Was told I don't have enough loose skin, am I a good candidate for a full mommy makeover or can I only get liposuction? (photos)

Question

I’m looking Into getting a full mommy makeover.. the location I wanted to go says I don’t have enough loose skin for a tummy tuck at all and only wants to do lipo!? I’m flabbergasted lol can someone give me some thoughts? I do have other consults lined up soon.

Thomas A. Mustoe, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes: you have loose skin and liposuction without skin excision Would not give you a good result.  However liposuction should be performed as part of the abdominoplasty.

Christopher Pannucci, MD, MS · Answer

Hi Kind83836,
Your abdomen skin has multiple stretch marks, and likely has lost elasticity. Liposuction works best when the skin is very elastic, and can rebound/tighten after underlying fat is removed. With the quality of skin shown in the picture, I'd be worried that liposuction would produce more loose skin.
In addition, the upper abdominal bulging seen on the side view is likely weakness/separation in your six pack muscles, which can be fixed with plication (tightening)--something done during tummy tuck that cannot be done with liposuction.
If you weren't happy with the first consultation, I'd suggest going to the second you have lined up. 
Hope this helps!
Best,Christopher Pannucci MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeryPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Your photos indicate that you have stretch marks and loose skin, therefore a full tummy tuck may be the most suitable option for you.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Yes, you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck. If you are not planning future pregnancies, I recommend abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement. The mesh creates a more hourglass figure by compressing the abdominal wall resulting in early satiety and helps maintain a reduced weight.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

David Dorfman, MD · Answer

Hello Kind838636! 
Thank you for your question! Although I cannot give a definite answer until I conduct an exam - my initial thought, simply based on your photos, is that you are a great candidate for an abdominoplasty and rectus plication surgery. 
Sincerely, Dr. Dorfman

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

I can't imagine why anyone would recommend liposuction alone for you unless they are unable to do tummy tucks. Find an experienced plastic surgeon to discuss all of your options and I have no doubt that a tummy tuck will be recommended.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  You clearly have sufficient skin excess to warrant a tummy tuck procedure if that is what you desire.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Kind838636,
based on your photos, you look like a good candidate for a TT. Full tummy tuck should tighten your abdominal muscles and remove the excess skin. Flanks liposuction would give you a better shape. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon because only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
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

From your photos it appears you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck with liposuction for contouring of the hips and flanks.  I'm not sure why you were told you didn't have enough loose skin, but you do and should have a nice result.  Be sure to see board certified plastic surgeons for consultations.

Mark Eberbach, MD · Answer

You are a great candidate for a full tummy tuck. I suspect your doctor is not a full spectrum plastic surgeon or don't have privileges to do abdominoplasty.