I need a body lift but also need liposuction. Which should I get first? (Photo)

Question

I have had 100+ lb weight loss and want to get a full body lift, with thighs and everything. I also see that I have a large amount of fat in my hips, back of my thighs, and basically want to get a considerable amount of liposuction done as well all over my mid section. It bothers me very much. Would it be better to get the extensive liposuction done before getting a body lift or after?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,  thank you for your question regarding whether you should have liposuction before you undergo a 360 circumferential lower body lift. First, congratulations on your significant weight loss. As you know, after your significant weight loss, you have excess skin and fat of your abdomen, hips, buttocks and inner thighs. Since you have excess skin, the skin cannot be removed with liposuction. Liposuction only removes fat. Therefore, I would highly suggest you undergo a 360 circumferential lower body lift combined with a vertical medial thigh lift or more accurately, thigh reduction. These procedure takes approximately 8-10 hours depending on your plastic surgeon's experience. Plan on a two-week recovery. There is no point to undergo liposuction before your 360 circumferential lower body lift. Since a significant amount of fat will be removed during the 360 circumferential lower body lift, it makes no sense to have liposuction before your body lift. I hope I have answered your question whether it is better to have liposuction before or after a body lift.
I specialize in reconstructive plastic surgery after weight loss.  If you have any more questions regarding the lower body lift, 360 circumferential lower body lift, belt lipectomy, belt abdominoplasty, or belt dermolipectomy please contact my office. Since the body lift is a big procedure, please seek an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon with significant experience performing the lower body lift. Do your research.  Make sure they have performed at least 100 circumferential lower body lift surgeries and have the before and after pictures to prove it.  Carefully examine their before and after pictures and check their reviews on RealSelf.   If you cannot find an experienced, lower body lift surgeon in your neighborhood, consider traveling out of state if you must. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” 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 and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry!  Congratulations on the weight loss!  Typically, liposuction comes with skin removal.  Call to set up a consult with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals.

Kristi Hustak, MD · Answer

This likely can be done together as one procedure based on your description. In my hands, the main area I tend to stage are extremities- particularly linear extremities. I often stage the skin resection later. Most abdominoplasties and lower body lifts can have 5 leters of lipo done at the same time.
Kristi Hustak, MD
  
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. Congratulations on your weight loss!! Based on your photos, it seems like you may benefit from a liposuction, extended tummy tuck and lower body lift, I would do the tummy tuck and liposuction first. I recommend you to schedule an email or Skype consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

It is wonderful what you have achieved after the weight loss!! You look fantastic and have already a beautiful body frame (bone structure): small upper body and nice and curvaceous lower body.As an expert on After weight loss surgery I honestly consider you do not need to deflate even more before surgery and I will never recommend to do Liposuccion before Tummy Tuck or body lift because of the tough fibrosis created by the liposuction (no matter the technique). You will be a great candidate for a Lower Body Lift which should include 360 skin resection, muscle repair, and it will be the  big difference and impact on your result will be the LIFTING: mons pubic lift, implicit the outer thigh, real buttocks lift and as an enhancement it will be needed some lipo to outer thighs and lovehandles to use it to transfer to buttocks just to shape them. So the lifting approach will be a great rejuvenation to your body and avoid the “just skin resection technique” which would work to another type of patient who has no saggy tissues.Be encouraged!!!You will look astonishing Dr  Cárdenas

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Scary12345,
I understand your concern. It is best however that you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine whether you can have several aesthetic surgeries in one session, as this would depend on various factors including but not limited to your general health condition, the type of anesthesia that will be used, and the type of surgeries that will be performed among others.
Daniel Barrett, MD

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your impressive weight loss!  The lower body lift will address much of the subcutaneous fat that concerns you so there is no need for two separate procedures.  From the submitted photos it appears the main concern is skin laxity versus excess fat.  The procedure will help to contour your curves and allow all of your hard work to shine through!

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question and photo's.  You most likely need more skin excision then you do liposuction even though typically lipo is done with thighplasty's and body lifts together.

I need a body lift but also need liposuction. Which should I get first? (Photo)

Answers (8)

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