What is the best incision for LBL/360 tummy tuck? Is lipo combined with LBL at time of surgery advised?

Dear SUNSINEABBY in Fort Worth,

Thank you for your questions regarding the optimal incision for a 360 circumferential lower body lift (LBL)/360 tummy tuck and the advisability of combining this with liposuction, as well as your inquiry about the Lockwood method.

Choosing an Experienced Plastic Surgeon:

The key to a successful lower body lift is selecting a plastic surgeon with extensive experience in this type of surgery. Every surgeon has their unique approach, and it’s crucial that you feel comfortable with their method and track record.
Dr. Lockwood’s Technique:

The Lockwood technique, known for significant undermining especially over the hip and lateral thigh, is one of many methods to perform a body lift. However, extensive undermining can increase the risk of compromised blood supply to the skin flaps and potential wound breakdown.
The most important factor is not necessarily the specific technique used, but the surgeon's experience and the quality of their results.
Combining Liposuction with Lower Body Lift:

The decision to include liposuction with a lower body lift varies based on the individual patient’s needs and the surgeon's assessment.
While combining these procedures can enhance the contouring effects, it also introduces additional risks and potential complications. It’s important that your surgeon evaluates your case to determine the best approach.
In conclusion, the best incision and the decision to combine liposuction with a lower body lift depend on several factors, including your individual circumstances and your surgeon's expertise. Trust and confidence in your surgeon's ability and approach are paramount.

I hope this information helps you in making informed decisions about your upcoming surgery. Wishing you the best as you move forward with your procedure.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzens

It is not the incision but the objective behind surgery that determines appraoch in each patient.  There are incision options more than than these two. Good surgery is not a cockie cutter text book, internet posted approach. It is individualized based on each patient. 

Thank you for your question.  The decision regarding type of incision as well as inclusion of liposuction will best be decided through an in-person physical examination with a board certified plastic surgeon.   Additionally, adding pictures to your question may help a bit with this specific type of question.  Often times, liposuction is added in with the tummy tuck surgery as this truly helps to define the look of the abdomen, flank, and backs over the coming weeks to months after surgery.Wishing you all the best on your surgical journey,Steven Camp MD#HappyCamperMD 

LBL incisions are determined by where the skin redundancy is located. You want to consider placing the incision to maximize removal of redundancy but must also take into account the anatomy as your surgical incisions will create natural junctions between for example the pubic region and the belly or the buttocks region and the lower back. Lockwood defined much of the anatomy involved as well as designed a tool that we use to elevate the lateral thigh region. Liposuction is employed by all body lift patients to minimize operative bleeding as well as to collect the fat if needed to augment the buttocks volume. Please see examples below.

Hello and thank you for your question. You have asked a very interesting question as many surgeons use different incisions depending on their and the patients goal. Lockwood's incision really pertains to the tummy tuck to a large degree (high lateral tension abdominoplasty ), but he also advised a lower incision on the side when doing 360 so that the outside of the thigh can get a tremendous lift. I personally have developed my own to incorporate different flaps that I perform as well as to leave the scat in the best anatomic and cosmetic position as possible.  Discuss with your ps if already picked, otherwise consult with ps who are very experienced in performing 360 tummy tucks. Peter Fisher M.D