Tummy tuck vs body lift? What are the benefits and downfalls for each treatment? (Photo)

Question

Ive had multiple consults in an attempt to find a MD I trust. With each consult there was a very different tx plan sugestedI'm 5'3 188lbs and had a significant about of weight loss plus 2 children. One MD suggested a lower body lift with lipo and the other said that was extreme and I didn't need it and i would do well with a tummy tuck and back lipo. What age the benifits and downfalls for each one amd what would i b a good canidate for?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about choosing between a lower body lift and a tummy tuck. Considering your history of weight loss and pregnancy and the presence of stretch marks, your skin might not have optimal elasticity after traditional liposuction. Aging further diminishes this elasticity, making liposuction outcomes less reliable. Therefore, I would recommend a 360-degree circumferential lower body lift, which provides comprehensive reshaping — encompassing a tummy tuck, pubic lift, waist contouring, hip lift, and buttock reduction. While the recovery might be longer, the more dramatic and holistic results could be well worth it. On the other hand, a tummy tuck primarily targets the abdominal area, with potentially shorter recovery but a more localized effect.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Posterior angled photos focusing on the buttock/hip/thigh region will answer your question. A true body lift is designed to pull up the entire buttock/lateral thigh/hip complex that has fallen due to age and/or weight loss. Those structures can not be seen in the photos provided. On the other hand, some women have laxity or will have laxity in the hip/upper buttock region after liposuction, which is an indication for an extended tummy tuck, which would remove that deflated skin in the hip/upper buttock region. The incision can go pretty far back, looking like a body lift, but it isn't.

Derek Fletcher, MD · Answer

Abdominoplasty (mini, standard, extended) and lower body lift are continuations of the same general concept: removal of extra skin and fat. If you don’t have extra skin extending beyond your flank area to your lower back, you probably do not need a lower body lift. Your photos suggest an extended abdominoplasty with posterior liposuction will give you a good result.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From the supplied photos it appears you would be a good candidate for an extended tummy tuck and liposuction for contouring.  This would address loose abdominal skin, muscle wall separation, and excess subcutaneous fat.  A lower body lift would be indicated if you have significant loose skin on the back and buttocks that you would like addressed.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear _Ari86_,
 it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. 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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Tummy tuck vs body lift? What are the benefits and downfalls for each treatment? (Photo)

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Tummy tuck vs body lift? What are the benefits and downfalls for each treatment? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Considering options

Answer: Considering options

Answer: Tummy tuck vs body lift

Answer: Tummy tuck vs body lift

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Body Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.