Concern about stubborn fat around abdomen, abdominal fullness. - Tummy tuck vs liposuction? (Photos)

Question

50 yrs male 5ft 6 in ht Wt 75 kg Conern about stbbern fat around abdomen , abdominal fullness.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, thank you for your questions regarding your concern about stubborn fat around abdomen, abdominal fullness and whether you need a tummy tuck or liposuction.  Thank you for your history and your pictures.  First, we should analyze your pictures to determine the best procedure for you.  You have cutis pleonasmus (excess skin) and dermatocholosis (loose skin) of your abdomen.  You also have striae or stretch marks; perhaps from weight loss?
Given your history, age of 50, striae, excess skin, and fat, most plastic surgeons would recommend an extended abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) with liposuction of the love handles.  A tummy tuck will remove and predictable tighten your abdominal and love handle skin better than liposuction.  A tummy tuck is performed under general anesthesia.  Excess abdominal skin and fat are removed.   The skin and fat from the top of the pubic region to the bottom of the belly button are removed.   The rectus abdominis is tightened, and the belly button is repositioned.  The tummy tuck procedure takes about four to five hours to complete.  Drains are usually removed after 7 to 10 days, depending on the output.  Most plastic surgeons offer free virtual or in-office physical consultations.  Therefore, explore what other plastic surgeons have to say.  I hope I have answered your questions about stubborn fat around the abdomen, abdominal fullness, and whether you need a tummy tuck or liposuction.   If you have any more questions regarding tummy tucks, abdominoplasties, or abdominal liposuction, contact an experienced plastic surgeon. Since the tummy tuck surgery is a big procedure, please seek an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with significant experience in performing tummy tucks.  Do your research.   If you cannot find an experienced tummy tuck plastic surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state.  Sincerely, Dr. Katzen, MD, MBA, FACS, FICS. ( Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery and  member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, RealSelf Hall of Fame, and RealSelf Doctor Advisory Board for Medical Review and Consumer Panel.)

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your query. You seem to have loose skin as well as stubborn fat in your abdominal area, based on your photographs. The best option for you will be liposuction of the abdomen and sides as well as a Tummy tuck procedure. Please find an experienced board certified Plastic surgeon who can examine you and help you with all your concerns. All the best!

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry!  We would love to sit down with you to discuss your concerns.  An Abdominal Dermolipectomy with liposuction is a tummy tuck without the muscle repair.  A liposuction alone would leave you with skin laxity.  Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals.

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

Some of that fat on the hips of her man is indeed very stubborn and difficult to remove with liposuction.  This is because it is very fibrous.  The fat is removed, but there is a web of this very tough tissue which keeps the area is somewhat full.  This is very different from where a woman has this type of tissue, at her hips.  You should otherwise be able to get an excellent result with the fatty areas at the front of your abdomen.  These could be suctioned as well as any extra skin cut out.  Good luck with things.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photographs. There are two areas where people carry their extra weight. One is directly beneath the skin, and this is the layer which is amenable to liposuction. The other area is behind your rectus muscles, around your intestines and this excess weight is only dealt with by weight loss. The least expensive and simplest way to reduce both areas is by weight loss.  If you have reached your plateau on weight loss, then liposuction would help thin some of the subcutaneous fat that you are unhappy with. What the liposuction will not do is to reduce the volume which is behind your rectus muscles, which may result in a slightly rounded abdominal contour after the liposuction.  Best wishes.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It looks like you may have some loose skin. For this reason, a tummy tuck may be more suitable for you. However, this can be confirmed with an in-person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

To help select the best procedure it's important to understand what each can do and can't do.  Liposuction removes subcutaneous fat.  It does not address loose skin.  You can add J-Plasma after liposuction for mild to moderate skin laxity.  If you are looking for the most complete look a tummy tuck removes excess subcutaneous fat but in addition it addresses abdominal wall laxity as well as removes excess skin.  Meet with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more.  I've included a video I hope you find helpful.

Concern about stubborn fat around abdomen, abdominal fullness. - Tummy tuck vs liposuction? (Photos)

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