No to Tummy Tuck. Will I benefit from lipo 360 and Renuvion alone? (Photo)

Question

Doctors, I'm not a fan of TT. So I'm wanting to see if I will benefit from Lipo 360 and renuvion alone (see photos). Then continue taking collagen supplements and skin tightening treatments until I achieve my desired result. Is that possible? Asking this so I know what to discuss with the surgeon during my consultation.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

I can understand your distaste for a tummy tuck when you see so many poorly placed and thick scars. It doesn't have to be that way. Although liposuction will do a fantastic job with your hip/waist area, your abdominal skin and muscle wall will be impervious to Vaser, laser, J Plasma, or Bodytite. Collagen and skin tightening supplements are absolutely worthless and their sale should be prohibited because of complete lack of efficacy. You can have a body that looks great in the tiniest of bikinis with the proper surgery.

Jules Feledy, Jr., MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question. Your photos show excess skin of the lower abdomen, stretch marks, outpouching of the mid-abdomen, and full flanks. How you wish to proceed will depend on your personal preferences and how they fit in with your budget and lifestyle. There are several variables that plastic surgeons use to evaluate abdomens - skin, volume, and shape. Liposuction with certainly reduce your 'volume' but it will leave skin draping or wavy as there is an excess of skin. Your skin will not tighten very well as evidenced by the excess (draping on the side view) and the stretch marks. It is likely that you will be disappointed with non-invasive techniques. It is not to say that there will not be any benefit but the question is - will it be enough benefit? That is a question that only you can answer. Further, it is true that not everyone wants/is willing to undergo an abdominal wall tightening procedure, but it is possible to perform a panniculectomy, a procedure similar to a TT but without the musculature tightening. It tends to be an easier recovery. That would help reduce the overall skin surface area. It is great that you are going to a plastic surgeon to discuss your options. I would encourage you to be open and honest about what you would like your body to look like. From these photos, it seems that a full TT would be a choice. But that is a very personal choice. It very well may be that liposuction was selected based on minimal downtime, less invasiveness, easier recovery, etc. And it may leave you underwhelmed in the long run. Best of luck! Jules A Feledy, Jr, MD American Board of Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgery

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Bree C,
based on your photos, you look like a good candidate for a TT. Liposuction would leave a lot of loose skin. Full tummy tuck should tighten your abdominal muscles and remove the excess skin. Flanks liposuction would give you a better shape. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon because 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

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. You are a great candidate for 360 Lipo but the amount of skin excess you have your lower abdomen may not be amenable to renuvion. The extent to which your plan is successful will depend on what you want for your goal. Consult in person with your plastic surgeon for the best advice.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Save your money or do a full abdominoplasty.  The other procedures will leave you with loose skin and you’ll wish you just did the tummy tuck. 
Dr. Taranow

No to Tummy Tuck. Will I benefit from lipo 360 and Renuvion alone? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: 360 Lipo

Answer: 360 Lipo

Answer: Abdominoplasty

Answer: Abdominoplasty

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

No to Tummy Tuck. Will I benefit from lipo 360 and Renuvion alone? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: 360 Lipo

Answer: 360 Lipo

Answer: Abdominoplasty

Answer: Abdominoplasty

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

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