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

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.

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

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!