Do I need a tummy tuck? Full or mini? Or will J Plasma help? (Photos)

Question

I want to have a liposuction done but I’m afraid my skin will sag worse than what already is. I don’t seek a super flat, tight stomach but I don’t want a hanging skin when I bend either. I’m 5’3 143lbs. I have 3 kids and I’ve gained and lost weight a lot of times. Please help!!!

John LoMonaco, MD, FACS · Answer

I would be very concerned about doing anything other than a full tummy tuck to get you looking your best.  While I am excited about new technology to tighten the skin, I have not seen results that come even close to a tummy tuck by any liposuction,  laser, or other applied energy technology.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Based on your photos, you may benefit from a full tummy tuck. Liposuction alone would not be sufficient as it appears you have some loose skin, and a mini tummy tuck would not improve the area above your belly button.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You
are an excellent candidate for an abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement, if
you are not planning future pregnancies. 
The typical tummy tuck tightens the lining of the muscle called
fascia.  The use of mesh reinforces this
making it stronger than the original. 
This helps produce a more hourglass figure and maintains weight loss.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your
question. Based on your photograph, you are a better candidate for a full tummy tuck
with liposuction.  This can be done
through a low and short incision, all completely below the bikini line.  The belly button can be designed to look
natural and have no scars on the exterior.  
Your muscles can also be plicated resulting in a flat abdomen.  Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.  The most important
aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek
consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate
you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Based on your pictures it looks like you can benefit from a full tummy tuck for a nice flat abdomen, always see a board certified PS.

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and sharing your photos. I believe you are a good candidate for abdominoplasty with added liposuction. During abdominoplasty, extra skin in the lower half of your abdomen will be removed. In addition, typically the fascial laxity/separation of recti muscles will be taken care of by muscle plication, giving you a flat abdomen. The added liposuction of your hips/flanks will help with creating a natural and aesthetic waistline. I would consult with a qualified plastic surgeon for a full elevation. During consultation your surgeon will examine you first and then discuss his/her operative plan and details of the proceduer. I would ask to see before and after pictures of his/her results. Best,                                                                   
Pejman Aflaki, M.D.
  
Johns Hopkins-trained plastic surgeon

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Nayelleee,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. 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. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon because only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From the submitted photos you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck with liposuction for contouring.  This will remove excess subcutaneous fat and skin as well as correct abdominal wall laxity.  The result will be a flatter, tighter tummy with enhanced curves.  A mini tuck or liposuction alone will not give you the best results.

Bruce K. Smith, MD · Answer

Based on your photos, (which truly limit the best advice and the best recommendation can only be made after full history and examination in person), it seems that you would best be treated with abdominoplasty surgery. Non surgical treatments continue to improve but cannot consistently give a better result than surgery at this point. Please select a surgeon board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery that is preferably a member of the ASAPS, (American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons). Good luck to you.

Cain R. Linville, MD, FACS · Answer

You might do really well with a mini, where the belly button is floated, along with some lipo.  I'd be concerned about getting your skin above the belly button all the way down to the bikini line.