Regular Tummy Tuck or extended - which procedure(s) should I get? (photos)

Question

Should I get a regular tummy tuck or extended? I've had several consultations and am not getting consistent recommendations. I've lost 90 pounds and have had two children. The doctor I am leaning toward also suggested a standard tummy tuck with lipo on my outter thighs but I am not sure if that'll make my skin more loose on my legs.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Mommyonamission05 thank you for your question. My recommendation is to perform an abdominoplasty with total muscle plication to relocate the navel to give it a better position. You can also consider TID to improve the skin characteristics after the surgery an advanced laser liposculpture which helps the tissues to level the fold and retract them for a better result. For more information and recommendations is best to consult with one or several board certified plastic surgeons. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. You are a great candidate for a regular tummy tuck. This will remove any excess skin. The addition of liposuction will help to shape and contour the waistline. I hope this helps.

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions and photos. A tummy tuck will address excess skin & repair of the abdominal muscle. The abdominal wall can be weakened after pregnancy and (or) significant weight gain & loss. By repairing the muscle, not only does the appearance of your abdominal area improve, but your core strength as well. The repair of the muscle will cinch your waist like an inner corset, which will accentuate your curves. Liposuction will remove excess fat from unwanted areas with some skin retraction. Your expectations and health will dictate the best procedure(s) for you. I suggest a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to go over the options that best address your goals. Best of luck!
 
Dhaval Patel MD 
Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon 
Chicago 
South Barrington 
Oakbrook 
Orland Park

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

Your photos suggest a standard abdominoplasty would suffice. Although the extended procedure would provide additional correction, it does not appear that this added benefit outweighs the added risks.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Based on the pictures the best option for you is the full tummy tuck with muscle repair and to provide a better body contour I will recommend you the intense liposuction in your belly, waist and laterals. I would suggest to be treated by board certified plastic surgeon with experience in this procedure, to get the best desired results.

Respectfully,
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Respectfully,
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

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. You may need an extension after the tummy tuck.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

The extended will only give you a longer scar with limited benefit.  Keep the scar to as minimal as necessary to remove the excess skin.  On the lateral aspect you can do liposuction to contour.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

It is likely that any liposuction in the area of your waist or hips (or outer thighs) will result in loose and irregularly contoured skin. This will require skin excision. Not only is it likely you'll need an extension of skin excision around the hip area, you may benefit from a true body lift, which is a circumferential excision of skin around the torso.

Gregory Lakin, MD · Answer

Based on your photos it looks like a standard tummy tuck would suffice. However, an in-person exam or a FaceTime/Zoom virtual consultation would provide more detailed information to help determine if you need an extended tummy tuck or a circumferential tummy tuck (aka lower body lift). We need to determine if you have any laxity of the skin on your sides and lower back. Your clothes are currently hiding those areas in the photos provided and we don’t have photos available at this time from different positions. It would also be helpful to see the dynamic movement of your skin in those additional areas by us or you squeezing and moving the skin around in those other areas to simulate what a more extensive skin excision would do. In short, you look like you would be a candidate for at least a standard tummy tuck but more detailed examination and conversation is required to analyze if you are a candidate for more. Good luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear semcintyre05,
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

Regular Tummy Tuck or extended - which procedure(s) should I get? (photos)

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