Fat above belly button, will I have a unfavourable results with TT & lipo on sides only? (Photo)

Question

Would like to have a tummy tuck. The doctor I consulted with said a TT would be a good option. This surgeon does not do lipo of abdomen, only sides during procedure. Will I have an unfavorable result??

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and for sharing your pictures. Based on your history and the photos provided, you appear to be a suitable candidate for a tummy tuck and liposuction on your sides. However, I would advise against liposuction above your belly button during the same surgery as a tummy tuck. If liposuction is performed in this area, it may jeopardize the blood supply to the abdominal flap, potentially leading to necrosis (death of skin), wound dehiscence, and a prolonged healing time of up to a year.

If you're certain about wanting liposuction above the belly button, I'd suggest having it as a separate procedure before the tummy tuck. You could consider liposuction on your lower abdomen and sides initially, then wait 4-6 months before undergoing a tummy tuck. In summary, only have liposuction on the sides during your tummy tuck. Thank you again for your question regarding fat above your belly button and potential results with a tummy tuck and liposuction on your sides only.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Warren Schutte, MD · Answer

Lipoabdomionplasty would be a great option for you. I do recommend liposuction of the anterior (front) abdomen and flanks at the same time as your tummy tuck. I do full lipoabdominoplasty on most of my tummy tucks and those who choose not have to the lipo are usually left with regret. If you feel like you would like the fatty wall layer on the front of your abdomen addressed then I would consider consulting with a surgeon who commonly does this technique.

Carlos Marciales, MD · Answer

The safes way to do a tummy tuck it’s not doing lipo in the center just the sides, and after 3 month you can come back and do the lipo if you needed

Janet Woodyard, MD · Answer

I think you would obtain a very nice result without  liposuction in the upper abdomen. You don't have a significant amount of excess fat there and once the tummy tuck is performed, you should obtain a nice result with less risk. Liposuction can increase the risk of problems as a result and always best to do the least that you need to do to get the result that you want. Best wishes.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Surgeons usually do not liposuct the upper abdomen because this can interfere with the blood supply at the time of tummy tuck.  I agree with your surgeon.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Brandon Richland, MD · Answer

Based on your picture and significant skin dimpling, you are likely an excellent for a full abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) with muscle plication to tighten your abdominal muscles that may be contributing to the appearance of a protruding abdomen. You may couple this with liposuction to your flanks. Liposuction alone to your abdomen would worsen the dimpling and skin irregularities on your abdomen as it is the significant excess skin that is contributing to the dimpling appearance. It is not typically recommended to perform both liposuction and a tummy tuck simultaneously as you risk compromising blood supply to the abdominal flap that is to be redraped during a tummy tuck.
A virtual or in person consultation with a tummy tuck specialist will provide you accurate recommendation and pricing.
Respectfully, Brandon Richland, MD

Sean T. Lille, MD · Answer

Your surgeon is very wise, IMO, to avoid doing liposuction of the abdomen at the time of a tummy tuck. 
I usually trim out some of the fat above the belly button but have my patients return and do lipo on the abdomen after the healing from the tummy tuck if they feel they still need it or want it.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear m123s,
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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Mehdi Balakhani, DDS, MD, FACS · Answer

From what I gather, you would be a great tummy tuck candidate. Your surgeon is correct, you cannot liposuction the upper part of the abdomen during the procedure because you risk flap loss. You can go in and liposuction the upper abdomen after your tummy tuck is fully healed. All the best.

Leland Webb, MD · Answer

Adding Liposuction to a tummy tuck, can give you an excellent aesthetic result. We usually have this as a part of every single one of our tummy tucks to improve the contour, as well as the end aesthetic result. We have a few results on our Instagram page as well as our website. I think that adding Liposuction with a tummy tuck for you would help you meet your goals.

Fat above belly button, will I have a unfavourable results with TT & lipo on sides only? (Photo)

Answers (16)

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