Will a tummy tuck remove fat and help improve the upper abdomen? If not, does a tummy tuck with liposuction resolve this?

Question

I have fat in my upper abdomen and sagging skin on my lower abdomen from losing 80lbs. Will I be a good candidate for a tummy tuck with liopsuction? I had a consulation for a tumny tuck but I dont know if my upper stomach issue was addressed fully. My concerns are that only the sagging skin will be addressed and I need my upper abdomen to be included in the tummy tuck. If both the upper and lower abdomen are an issue what procedure(s) should be suggested during a consulation?

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Congratulations for your weight loss, and thank you very much for this interesting question.After analyzed all the information provided to us, i recommend you a Tummy Tuck, to get a flat abdomen and waist and back Liposculpture, getting better curves especially in the waist, improving your body contour.Finally, I suggested take the fat we get and transfer to the buttocks and hips, to mold them and get better volume, contour and butt projection, is that we know as "Brazilian Butt Lift" (BBL).Finally I suggest you to send yout photos to us to give you better advices and recommendations. Respectfully, Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Joubin Gabbay, MD · Answer

In general, a tummy tuck/abdominal plasty will not remove upper abdominal subcutaneous fat. That said, the first thing to do is determine if the fat you complain of in the upper abdomen is truly subcutaneous versus intra-abdominal. Sometimes the muscle repair done at the time of a abdominoplasty/tummy tuck will tighten the upper abdomen and give a less protuberant appearance. If in fact you have a lot of upper abdominal subcutaneous fat, the better approach is to do an aggressive liposuction as a first stage of operation followed a few months later by an abdominoplasty/tummy tuck.It is absolutely essential that you seek the advice of a plastic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of plastic surgery and has extensive experience in body contouring. I wish you the best. Dr. Gabbay.

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question. Tummy tuck and liposuction address different needs so it would help to conduct an in-person exam to give you an individualized answer. 
A tummy tuck offers the most effective way to correct loose skin and muscle separation in addition to eliminating excess fat. Liposuction will also remove fat, but it can't address flabby, hanging skin that typically persists after weight loss. For this reason, many patients who have experienced a massive weight loss or recent pregnancy tend to opt for a tummy tuck. This procedure can also be combined with liposuction for maximum effect. 
The bottom line is a full tummy tuck will not only remove excess fatty tissue, but also eliminate excess skin and correct abdominal muscles that have been separated and weakened by lack of physical activity or pregnancy. 
An in-person exam with a board certified plastic surgeon is always the best way to fully assess your needs and address your concerns. Best of luck!

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

Without a picture, it is hard to give specific suggestions but in most cases, a combination of liposuction and tummy tuck can be done. See link below for examples.

Jaime Campos Leon, MD · Answer

Hi, thanks for your inquiry. Liposuction and tummy tuck many times come together in one stage surgery. Liposuction is used to help you achieve an hourglass shape. The thing is that if you have a lot of fat localized in your upper abdomen, you may need a later date surgery in order to get liposuction in that area. It is very risky to have liposuction in that area at the same time with your tummy tuck, the blood flow could be compromised. So try to schedule it afterwards, or even before your tummy tuck.Please make sure that you and your surgeon are on the same page. Don't forget to discuss all your concerns, options and expectations thoroughly. Have a safe and pleasant PS Journey!Respectfully,Dr. Jaime Campos-Leon

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

hi, successin2016.  During tummy tuck, lower abdominal skin/fat is removed, muscle is tightened, and upper abdominal skin is pulled down.  Your overall abdominal contour (including upper abdomen) will improve.  However, if you have localized upper abdominal fat, you may need liposuction at a later date.  The blood supply to heal the abdominal incision comes from the mid-prortion of you abdomen.  Aggressive liposuction of the upper abdomen will compromise the blood perfusion.  Please consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to see whether you are a good candidate for tummy tuck.Best regards.

Paul Gill, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  The options for your upper abdomen can only be determined by an exam.   If you upper abdomen caves in when you lay flat on your back, it is mostly loose muscle and subcutaneous fat that can be improved with a tummy tuck.   However, if there is a prominent bulge, then the tummy tuck will not improve this.  This is due to internal/visceral fat which cannot be treated by surgery.   All the best.

Michael K. Obeng, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

It is hard to give a direct answer to you without seeing photos. Typically you can see an improvement in the upper abdomen with just a tummy tuck. However if you have subcutaneous fat above the belly button your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon may elect to shave down the subcutaneous fat pad at that time. Hope this info was helpful.

Peter Fisher, MD (retired) · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Congratulations on your weight loss. The answer is yes. It should be by a combination of liposuction and direct fat excision. This is not done by all plastic surgeons, so you should ask at your consultation if this will be addressed and how so.Peter Fisher M.D.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Tummy tuck alone will not remove upper belly fat. Extensive liposuction of upper abdomen is not safe during a full tummy tuck. Best to have lipo first and tummy tuck as a second procedure if there is significant upper belly fat or if possible loose more weight.

Will a tummy tuck remove fat and help improve the upper abdomen? If not, does a tummy tuck with liposuction resolve this?

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