Can I get a a tummy tuck with fat transfer to my hips only? (Photo)

Question

I'm interested in getting a tummy tuck with muscle repair. I have 3" gap currently. I would also like to get fat transfer to my hips only. Do I have enough fat to get this? Also, in what position do patients sleep during recovery if they can't sleep on their stomach or sides?

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

It appears as though you're a great candidate for the tummy tuck, but as far as fat grafting goes you'll most likely get some increase in hip size, but not a ton.  This is because it looks like you don't have a ton of fat for the procedure, but I would need to evaluate your back to see if I could get enough fat from those areas.  I have done both of these procedures before, and I had my patients lie on their backs in a beach chair position for optimal healing and comfort.Thank you for your question!Dr. Schreiber, Baltimore plastic surgeon

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It is possible to get a tummy tuck with fat transfer to your hips only. During your tummy tuck, liposuction can be performed to redefine your waist contour. The fat removed can then be transferred to your hips, although you may not have enough to make a sizeable difference based on your photo. Sleeping on your back during your recovery is recommended, since your buttocks won’t be targeted during surgery.

Samir S. Rao, MD · Answer

While it is possible to do a tummy tuck with fat transfer to the hips at the same time, based on your picture I think it would be challenging to get enough fat to make fat transfer to the hips worthwhile.

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo. You appear to be an excellent candidate for a full tummy tuck. The abdominal skin excision and muscle tightening could give you an excellent contour as well as improve the tone of the anterior abdominal wall. Liposuction could be used to better define your flanks and thighs. Fat harvested from liposuction can be grafted to your hips if you desire. Please see a board certified plastic surgeon for an in-person examination to discuss the specific details of the procedures. Ask to see before and after photos to get an idea of what can be achieved. Hope this helps!

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. In this regard, I'm totally agree with you, therefore i recommend you a Tummy Tuck with muscle repair, to get a flat abdomen and waist and back Liposculpture, getting better curves especially in the waist, improving your body contour.Finally, I suggested take the fat we get and transfer to the buttocks and hips, to mold them and get better volume, contour and butt projection, is that we know as "Brazilian Butt Lift" (BBL).

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for sharing your photograph.  I think you would obtain an excellent result with a full tummy tuck to repair your muscle separation and remove excess abdominal skin, but I do not see any sizeable areas of fat that can be harvested to make a change to your outer hips.  See a board certified plastic surgeon in consultation for the best treatment recommendations.

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear nwmommy,   Thanks for submitting your picture. It would have been quite helpful to see your side view picture as well.  From observing your picture, you appear to have significant skin and muscles laxity from the upper abdomen to the pubic bone with diffuse stretch marks.  Tummy tuck will be one of the best investments in yourself, since it will remove most of the stretch marks, give you a flat stomach and narrower waists. Your confidence will increase and shopping will be fun again...  As far as liposuction, I do not think that you will need it after the tummy tuck because it will shape you up so nicely and most likely you will lose few pounds due to the tightening of the muscles, that will reduce the amount of food that you can eat and your sense of hunger.  In regard to fat injection, it is a total waste of your time and money. because it will disappear completely or almost completely after few months or even sooner. I have seen it on many patients who came to my surgery center for butt implants surgery after their big disappointment from the fat injection to the butt surgery that was done by other surgeons.  In my experience of performing butt implants on  over 500 patients, I found that hip implants are unnecessary, because the sub fascia technique with wide ultra soft oval round silicone implants, my patients are delightfully getting nice and round hips due to the filling of the hips indentation.   You have to realize that not all results are same for tummy tuck and butt implants, because experience, skills and aesthetic eye are critical for good and safe outcome. So, do your due diligence and choose wisely.   Always, consult with experience board certified plastic surgeons who do lots of tummy tuck and but implants surgery in accredited surgery center for your safety. Most importantly, check the before and after picture to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive. Check also the reviews at 'realself' for ratings and positive experience reports.                      Best of luck,                                         Dr Widder

Rodger Shortt, FRCSC · Answer

Tummy tuck surgery could be a good option for you.  Given your lack of fat, I doubt that fat transfer would make an appreciable difference and is not likely worth the added risks, recovery, or costs.Dr Rodger ShorttOakville Plastic SurgeonAssistant Clinical Professor &Director of Cosmetic Surgery Training,McMaster UniversityDr Shortt strives to provide the best plastic surgery possible and is one of the top ranked plastic surgeons serving Oakville, Toronto, Mississauga, Georgetown, Burlington, Milton, Hamilton, and the GTA.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your
photograph, you are a great candidate for a tummy tuck with liposuction. 
This can be done through a low and short incision, all completely below the
bikini line.Your muscles can also be
plicated resulting in a flat abdomen.  Fat grafting to the hips can be performed at the same time.  The most important aspect is to find
a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with
a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Keshav Magge, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You are definitely a candidate for a tummy tuck. Based on your pictures you don't have much in the way of fat. It's possible you have more in your posterior flanks that could be used for fat transfer. An in person evaluation would be required. I recommend speaking with a board certified plastic surgeon for a discussion of the surgery and an examination. All the best,