Liposuction without tummy tuck? (Photo)

Question

3 weeks from today, I'm scheduled for liposuction on my abdomen, hips, and outer thighs. I'm 44 and have had 2 C-sections, however I never did get strechmarks. Actually, after having my boys, I was 10lbs lighter than my high school/college weight with no loose skin. My question is, do I automatically need a tummy tuck because of my age and because I've had 2 kids? The reason I ask is because I feel like almost every review of a woman over 40 with kids says yes. My surgeon tells me no.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question and photographs.  Age and number of pregnancies does not determine the best type of surgical treatment to help you reach your goals, only your skin elasticity and your goal results.  Based on your pictures alone I agree that I don't see significant stretch marks that would preclude the use of liposuction and liposuction alone may be an excellent treatment to reduce your waist circumference and improve your abdomen, hips, and thighs.  Hope this helps.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Liposuctions have improved over the years so much that many patients who used to need tummy tucks no longer need them since the skin tightens up enough that they have nothing hanging after lipo alone.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

You can choose between tummy tuck or liposuction. There's nothing automatic about it. And, there's no way to second guess a surgeon that has had the benefit of examining you and speaking with you about your desired results. Perhaps if you're unsure, then have a few second opinion consultations with well respected body surgeons in your area would be helpful in your decision making. Best, Dt. ALDO :)

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Not automatically, it will depend on the laxity of the skin. You appear to be a good candidate for liposuction. I recommend a hi-definition procedure for the best results with skin tightening. I use VASER HI DEF with ThermiRF, ultrasound and fat grafting to get the most fat removal, skin tightening, and contouring. If you are a candidate for a tummy tuck, it can be performed at the same time. I suggest a consult with a hi-def physique liposuction expert to go over the best options. Best, Dr. Emer

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The best advice you can
receive is from an in-person consultation.  With that being said, based on
your photographs, you are a good 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.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Everyone is different. Your surgeon has the advantage after having examined you in person. Pregnancy does seem to damage the abdominal wall in most cases, however, not all. A detailed physical exam is necessary to determine if you need abdominal wall repair or excision of excess skin and tissue. If you feel you need another exam, seek a second opinion. Most surgeons on this site offer a complimentary consultation. Best wishes,

David R. Alfonso, MD, FACS · Answer

Skin quality determine last whether you need a tummy tuck or not. Based on your photos your skin appears to have good elasticity and should respond nicely to Lipo alone

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Based on the picture you are a very good candidate for liposuction. Look like you have good quality skin. Does not look like a need TT

Gregory Sexton, MD · Answer

I would not suction your abdomen. I think an abdominoplasty will give you a better result.

Good luck,

Greg Sexton, M.D.

Columbia, S.C.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is possible that you might just need liposuction.  If your muscles are in good shape and you do not have a lot of loose skin, or you just do  not want the recovery or the scar from a tummy tuck then lipo might be ok.

Liposuction without tummy tuck? (Photo)

Answers (16)

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