Should I get a mini tummy tuck or laser lipo?

Question

I am a young early 20 year old. I’m a non smoker. Had a baby 1.5 years ago and have the typical “mommy” belly. I workout a lot and eat healthy but still can’t tighten my skin or get rid of the subcutaneous fat. Don’t know what to do or what my best option is.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

The idea of laser-assisted liposuction is to enhance skin tightening. However the degree of skin shrinkage is nowhere near what a surgical tummy tuck does, so it is suitable only for cases where the skin laxity is minimal.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Even though you’re still young, your stretch marks may be indication that you have some skin laxity issues, which would make a tummy tuck more effective. I you have loose skin above your belly button as well as below, a full tummy tuck would be more suitable.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Very few patients are candidates for the mini tummy tuck.  Women who want to get pregnant in the future should not opt for a mini tummy tuck, as pregnancy can disrupt the procedure’s results.  
BodyTite is capable of producing a 45% contraction in tissues, which is greater than other technologies; it can be done in conjunction with liposuction.  Bodytite is used for treatment of all body areas with large volume to tighten skin on arms, abdomen (may be used in conjunction with liposuction), knees, inner thighs, and back. See the many before and after photos of patients who opted for this procedure in lieu of a TT on my website.

Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear BBxH,it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. 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

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. Based on these photos and your age, I would recommend VASER Hi Def Lipo 360 degrees of your whole back, waist, hips, abdomen, chest wall and possible fat transfer to shape the buttocks. Although you do have significant stretch marks, good skin tightening is achieved with the VASER. The VASER is NOT Laser lipo! VASER is an internal ultrasound and keeps fat viable, while the laser kills the fat. The laser is used after the liposuction is done to help skin tightening. In my experience, it creates extreme internal scarring (I know because over 50% of my body sculpting patients are redos from other offices).  I would not suggest a tummy tuck at your age, since you might want to have children later on.See a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in advanced body sculpting techniques for an in person consultation/evaluation. Good luck.

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear B,   Thanks for posting your pictures. From observing your pictures you appear to have abdominal skin and muscles laxity from the chest bone to the pubic bone with diffuse stretch marks.   Liposuction or mini tummy tuck will be the wrong procedures for you. Only full tummy tuck will give you flat stomach, tight and youthful looking skin, nice belly button, narrower waist and improved body posture.    You have to realize that not all results are the same, because experience, technical skills and aesthetic eye are critical for good outcome. So, do your due diligence carefully and choose your surgeon wisely.   Always, consult with experienced board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Most importantly, check the before and after pictures in the photo gallery, to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive with the above mentioned features and low scar.                    Best of luck,                                    Dr Widder

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photographs, you are a
 candidate for waistline contouring liposuction of your abdomen, flanks,
and lower back.  This can greatly improve your overall shape with a
smaller waist.  Make sure you specifically
look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this
surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.  
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Manuel Belen, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello,Thank you for sharing the information, it is a pleasure for me to answer your question.Definitely the most appropriate is to start ( liposuction and BBL can also be included), you are a candidate perfect, for the procedure, with this you can eliminate all localized fat 
It is advisable to consult with a certified plastic surgeon, for a goodevaluation, to provide you with all the information you need to know about the appropriate recommendations, so that you can achieve the desired goals in your body.
I hope this answer will help youMy best wishes for you...