Would large volume liposuction work for me? (Photo)

Question

Please see my attached photos...I hate my hanging belly. Would or could large volume liposuction work for me? I'm 34 yo. 5'2 and 240 lbs. Thanks in advance.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

If your health is good otherwise, then liposuction of the tummy could be done although a tummy tuck would be so much better. Patients are so surprised at how much skin tightening they can get from liposuction alone. You will have very wavy, dimply skin on the tummy but you will look so much better in clothes and move probably a lot easier without the full hanging tummy. Be sure to keep up the exercise and dieting.

Germán Newall, MD, FACS, FICS · Answer

Thank you for your question along with your photos. I would suggest working out and eating healthy to get within 20-30 lbs. of your goal weight for your height. Once you get to that point I would then suggest going to see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon about your surgical options. Liposuction and a tummy tuck could get you the results you desire. Hope this helps!Best,Dr. Newall

Joshua Kreithen, MD · Answer

Dear Shana,
Certainly you could have large volume liposuction and it would work to reduce some fat.  However, I don't think it would give you the results you want... particularly with your lower abdomen with the excess skin.  Liposuction won't really address your "hanging belly".  For best results, you would at some point require an abdominoplasty.  However, I don't think there would be any harm in getting a liposuction procedure in the near future and then later down the road having the tummy tuck.  I would recommend you attempting to lose some weight on your own prior to any surgery from a safety standpoint.  Good luck and hope this helps!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and based on your pictures it looks like you can benefit from a full tummy tuck with liposuction of your back and abdomen areas for a better result, always see aboard certified PS.

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.  Liposuction alone is not a good idea for you.  The safest results of any procedure for you will be having surgery after you undergo some weight loss.  Based on your photograph, you
will be a candidate for a tummy tuck with liposuction after weight loss.  This can be done through a low incision, all completely below the bikini line. 
The belly button can be designed to look natural and have no scars on
the exterior.   Your muscles can also be
plicated resulting in a flat abdomen. 
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.  The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are
comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified
board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

No. Unless you are willing to accept a minimally noticeable change- I would suggest a lifestyle change first. I suggest - you loose over 100lbs first before you consider any body contouring procedure. This approach will reduce the strain on your heart and improve your physical appearance.

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

Here in Florida, unless your surgeon does the operation in a hospital, we are limited to 4 liters total of fat removal by the Board of Medicine regulations.  So, "large volume" liposuction (= more than 5 liters) isn't even permitted in an office surgery setting.Probably best to explore other weight loss options.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

One of the most commonly held misconceptions is the myth of surgical weight loss via liposuction.
Liposuction is a sculpting tool. It is a targeted means of addressing subcutaneous fat excess. The best candidates are healthy individuals who have achieved a stable weight with stubborn or resistant target treatment areas.
Total body liposuction for volume reduction or debulking carries greater surgical risk. The loose skin which is likely to be present post op often overshadows any benefit gained from volume reduction. While there are no limits for procedures performed in a hospital setting. For procedures performed in an office setting, the legal limits will vary from 4-5 liters (depending upon the state).
In your case, I would recommend continued weight loss. Your BMI is 43.9 placing you at greater surgical risk. Diet and exercise with the goal of lowering your BMI would be more prudent. I would suggest delaying surgery until you are within striking distance of your goal weight.Once you have reached your goal, you would likely be a better candidate for abdominoplasty to address the aforementioned "hanging belly".
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Jaime Campos Leon, MD · Answer

Dear shana800,
Thanks so much for your inquiry and your photos. Although it is hard to give you an accurate advice without a proper in person consultation, I recommend you to lose weight before the surgery, you have a BMI very high for the surgery, which implies the increase of risks, after you lose weight you can be a candidate to a full Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty mixed with Liposuction, also if you want we can take advantage of your own fat and injected it into your butt area.
Please make sure that you and your surgeon are on the same page. Don't forget to discuss all your concerns, options and expectations thoroughly. 
Have a safe and pleasant PS Journey!
Respectfully, 
Dr. Jaime Campos León 
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
IG drcamposleon
snapchat: tjlipo

James E. Hardy, MD · Answer

Hi and thanks for the question and photos.Liposuction would work for you but this is not enough by itself. First I recommend weight loss to optimize your results and make the operation as safe as possible for you. Next you will need a tummy tuck to remove extra skin from your belly and some liposuction as well. Best of Luck - Dr Hardy...

Would large volume liposuction work for me? (Photo)

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