Trying to avoid a tummy tuck. Would Smart Lipo leave excess skin? (photos)

Question

I am trying to avoid a tummy tuck at all cost due to the scar. How well does Smart Lipo work on the abdomen & waist areas even if you have been diagnosed with a 2 finger width diastasis recti? Should I expect a lot of excess skin that has to be cut away?I am 5'4", I weigh about 130 lbs. I don't want a Tummy tuck although i know it would give me the best results because I can deal with better vs best. I also just had a baby 5 months ago. I naturally hold my stomach in and it make a big difference

Marco A. Pelosi III, MD, FACOG, FACS · Answer

There is a huge difference between "better" and "best" results in your situation. A tummy tuck with diastasis repair would hold your stomach in permanently and prevent the huge balloon effect that happens when you let everything out. Lipo will simply thin the very thin layer of pinchable fat that sits on this balloon, but have little effect beyond that. The two sets of photos reflect the effect of weight loss on the internal (visceral) fat as well as back fat and are dramatic and might be your best bet if you wish to avoid a scar.

Elliot M. Heller, MD · Answer

Based on your pics I think that a Tummy Tuck would be best for you. Then you can have the Abdomen tightened and smaller with the excess skin removed from there. You would need to consult with a surgeon and see what they say, but I am almost positive that they will say to have a Tummy Tuck done.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your pictures.  You have weakness of your abdominal wall.  This only corrected with a tummy tuck.  You are not a candidate for SmartLipo®.  If you desire improved contour then the scar is necessary.  The scar can be placed low so that it is not visible.

Naveen Setty, MD · Answer

Thanks for your pictures and questions.  You ask questions that many patients do when considering surgery.  Based on your pictures, I do not think you will get much of a result with SmartLipo or any type of liposuction alone.  A tummy tuck would be the best approach.  Make sure you have an in person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Anna Petropoulos, MD, FRCS · Answer

It looks like a large part of your girth is due to intra-abdominal weight i.e. visceral fat or weight that is internal, behind the abdominal wall and that is not amenable to neither a tummy tuck nor to liposuction techniques. (This assumption was ascertained by the difference in the pictures of pulling in and letting it hang out, however, only by a thorough examination in person by a plastic surgeon can it be accurately determined if you would be a good Smart Lipo / Tummy Tuck candidate or not.) Judging by your pictures, it looks like what little extra abdominal fat you have would be easily treatable with SmartLipo and the skin would shrink back quite nicely and that you might not have to resort to a tummy tuck. The question is, however, is that enough of a result for you,  since the untouchable intra-abdominal fat would still be present and continue to contribute to the majority of your girth (unless you went a on a big diet with exercise to get rid of the intra-abdominal fat).  I hope this information is helpful to you !Best of luck in your quest and congratulations for your baby !Dr. Anna PetropoulosBoston's North Shore

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

Thank you for your post and photos. I think the way you have presented your expectations would likely make you a good candidate for Smartlipo. You have shown that you understand it is not a replacement for tummy tuck, but can definitely help to improve contours. You will not have burned any bridges if you choose to have tummy tuck later, which could focus on repairing your diastasis. I would encourage you to visit w/ a PS near you. Best wishes.

Asaad H. Samra, MD, FACS · Answer

Your photos are pretty dramatic and give the impression that a lot of your fat may inside of your abdomen under the muscles rather then above. If that's the case, you would still see improvement but perhaps not as much after liposuction. That said, liposuction cannot correct your muscle separation. If you are willing to forgo that, you may be able to avoid a tummy tuck for now.

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Looks like you have significant muscle laxity. Smart Lipo will not help to tighten the muscles. Full TT will be better option but need in person examination. Please consult a board certified PS for evaluation.

Robert Stroup, Jr., MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for the question and photos.  Your "before" photos demonstrate stretched abdominal muscles, minimal skin laxity, and (Iwould bet) minimal excess fat on pinch test.  The protruberance, I believe, is primarily due to a combination of stretched muscles and INTRA-ABDOMINAL fat.  This is confirmed somewhat by your "after" photos which show that when your abdominal muscles are tightened, by tensing them and sucking in, you get a much flatter tummy with no significant skin excess.  SmartLipo can melt fat and tighten skin, which would not help you.  You need a procedure that addresses the problems.  I think you would get the best results with a little weight loss (which would address intra-abdominal fat) and an abdominoplasty (which would tighten the loose muscles).  Best to have a consultation with an experienced board-certified Plastic Surgeon who can do a thorough physical exam and educate you about you best options.Best of luck.

Arnold S. Breitbart, MD, FACS · Answer

There are many patients who could be candidates for either a tummy tuck or SmartLipo, depending on their exact condition and expectations.  A consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon will help you determine what is appropriate for you.

Trying to avoid a tummy tuck. Would Smart Lipo leave excess skin? (photos)

Answers (14)

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