Vaser vs Tummy Tuck: should I try Vaser first? (Photo)

Question

I was an overweight teen and although happy with overall look, I don’t like my love handles/flanks and cannot get muscle def in abs, although they feel hard w/ training. One Vaser Surgeon turned me away saying I won’t get any benefit from Vaser & the scar tissue will stop optimum T/T results afterwards, second one said some improvement with lipo alone. I’d (obviously) want to avoid a scar, but what is the best way forward? I want a “V” shape. 35yr, 5’10”, 63kg, 143lbs

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

Hello Lucian0,
  
Thanks for your photos and questions! First, I would recommend you consult your surgeon to determine if you are a good candidate for VASER Liposuction before considering having an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) done. In the case you are indeed a good candidate, the excess fat can be removed from multiple areas, such as arms, back, abs, and flanks, leaving the surrounding nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue unaffected. 4D VASER High-Definition Liposuction is the safer and more effective procedure if you want to eliminate the fat while tightening the skin at the same time. It is clinically proven to cause up to 53% skin retraction relative to standard liposuction procedures. Maximum results will typically take 4-6 months to show. In the best-case scenario, your skin would retract as much as you’ve desired and you wouldn’t need to perform a tummy tuck afterwards. Best wishes! Dr. De La Cruz.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

hello lucian0  Vaser is better done when you are very close to your desired look, in other cases it can be done with other body contouring procedure like tummy tuck. You should visit your plastic surgeon  for the best way to go about your procedure. #options #belly

Stan M. Valnicek, MD · Answer

I would favour Vaser liposuction in your case over abdominoplasty.  The hip/iliac crest will be improved and you can expect a reasonable amount of skin tightening over the lower abdomen with the Vaser effect.  
A full abdominoplasty will leave you with usually higher costs with permanent scars around the belly button and lower abdomen as a trade off for some improved degree of skin tightening. Even with a full abdominoplasty, you will have some rolls over the abdomen when you sit and lean forward.  Men generally do not need the other benefit of abdominoplasty which is repair of the diastasis recti.  
Vaser lipo could give you reasonable correction around the abdomen and hips for much less of the incisional scar.  Liposuction can cause contour irregularity and skin thickening/scar so make sure you see a reliable local ABPS/ASAPS Plastic Surgeon.  
It is interesting that one Vaser surgeon recommended against the procedure and the other was lukewarm in your case.  Perhaps the photos do not show the whole picture.  This can be an issue with going by advice from online forums based on patient submitted photos since there is no substitute for an in-person clinical evaluation to give you the best advice.  Surgeons also vary in their experience and  comfort with various options and this will impact their recommendations.

Calvin Jung, MD · Answer

I think the results you are attempting to achieve are realistic with lipo alone.  Vaser Hi Def is likely the treatment modality for you.  A tummy tuck alone will not give you definitiion and your skin should tighten with vaser assisted lipo.

Francesco Fascetti, MD, MBBS · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question.
In most cases of excess skin on the abdomen there isn't a straight answer whether is better performing a tummy tuck or vaser liposuction. 
It depends on various factors, among which: 
1. the amount of excess skin present
2. the quality of the skin
3. patient's expectations and desired outcome
According to your pictures, you would be able to obtain a good result with vaser liposuction alone, due to its ability to tighten the skin during the weeks/months after the procedure.
If you would be happy with a flat tummy, even though still moderately soft, this can be your procedure of choice.
On the contrary, if you aim for a flat tummy with very firm skin, perhaps you should consider a tummy tuck. This procedure would get rid of excess skin, literally pulling down the skin of your lower abdomen until is flat and firm. The downsides are mainly a huge scar from side to side, the re-positioning of your belly button and a longer recovery.
In my opinion, it's always better trying vaser liposuction first. Most people are really satisfied with the skin tightening and change in shape obtained after only 6 weeks of recovery.
First thing to do is to have your abdomen assessed by a surgeon, who will have a feel of your skin and fat consistency. 
Hope this helps. Good luck!!

Vaser vs Tummy Tuck: should I try Vaser first? (Photo)

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Answer: Vaser HI DEF lipo

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Answer: Vaser Liposuction or Tummy Tuck?

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Vaser vs Tummy Tuck: should I try Vaser first? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Vaser HI DEF lipo

Answer: Vaser HI DEF lipo

Answer: Vaser Liposuction or Tummy Tuck?

Answer: Vaser Liposuction or Tummy Tuck?

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