Mom of twins, Lipo or full Tummy tuck? (photos)

When deciding between liposuction and a tummy tuck, it is important to consider how each procedure will help you achieve your goal. While liposuction does address excess fat, it does not take care of loose skin or repair rectus diastasis. Patients who may benefit from rectus diastasis repair (most commonly found in women who have had children) would benefit more from a full tummy tuck. A full tummy tuck addresses excess fat, loose skin, and it also tightens the abdominal muscles. Unfortunately, diet and exercise cannot fix rectus diastasis. Consult a board-certified plastic surgeon regarding a plan for you that would help you achieve your goal. Good luck in your research!

Hello and thank you for using RealSelf and sharing your questions and pictures.It seems that you have loose abdominal muscles from your pregnancies.  It is difficult to improve this with exercise in that there is not an exercise that can pull inward between two muscles.  Liposuction only removes unwanted fat.  It will not improve loose muscles.Thus, it seems like you need a tummy tuck to fulfill the goals you have.  It will not only tighten your rectus muscles but remove excess skin and fat from the lower tummy.  Liposuction with a tummy tuck contours hips, thighs and flanks if needed.You may want several opinions from board-certified plastic surgeons in your area.Good luck to you.

Thank you for the question. It really depends on your goals. You mentioned using PT to fix a diastasis. If your goal is to make your tummy more flat, then your only option is a tummy tuck procedure. Sutures are used in the abdominal wall to fix the diastasis. This will flatten your tummy and can give a dramatic result.Unfortunately, liposuction can remove fat from under the skin, but it can't improve the diastasis. I would consider a tummy tuck procedure. The incision should be kept very low so that it is hidden by a bathing suit, underwear, and day-to-day clothing.

Thank you for your question. Based upon photos provided, you appear to be an excellent candidate for a full tummy tuck. The abdominal skin excision and muscle tightening could give you an excellent contour as well as improve the tone of the anterior abdominal wall. Liposuction could be used to better define your flanks and hips at the time of tummy tuck surgery. Please see a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in body contouring for an in-person examination to discuss the specific details of the procedures. Ask to see before and after photos to get an idea of what can be achieved. I offer complimentary consultations to discuss your treatment options. Hope this helps!

If you are through having children and want a flat, contoured abdomen, then I would suggest the tummy tuck.  From your photos it appears that you have some muscle separation, probably from pregnancy, that can be addressed with the tummy tuck.  If you are looking for conservative improvement, or if you still plan to have more children, then liposuction would be acceptable.  The choice of which is best is influenced by what your goals are from surgery.