Unhappy after tummy tuck - would liposuction alone fix my hips? (photos)

Question

A year ago, I had a tummy tuck. I am very unhappy with the way my hips look. What can be done to fix this? Would liposuction alone be acceptable? I am 51 years old.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

If you are unhappy with the way your hips look after a tummy tuck procedure, there may be a few options available to address this concern.

Liposuction can be an effective method to remove excess fat from the hips, and it may be a viable option for you. However, it's important to note that liposuction is not a substitute for a tummy tuck and cannot address loose skin or muscle laxity that may also be contributing to the appearance of your hips.

If you have excess skin or muscle laxity in your hips, you may need a revision tummy tuck or hip lift procedure to address these concerns. These procedures can help tighten the skin and underlying muscles, resulting in a smoother, more contoured appearance.

It's best to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your individual needs and recommend the most appropriate course of action for you. They can also provide you with a realistic idea of the results you can expect from each procedure and help you make an informed decision about which option is right for you.

I hope this helps,
best of luck !

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Corrine1989,it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Based on your photos, it looks like you would benefit from additional liposuction. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

I would recommend a revision abdominoplasty that also includes a circumferential procedure (lower body lift). This will allow maximal tightening of the lower trunk.

Hooman Khorasani, MD · Answer

You would require scar revision treatment via excision, followed by scar resurfacing modalities six weeks later to address the indentation on the left hip. I would also consider body contouring procedures: a combination of liposuction and a subdermal skin tightening with BodyTite.

Janet Woodyard, MD · Answer

If the fullness is from excess fat, liposuction will correct it. If there a component of loose skin, extending the tummy tuck onto that area will remove skin and fat but it will also extend the scar there. An exam is necessary before precise recommendations can be made. Best wishes.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Based on these photos, liposuction of torso (abdomen, flanks and lower back) would be excellent addition to your TT. You should dicuss this procedure with your surgeon. Good luck.

Ahmad H. Ahmadi, MD · Answer

Liposuction of the hip would certainly help. The question of needing more skin removed can only be answered after an examination.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I would suggest starting with liposuction to remove the excess fat. Once healed, if any excess skin remains, then it can be trimmed in the office under local.

Nancy de Kleer, MD, FRCSC (Plast) · Answer

Liposuction can be very helpful to address the fullness at your hips that you are seeing. I recommend going around the sides as well, and it looks like there is a little bit of persistent fullness just above your tummy tuck scar that I see on the side view that can also be treated if you desire, however these extra details can be discussed more accurately at an in person consultation.

Jeffrey S. Yager, MD · Answer

The good news is that your abdominoplasty seems to be well performed. The issue is that in order to obtain the results you wanted, you needed liposuction of at least the lower back to make the transition of your waist look less abrupt. Upper back lipo can also help with the bra strap fullness.
Nothing bad done, you just need more to reach the goal.

Unhappy after tummy tuck - would liposuction alone fix my hips? (photos)

Answers (14)

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