Would a Tummy Tuck without lipo to the flanks give me good results? (Photos)

Thank you for your question. Given your size, stable weight, and the fact that almost all of your concerns are confined to the lower abdomen around the tethered C-section scar, you’re likely a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck rather than a full abdominoplasty; a mini can release the tethered scar, remove the saggy skin below the belly button, and perform limited infraumbilical muscle repair to address moderate diastasis there, all without adding a vertical incision. You can still achieve a gentle curve without flank work, but small-volume liposuction of the flanks would enhance waist definition; a 3–5 lb post-op weight fluctuation would not create an overhang if the lower skin is properly tightened. An in-person exam will confirm that laxity and diastasis don’t meaningfully extend above the navel; if they don’t, mini abdominoplasty ± flank lipo is the right plan.

Your photos suggest you would get a good result from a tummy tuck without liposuction. You might have further improvement by adding the liposuction. If performed carefully and conservatively, there are very few negatives to liposuction other than the added cost. The anticipated benefit with and without liposuction should be discussed with your surgeon

Of course, you will get an excellent result with an abdominoplasty. Liposuction, in my opinion, would not be needed. I have had many patients with your body-type and I do not routinely perform liposuction unless absolutely needed.

Without liposuction, you will still get a nice result. You have assymmetry with the left hip larger than the right. As far as a complete tummy tuck, it will depend on the amount of loose skin. This would have to be determoned in person by the surgeon.

Your history and goals are very clear, and the questions you raise are excellent.
Scar managementA full tummy tuck can usually remove a vertical C section scar, especially if it is tethered and surrounded by sagging skin. In your situation, the available upper abdominal skin appears sufficient to be pulled down smoothly, so there should be no need for a new vertical incision. The vertical scar can be converted into a low horizontal line hidden below the underwear line.
Diastasis recti repair (MR)This can restore core support and flatten the abdominal wall. It will not create dramatic curves on its own, but it establishes a firmer, smoother foundation.
Flank liposuction vs no lipoMany patients achieve good results with tummy tuck and muscle repair alone. Liposuction of the flanks is often added when extra waist definition is desired, but it is not mandatory. Based on your weight stability and your goals, a natural balanced outcome is achievable without flank liposuction.
Future weight fluctuationsA fluctuation of three to five pounds is unlikely to cause overhang after surgery. Skin removal and tightening reduce the redundancy that leads to sagging. As long as your weight remains within your usual range, results should hold well.
This overview should give you a clearer idea of what to expect. A direct evaluation by your surgeon will provide the most accurate guidance for your case.

Thanks for your question! It's hard to tell from the photos if you have enough loose skin for a full tummy tuck. My guess would be yes. I would also recommend liposuction to the braline, waist and posterior hips to really accentuate your waist. Best of luck!

At 5'4 and 118 lbs., your BMI is 20.5, which is in the normal range. You do not appear to have a significant amount of fat that would benefit from liposuction. However, you do have a little bit of excess skin above the belly button but most of your wrinkling concerns are below the belly button. I am not sure you have enough skin for a full tummy tuck. You may benefit from a mini tummy tuck, which can pull the lower skin. In terms of the upper skin, you may benefit from a breast lift that would lift the upper abdominal skin. I would need photographs of your breasts to determine if you are a candidate for a breast lift.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

First of all, liposuction is often beneficial in accentuating the curve at your waist. It does not usually take long at all in and is some benefit to most people. It seems you would benefit a little, especially from your back view. I would certainly have to do a complete examination, because from your photographs it is not clear that you are a candidate for a tummy tuck. You need to go over these expectations with a plastic surgeon. Also from the photographs it it seems that you would not lose your vertical scar completely. Good luck!

Thank you for your question. The vertical scar from your C-section can be improved upon with a full tummy tuck. However, it is difficult to ascertain from the photos above if there is enough skin laxity above the umbilicus to leave you with the traditional TT scar only. Liposuction to the flanks will enhance your results and improve the symmetry. A consultation and examination with a board-certified plastic surgeon will be able to answer your concerns. Good luck on your journey!

Hello dear. You would not be an ideal candidate for a conventional abdominoplasty. Instead, liposuction is recommended, especially on the flanks, as this would improve the contour without the need for large additional incisions. Additionally, there are non-surgical methods and cosmetic treatments that could help soften or improve the appearance of your current scars.

Liposuction would also help prevent potential "bulging" if your weight fluctuates slightly, as it would better contour the area without requiring extensive skin resection. You can contact us at 829-554-6062 for your quote.