Liposuction or tummy tuck to reduce the amount of belly and love handle fat? (Photo)

Question

I would like to reduce the amount of belly fat and love handle fat I have. My BMI is 36.8.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

The photos show abdominal and love-handle fullness, but with a BMI of 36.8, liposuction alone is unlikely to give the kind of reduction most patients hope for. Liposuction is best for localized contouring, not overall belly size reduction, and it does not tighten loose skin or treat muscle separation.

A tummy tuck can remove loose skin and repair the abdominal wall when appropriate, but higher BMI increases the risk of wound-healing problems, fluid collections, infection, blood clots, and a less predictable contour. In many cases, the best plan is to continue medically supervised weight loss until you are closer to a stable, maintainable weight, then have an in-person exam to decide between liposuction, tummy tuck, or a combined/staged approach. This usually gives a safer operation and a better long-term result.

Ricardo Vega, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Based on BMI it is a bit high for plastic surgery, it is recommended to lower before to at least 32 in order to have a healthy and safe recovery. It would be recommended to lose before surgery 15-20 pounds at least and also help with a diet and fat burner to lower stomach fat before and then you would be a candidate for tummy tuck combined with liposcution to have best results, I recommend seeking experienced board certified plastic surgeons to discuss further details.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @VictoriaValencia1, thank you for your question. Every practice has different requirements for performing a BBL. BMI is one of them to analyze how risky and optimal the surgery can be, in terms of complications that the patient could have or the results that the patient want to obtain from the surgery. If BMI is higher than 30 is recommended to lose weight with a healthy diet low in fat and sugars and thus not only prepare for your surgery, but also start to create awareness to take care of your body when you're ready for your surgery. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP).

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding the best method to reduce your belly fat and love handle fat. It looks like you have visceral fat as well as subcutaneous fat. You also have a distended abdomen because of muscle weakness. I advise losing as much weight as possible on your own. Once you get to a stable weight for 3 months, we can do a tummy tuck with muscle plication. This will help with your bulging stomach.

I hope this helps to answer your question regarding the best method to reduce your belly fat and love handle fat.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear VictoriaValencia1,
generally speaking, you want to reach your goal weight before you consider a tummy tuck, otherwise your results will be suboptimal if you continue to lose weight after the surgery. 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

Geuris Cruz Quiroz, MD · Answer

Dear @VictoriaValencia1 you will be a good candidate for Tummy tuck with muscle repair but i will recommend you to lose weight before starting the process, based on your pictures you have a good amount of fat in your abdomen and under your muscle that during the process of tummy tuck and liposuction cannot be remove, please start a good regimen of food and exercises and have your BMI closer to 30 in order to start your plastic surgery journey. Hope this helps. 
Dr. Quiroz

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I would suggest liposuction first to remove excess fat in the abdomen and flank areas.  With that done and the tight post operative garment, you may be inspired to continue a weight loss journey to better health.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From your posted photos it is best if you undergo weight loss before considering a tummy tuck or liposuction.  It appears you have visceral/internal fat which is contributing to your abdominal contours.  This is not addressed or improved with these procedures but is only addressed through weight loss.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thanks for your question! At this BMI, I would not perform surgery on you. From the side, you appear to have a fair amount of intrabdominal, or visceral, fat. That is fat under the muscle wall that cannot be treated with liposuction or a tummy tuck. The only way to affectively remove that fat is with diet and exercise. I think you would be doing yourself a disservice trying to have surgery right now. Ideally, we would like your BMI between 30-32. Best of luck!

Jesus Eduardo Chung Gallardo, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. In my opinion you are not elegible for a plastic surgery. With your bmi, you have more surgical risks. You need first of all, lose weight. Bariatric surgery, Could be one option.

Liposuction or tummy tuck to reduce the amount of belly and love handle fat? (Photo)

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