)

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. You are a good candidate for a tummy tuck and liposuction 360. Combining these two will give you the ideal result.

Dear Emily58,

Firstly, thank you for providing such a detailed context, including your photos, which are invaluable in offering a more informed perspective.

From what you've described and the images shared, it appears you're contending with both excess skin and fat in the abdominal region. Understandably, you're concerned about achieving the best aesthetic result. Liposuction primarily targets fat, but it doesn't address skin laxity. If we were to solely utilize liposuction in your case, it might leave you with an increased amount of sagging skin, which seems to be one of your main concerns.

Given your history - particularly having had two children - and your current physical status, a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) would likely provide a more optimal result for you. This procedure is designed to not only remove excess fat but also tighten the abdominal muscles and remove excess skin, thus providing a smoother and flatter appearance to the abdomen.

However, if you're open to a two-stage approach, liposuction could be considered initially, potentially transferring the fat to another area if desired (e.g., Brazilian Butt Lift), followed by a tummy tuck several months later. This approach can indeed offer comprehensive results. Alternatively, if you're seeking a one-time procedure, combining a tummy tuck with liposuction, especially targeting areas like the flanks or 'love handles,' would be an excellent approach to achieve a harmonious contour.

Ultimately, the decision should be made after a consultation with a plastic surgeon who has tons of before and after photos that are similar to your body shape.

I wish you the best of luck on your journey to feeling your best.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

"Thank you for sharing your question and pictures. Based on the pictures, liposuction might not be optimal as it could result in more loose skin. It seems a tummy tuck combined with liposuction might be more suitable for achieving a firmer, smoother abdominal contour, especially post-pregnancy. However, the decision is ultimately yours, depending on whether you're comfortable with the possibility of having loose skin. Always consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns and options in detail.




"

Liposuction will not be effective. You will need a tummy tuck. If you are not planning future pregnancies, I recommend abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement. The mesh creates a more hourglass figure by compressing the abdominal wall resulting in early satiety and helps maintain a reduced weight.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Hello! Liposuction (combined with skin tightening) is a great alternative to get better shape and remove excess fat. What it cannot do is correct muscle separation and remove excess skin which a tummy tuck procedure can. No surgeon can predict tissue elasticity after liposuction and so combining it with a skin tightening modality (i.e. J-Plasma or body tight) would be the best alternative. If you are looking to be as flat as possible I would recommend lipoabdominoplasty but if you are willing to accept some loose skin then the alternative of HD liposuction w/ skin tightening would be the best option. Good luck!

Thank you for your question and for submitting your photos. Liposuction is great for removing excess fat however will only do minimal if any skin tightening. When patients have excess skin after pregnancies or weight fluctuations, liposuction alone will lead to less fat but unfortunately looser skin envelope. From the photos it appears there is already some loose abdominal skin that is starting to hang and so I would not recommend liposuction alone. Tummy tuck however can be combined with liposuction, often called lipo-abdominoplasty. Liposuction of the love handles, flanks, and abdomen can be performed followed by a tummy tuck where any loose skin will be removed and the abdominal skin pulled tight. At the same time, any muscle separation that you may have after your pregnancies can simultaneously be repaired, giving you an even slimmer appearance. Hope this helps. Good luck and be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Hello, my name is Dr. Burko and I am a Plastic Surgeon at SY Aesthetics in NYC. In my opinion, liposuction alone will likely leave you with excess skin and a subpar abdominal contour. In addition to removal of excess skin, an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) repairs the underlying abdominal muscles in order to create a flat contour. Liposuction will only remove fat, but will not change the contour of the abdominal wall or address the skin laxity. I recommend you see a trained plastic surgeon who can discuss your surgical options and present you with realistic expectations.

Dear emily58,
based on your photos, you look like a good candidate for a TT. 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

Hi, After reviewing your photos I can say that you have some excess of skin in the lower abdomen, as well as some adipose tissue in the abdomen, waist and back. In my opinion you will have a much nicer result with a combination of Liposuction and a Tummy Tuck, because is you only undergo a Lipo you will have a lot of excess of skin in the lower abdomen. My recommendation is to go to you plastic surgeon and discuss, in an in-person consultation the benefits of each procedure. Hope this will be helpful.

Thank you for providing photos. It does appear that you would benefit from Abdominoplasty or Abdominoplasty with Liposuction. Liposuction alone may leave excess unwanted skin. Good luck on your abdominal aesthetic journey.