Will liposuction benefit from a person who is a size 12/14 or is a Tummy Tuck the better option? (photos)

Question

I'm a size 14 and had two children. However the lose skin in my stomach area is horrible. I work out very hard and can actually see muscle definition but the lose skin just gets in the way. Both me and my husband is very nervous about the TT procedure. I would feel more comfortable with liposuction but would like honest suggestions based on my pictures. I've been thinking about this for the last ten years and I'm 100% ready to have work done. Just want to make sure I'm making the right investment and would like to get it done right the first time. Currently I'm 34 mother of two. Thank you very much for time

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.A specific procedure called lipoabdominoplasty (liposuction + tummy tuck) might be a good procedure for you. For best results, get to a stable weight that you can safely maintain prior to surgery.  For long lasting results, keep this weight after surgery.To be sure, see two or more board-certified plastic surgeons in your area for a full and complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have surgery.I hope this helps.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

i think that a tummy tuck with liposuction of the sides and back will produce the best result for you.  Find
 a tummy tuck and liposuction expert who
 performs hundreds each year and has great reviews and great 
before and after pictures.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Christopher J. Morea, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for providing photos.  Obviously, you would need a consultation and exam for a definitive recommendation. However, you appear to be a better candidate for tummy tuck rather liposuction. Liposuction is a body contouring procedure but will not address the loose excess skin which seems to be your main concern.  Spend some time looking at the photos on RealSelf of tummy tuck patients and read some of the Q and A's in the forum. I think you will find most women feel the results of the tummy tuck are worth it.Best of luck,

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

I totally understand you and your husband fear for the Tummy Tuck but your have to acknowledge that you have developed flaccid skin on your abdomen as the result of your prior pregnancies and that will NOT be any better, any tighter after liposuction, by the contrary, it will become more saggy and other very important thing: your muscle will remain as protruding as is now. So NO much improvement after liposuction to your abdomen.You are a beautiful candidate for a Tummy Tuck, with a very low incision to be hidden under a bikini, and a muscle repair to create a flatter abdomen and tapered and small waist. These procedures will create a spectacular change on your body shape and if we combine with some liposuction to lower back, then your result will be awesome and very curvaceous!!!Be encouraged. You will be loving your beautiful and curvy figure.Dr. Cardenas

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear Turinky,   Front and side views pictures would have  been very helpful, however, from your history and description of your tummy, it appears that you will benefit more from tummy tuck than liposuction which is recommended for patients with fat accumulation and no skin laxity. Women who had chidren, usually present with skin and muscles laxity, lose of waist definition, lax pubic area and unattractive belly button. All these frustrating condition can be improved dramatically with tummy tuck. Another benefit of tummt tuck is that by tightening the abdominal muscles, you can not eat the amount of food as before and consequently you lose weight which adds to your health and quality of life. Always, consult with board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety . Check the before and after pictures to make sure that the are numerous, consistent and attractive. Check also the 'realself' reviews for positive patients experience which privides important information about the surgeons.              Best of luck,                                   Dr Widder

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

With your candidate for liposuction depends on the quality of your skin. If you have stretch marks and poor skin quality then liposuction will not be beneficial. Physical examination will be your best determination of treatment.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

After a pregnancy the abdominal wall can be protuberant for several reasons including loose abdominal fascia excess skin and excess fat. Liposuction deals only with the excess fat. Abdominoplasty deals with all three.

Lisa J. Peters, MD · Answer

Without an examination, I cannot make recommendations for you specifically, but generally speaking loose skin needs to be removed to improve the contour of the abdomen.  Liposuction removes excess fat but requires good quality overlying skin to shrink down to the new size after the fat is gone.  If the skin doesn't have adequate elasticity, the skin laxity will just be worse after liposuction.  Some surgeons and device manufacturers will claim that certain types of liposuction, such as Smart Lipo, have the ability to tighten the overlying skin.  While that may be true in some patients with minimal skin laxity, in general I believe that trying to use lasers, ultrasound, or other heat-generating technologies to make liposuction work in a patient who really needs a tummy tuck is more harmful than helpful.Being a size 12-14 doesn't in and of itself dictate the procedure that is best for you.  See a board-certified plastic surgeon for an examination and their recommendations.

Robert S. Houser, DO · Answer

You have 2 issues.  One is the extra skin on the front.  The other is a little extra fat on the "love handles."  I think you'd do great with having both areas treated at once. Lipo alone with still leave you with extra skin.  TT alone will leave you with extra fat in unwanted areas.  Get a few opionions and then go for it!  Good luck!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If you feel that you have a lot of loose skin then you more than likely will need a tummy tuck, but without photos or more importantly an exam in person, it is impossible to say.

Will liposuction benefit from a person who is a size 12/14 or is a Tummy Tuck the better option? (photos)

Answers (14)

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