Tummy tuck vs no tummy tuck when getting lipo? (Photos)

Thanks for your question! It's hard to give you an exact answer without seeing you in person. You can't generally evaluate via photo if that bulge is fat or from a diastasis. At a maximum, I think a modified tummy tuck would be sufficient. I'm not sure that your skin above the belly button will make it to where we need it. Good luck!

A tummy tuck can be beneficial, especially after having a child, as it addresses issues like diastasis recti (separation of abdominal muscles) that liposuction alone cannot fix. While liposuction removes excess fat, a tummy tuck tightens the abdominal muscles and removes excess skin, resulting in a flatter and more toned appearance. If you're unsure, discuss your concerns and desired outcomes with your surgeon to determine the best approach for your body and goals.

Hello, SeattleChick. Thank you for your question regarding tummy tuck versus no tummy tuck when getting liposuction.

It's challenging to determine the exact amount of skin laxity from the photos alone. However, you seem to be a great candidate for liposuction. Liposuction will help remove the excess fat and contour your body. There is a chance you may have some excess skin after the procedure, but it should be minimal based on what I can see.

If you're concerned about the potential for excess skin, discussing this further with your surgeon can help set realistic expectations and explore all options. Good luck with your decision and journey towards achieving your desired results.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

This depends on how much abdominal skin laxity is present. Liposuction can be done to decrease fat but that will create more skin laxity. If skin laxity or excess skin is already present then the only way to remove that skin is with an abdominoplasty. Liposuction is included during an Abdominoplasty procedure so the best results are achieved.

This is a common dilemma in clinics. A simple guide is , if you have muscle separation and tummy budge is from muscle sedation , you will beed tummy tuck ti fix it. IF the muscle tone is good and only issues are fat under skin then liposuction will give you good results. You can always add Renuvion for some skin tightening as well after liposuction.

This is a good question. Based on the photo, you may be a good candidate for lipo alone. However, if you have a separation of your abdominal muscles (diastasis recti), you may be a candidate for a tummy tuck to have that repaired. This is hard to tell on pictures and is usually diagnosed on a physical exam. If there is no separation of muscles or diastasis, you may be a candidate for liposuction alone.

Most of the time, we do liposuction in conjunction with a tummy tuck. Liposuction can also be done without a tummy tuck if there is good skin tone and not a lot of loose skin. The surgeon will help you make the decision which option is best for you.

hello,

It appears that you do not have a lot of loose skin. However, if you have a separated rectus diastasis muscle, this would be a big indication to have a Tummy Tuck. If that muscle is not sutured shut (in a tummy tuck) , the stomach will never go flat. No amount of exercise will make it flat. You would need a Tummy tuck for things to go flat.

If you are unsure of his recommendation, get another option from a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Make sure he examines your muscle. If the muscle is not separated, than you can go for Lipo only!
Good luck!

cheers,
Ricardo L Rodriguez MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Baltimore, Maryland

Thank you for asking this question. The photos that you provided are not enough to say exactly what I would recommend however this should help you determine what procedure will leave you with the best result. Liposuction alone with treat excess fat and help shape your waistline however there are two things that most postpartum women have that will not be treated with liposuction. These are 1. Excess skin laxity and 2. Separation (diastasis) of the abdominal muscles. Both of these can not be improved with diet, exercise, physical therapy, etc and must be addressed surgically. The vast majority of my mommy makeover patients undergo a tummy tuck with liposuction to best address all of these concerns and achieve a natural result with great waistline definition!

Based on your photos you should get a terrific result. Consult with a surgeon who is very experienced performing these 2 procedures. It appears that you would benefit from a combination of lipo contouring and skin tightening. This incision is performed in the lower part of your abdomen and usually heals in a very in conspicuous manner. If there is muscle weakness from your pregnancy, this could also be corrected at the same time.

Liposuction can enhance the results of a tummy tuck by targeting stubborn fat that may not be able to be removed with a tummy tuck alone. If you have concerns, please ask your surgeon about what fat would be targeted with liposuction.