Tummy tuck or lipo revision? (Photo)

Question

I’ve had a bbl revision and lipo to my stomach. I’m now contemplating on getting another lipo revision to my stomach OR a tummy tuck. I need advice on what I need? I want a flat stomach and don’t know if lipo alone would be enough…. What do you think?

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Liposuction will not solve the problem. 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.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello hayleee in San Bernardino. Thank you for your question regarding whether you need a tummy tuck or a lipo revision.

Based on your photos, it is difficult to determine whether you have excess fat with muscle weakness. If your abdominal muscles are weak, I recommend a tummy tuck to address the rectus abdominis muscles. This procedure will bring in your waistline by 2-4 inches instantly and can be combined with liposuction of the flanks for even more contour.

If, upon consultation, it is determined that you have just excess fat and no muscle weakness, you can opt for another liposuction procedure. However, be aware that liposuction alone may result in some excess skin, which a tummy tuck would effectively remove.

Please consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to get a thorough evaluation and personalized advice based on your specific needs and goals.

Good luck, and I hope you achieve the flat stomach you desire.

Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS

Albert Ko, MD · Answer

Hi there, thanks for your question.How long ago was your liposuction to your abdomen? It looks like you would benefit from lymphatic massage, it appears you have some fibrosis after the liposuction which is normal. I would reccomend a follow up appointment with the surgeon who did your procedure.We often reccomend Morpheus8 following liposuction to help tighten the skin and improve any uneven areas.Hope that helps!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear hayleee,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

There are always right to left differences in all body parts before and after any surgeries.

And after revisions, healing time can be prolonged over a year.

If your last revision was less than a year ago, you should let everything settle down completely before judging results. Again, there will always be some differences left to right in your abdomen and buttocks.

If over a year has passed, and you’ve already have revisions, then another liposuction will have limitations to expectations. If you need to tighten muscle, then a tummy tuck may be indicated for flatter abdomen.

Close follow up with your plastic surgeon is recommended during this time as well as for any additional procedures.

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. You are a great candidate for revision liposuction rather than a tummy tuck given the lack of skin laxity for a full TT.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

You could either have lipo or a tummy tuck. The tummy tuck is a bigger operation with a long scar. Nothing wrong with trying lipo first. It can always be converted later to a tummy tuck

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

If your goal is a flat stomach then a tummy tuck is the recommended procedure.  This will remove excess fat like liposuction would, but it also removes loose skin and corrects the muscle wall laxity.  This is the power of the tummy tuck and results in a tighter, flatter tummy.  The next step is to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you for a consultation.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

An examination is needed to see if you have fullness from residual fat or a weak muscle. If it is muscle, you could consider noninvasive EMSculpt to tone and tighten your abdominal muscles. Liposuction could be done to remove excess fat.  Otherwise, a tummy tuck can tighten your abdominal wall and remove excess skin.

Daniel Urias, MD · Answer

This is one of the most common questions we get in and one of the most difficult to help answer. First and foremost an in person consult is absolutely required to determine what is best for you. But based on your desire of flat abdomen then a tummy tuck is probably going to be best. This will allow the plastic surgeon to contour your sides and plicate your abdominal muscles. Liposuction is also an option with the tummy tuck to improve your curves.