Does a Tummy Tuck Affect the Shape of the Hips/thighs?

Question

I am 5'6" and weigh 200 lbs. I lost 100 lbs about 3 years ago with Weight Watchers and have a lot of loose skin around my abdomen. I am having a full tt with liposuction of the flanks in two weeks. Does a tt also slim the hips/thighs somewhat simply from pulling the abdomen so tight? I am concerned about my waist/abdomen being disproportionate to my hips/thighs after all of the swelling is gone.

Lyle M. Back, MD · Answer

There will be minimal if any effect from the upcoming surgery you described on your hips and thighs. These areas are not anatomically "connected" and the increased flatness and tightness of the abdomen will not affect your thighs. You are right to be concerned about the possible disproportions, however. It is possible that another body reshaping surgery involving some liposuction for your hips and thighs will be needed as the next step.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

The Mommy Makeover is a combination of procedures to bring a woman’s body back to the way she looked prior to pregnancy. Most commonly some variation of a #TummyTuck and #BreastSurgery are performed. Additional procedures can include liposuction, umbilical hernia repair.  The most common #breastprocedures include #mastopexy or #breastlift, #breastaugmentation, or #breastreduction.    Healing after a  #tummytuck will require time. Some patients are out of bed and walking the night of surgery and every hour while awake. I allow my patients to return to work at one to two weeks with 14 days preferred.  However, no lifting or straining.  At three weeks, increased level of activity and full with no restrictions, at 6 weeks. #MummyTummy is a term given to modified tummy tucks which can use liposuction and skin tightening with radiofrequency such Vanquish, Vela3, thermage, thermiRF and others.  The actual fat contouring can be done non-surgically as well with #UltraShape or Cool-Sculpting.The costs of a #Mommy Makeover will depend on several factors. Such include the geographic location, the skill and experience of the surgeon, and operating room and anesthesia fees.  Also, such #combined operations are often performed with our Gynecology colleagues. Tubal ligation is a common post pregnancy procedure which is done at the time of many of the surgeries included with Mommy Makeovers. Therefore, if you require a gynecologic operation or study (laparoscopy) and are considering a plastic surgery procedure, discuss these issues with your doctor. #Combining these procedures decreases anesthetics, costs, and recovery time.  Most importantly, your procedures should be performed by a #PlasticSurgeon who is board-certified and has a great deal of experience specializing in cosmetic #surgery. You will then greatly improve your chances of getting the result you desire, and, without the need for a revision surgery. It is suggested that you look at before and after photos of the surgeons actual patients, and read patient reviews. Gathering all of this information will help you make a well-informed decision.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

With weight loss the skin excess can drift into the upper lateral and inner thigh, and with a high lateral tension pull, some improvement can be seen in the thigh. You can imagine this by grabbing the skin at the waist and pulling up just like pulling on a pair of pants. If you are concerned about how the thigh and leg will look after, discuss things well before your procedure.

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Your tummy tuck will treat your anterior abdominal wall.   Additional liposuctioning can treat your waist.   A tummy tuck will not really affect your thighs.  Please talk to your plastic surgeon about treatment options.  

	Dr. Basu

	Houston, TX

Erez Sternberg, MD · Answer

The short answer is no. The tummy tuck procedure is helpful in removing excess skin and fat below the belly button and tightening the muscles of the abdomen. It does not address fat above the belly button and will not change the shape or look of the hips and thighs. If you are still having doubts about your expected results make sure you go and talk with your PS one more time before surgery. Good luck.

Does a Tummy Tuck Affect the Shape of the Hips/thighs?

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