What to do about loose skin after liposuction? (Photo)

Question

I went from 230 to 124 and I did not like how I looked. So I decided to gain weight and I finally reached my goal of 190. Although I finally have my curves again, I have gained some inches on my arms and waist. I'm not willing to lose weight again because it will also shrink my bottom half. I prefer to be more pear shaped. So I am getting lipo on my arms/underarms for sure but I am worried about having lose skin after getting lipo on my stomach & I don't want a tummy tuck. What can I do?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Morpheus 8 is a non-invasive skin and soft tissue tightening treatment that is consistently amazing in our patients. We use the Morpheus to exact fractional induced RF into the skin or tissue in order to tighten collagen and stimulate contraction of the tissue. For acne scars, it is quite useful to build collagen in patients who have atrophic scars but is not very productive for ice-pick scars which require TCA Cross. For tissue tightening, Morpheus is ideal for the face and neck and we often combine it with CO2 laser or Ultherapy to further enhance results. Chemical peels and skin resurfacing should be done at least 5 to 7 days after, but can be performed earlier, depending on treatment severity. Avoid exfoliating skin treatments before Morpheus and expect a period of 2-4 weeks for skin contraction to set in.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Vaishali B. Doolabh, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Princesspytplt,
The Renuvion technology is a good way to offset the looseness that happens after liposuction.  It uses radiofrequency helium plasma to contract the fibrous bands under the skin, and can be performed at the time of liposuction. When you remove fat, some shrinkage happens simply by deflation but if your skin has a lot of laxity too it, you need the extra help from Renuvion. Be sure to have a consult with a Renuvion provider so you can see if its right for you (my colleague Dr. Zimmerman is in Vegas). My best, Dr. Doolabh

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Princesspytplt,
based on your photos, you look like a good candidate for a TT. 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

Navjot Singh, MD, FACG · Answer

Congratulations on your transformative journey and achieving your desired body shape. When considering liposuction, it's essential to address potential skin elasticity concerns. Liposuction effectively removes fat but doesn't directly tighten the skin. Renuvion, which uses radiofrequency energy combined with helium plasma, offers a minimally invasive solution for skin tightening post-lipo. However, based on the picture you provided, while Renuvion may offer improvement, some degree of loose skin may remain. It's crucial to have realistic expectations. I recommend having an in-depth consultation with a cosmetic surgeon to explore all options and ensure the best possible outcome.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Based on your photos you will have the best result from a combination of liposuction and a full tummy tuck.  This will remove excess fat and skin as well as contour your curves.  See a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.

James Fernau, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello,

Thank you for your question. This is Dr. James Fernau from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In your case, I would recommend a skin tightening procedure called Renuvion to help correct the loose skin that will not go away with diet and exercise alone. Renuvion can be used in conjunction with liposuction. Renuvion combines helium plasma with a unique RF (radiofrequency) energy to provide contraction of the underlying tissues and is used under the skin. It is a minimally invasive device that patients are typically very satisfied with. There are both immediate and long-term effects with Renuvion. The effect of the treatment will continue to improve over the course of 6-9 months as the body goes through the healing process. I recommend a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine the best plan for your desired results. Thank you and best wishes.

Sincerely,

James Fernau, MD FACS

Randy Dean, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
From your photos, you demonstrate a hanging abdominal pannus, moderate to significant stretch marks, as well as a full abdomen and flanks.
Stretch marks indicate the presence of permanently damaged overstretched skin where the dermal elastic fibers have ruptured. The skin will have lost its elasticity, stretching over a greater area, predisposing to sagging and wrinkling. Removal of fat without removing overlying skin will increase the sag and wrinkling.
You did not provide us with height information. BMI (body mass index equals weight in kg / square of height in meters) is one criterion to determine the anticipated results of a cosmetic surgery. You can find BMI calculators on the internet. If your BMI is greater than 30, the cosmetic result will not be optimal. If your BMI is greater than 35, your operative risk will rise. In our practice we recommend a BMI of less than 30. 
We recommend that you be at a healthy safe comfortable stable body weight at the time of surgery. The cosmetic effect improves with lower BMIs. 
We recommend a regimen of diet and exercise to reach a safe and healthy body weight. If not achievable, one may consider a bariatric procedure such as a gastric sleeve to achieve dramatic weight loss.
I think you would benefit more from abdominoplasty than with liposuction. What you desire and what you need may not coincide...
Visit a board certified plastic surgeon for in-person evaluation and discussion.
Best wishes...

What to do about loose skin after liposuction? (Photo)

Answers (7)

More Skin Tightening Questions

How often can I do RF facial skin tightening?

Is Ultraformer 3 therapy safe with dental implants and plates from jaw surgery?

Best skin tightening procedure for 66 year old woman? (Photo)

What procedure(s) will tighten my slightly sagging and wrinkling skin and restore volume more permanently? (Photos)

How to tighten loose skin around belly button? (Photo)

Dimples or wrinkles? What can I do to get rid of them? (photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS