Would a tummy tuck fix unsightly liposuction results? (Photos)

Question

Ok went to Thailand and had abdominal lipo- I started with no marks or loose skin- i asked for a Ty but Dr said not enough skin so offered lipo. I wasnt happy from day 1, but doc said wait 6 months . Obviously I don’t want to travel there again after this result. I have rippling and intents everywhere and now some loose skin. I Would a TT fix this result please? I am 60 years old 5 ft 3 inch and 49 kg fair skin It also turned motley With irregular colour except when laying down . Adding before pic and result pic at just past 6 minths

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

I am sorry you are dealing with this. From the photos, there appears to be a combination of loose skin, surface rippling, and contour irregularity after liposuction. A tummy tuck can remove and tighten some loose lower-abdominal skin, so it may improve part of the problem. However, it does not reliably erase every indentation, mottled color change, or unevenness if those are coming from thin skin, scar tissue, uneven remaining fat, or skin-quality changes.
At 60, 5'3", and 49 kg, the best revision plan depends on how much skin can actually be pinched and safely removed. An in-person exam with a plastic surgeon experienced in revision body contouring can compare a full tummy tuck, limited skin excision, scar release, small-volume fat grafting, or nonsurgical skin treatments. I would wait until the tissues are fully settled, usually at least 6 to 12 months after liposuction, and plan for improvement rather than a perfectly smooth abdomen.

Nicholas Lahar, MD · Answer

Hi Mottly, I'm so sorry you did not get the results you were looking for. This is always a risk with liposuction and experience can definitely help surgeons reduce the risk of contour regularities. Looking at your abdomen, I get the sense that the upper abdomen skin has collapsed because of the fat removal and now it's sitting relatively loose whereas your lower abdomen seems somewhat flat, although maybe there are some subtle contour irregularities. At least, that is the sense I get from the photos. When you lift up your skin on your abdomen are you happier with the result? If so, a reverse tummy tuck might be a good option where the skin is removed not low in your underwear but instead under your breasts. This is done best in patients who have had a breast lift already because there are already scars but it can certainly be done in people who have not had any incisions under their breasts. It is a relatively unusual procedure but it is a wonderful option in patients who are a good candidate for it: namely people who have skin excess above their belly button. For other contour irregularities, sometimes smoothing things out with liposuction without suction or even some fat grafting can help. Try lifting your abdominal skin and see what you think!

Kadir Berat Oyur, MD · Answer

The clinical presentation of post-liposuction contour irregularities and secondary skin laxity is understandably distressing, particularly when the aesthetic outcome deviates so significantly from your expectations. At 60 years old, the primary challenge is often diminished dermal elasticity; when subcutaneous fat is removed via aggressive liposuction, the overlying skin frequently fails to contract uniformly, resulting in the "mottled" texture and indentations you have described. While a full abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is often the definitive solution for excising redundant, damaged skin and redraping the abdominal wall for a smoother contour, your low body mass index (49kg) necessitates a highly nuanced surgical approach. A secondary revision would likely require a combination of skin resection to address the laxity and autologous fat grafting to "level the playing field" by filling the specific depressions (indentations) left by the initial cannula work. I would strongly advise an in-person evaluation with a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in revisional body contouring to determine if you now possess sufficient tissue laxity for a safe excision and to develop a comprehensive plan for restoring anatomical harmony.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear mottly ski,

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

Leland Deane, MD, FACS · Answer

I'm sorry, but now your options are very limited. This decision fell into the typical trap of thinking that liposuction is an 'alternative' to properly done abdominoplasty. It is not. An experienced, qualified plastic surgeon will understand this and, from your preop photo, I would have recommend an abdominoplasty and we could have discussed the benefits. Now, with the ripples and dents from your liposuction, there are a few options but they are limited. I'm happy to discuss via a Telehealth, because I'm assuming that you're outside the US.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

A tummy tuck may improve your results but an exam is needed for the best recommendation. I'm not sure why you were told you weren't a candidate originally because you were.  Visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

Would a tummy tuck fix unsightly liposuction results? (Photos)

Answers (6)

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