Is it possible to get Liposuction done and then later get Skin Removal?

Question

Hello all! Recently I have been looking into have liposuction done. I am up for a promotion at work for training and won't be able to take any time off anytime soon. I was wondering. Would I be able to get liposuction now then at a later date get skin removal? I don't mind wearing body garments being I've worn them since I was 16.

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

Absolutely! I talk to my patients looking for abdominal contouring about the benefits of staging all the time! Lipo is an impactful operation - really contours! - with only small incisions and downtime 5-7 days. Tummy Tuck helps repair muscle laxity and tighten skin with removal of overhang and stretch marks. Even more impact but that comes with a greater need for recovery - allow for 2 weeks to focus on recovery and get back to nonstrenuous routine activities. Staging brings in the best of both! You can undergo the tummy tuck 6+ months after lipo.
Congrats on your promotion, and Happy New Year!

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Yes, it's possible to have these two procedure separate but for both procedure you might need a recovery time. 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.-

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello, 
And thank you for the question.
Yes, it is possible to perform liposuction first, and at a later time to perform skin removal like tummy tuck or panniculectomy.
I suggest that you seek an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to further discuss your options, specific techniques, concerns and expectations. 
I hope this helps.
Dr. Irena KaranetzBreast Fellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Yes, it is possible to get liposuction and then later undergo skin removal, if you have excess hanging skin.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear awha_96,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Generally speaking, is is possible to get liposuction and later skin removal. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. 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

Gregory Lakin, MD · Answer

The short answer is: yes, its possible to do lipo then have skin removal. There are different recommendations based on individual starting points and goals. I recommend you do in depth consultations with a few board certified plastic surgeons to get more individualized advice. In general, liposuction typically requires 3 days off from work, and a skin excision typically requires 1 week off from work. Depending on how much time off you have and how much activity you have at work you might still be able to do the skin excision now. Good luck!

Steven Mapula, MD · Answer

Hi! Yes, you can get liposuction and not have tissue removed, however, it's important to remember that if you have some skin laxity now, it will be more prominent after lipo.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Yes it is possible to stage liposuction and skin removal.  That being said I encourage you to begin by visiting with a board certified plastic surgeon near you.  You may be a better candidate for a tummy tuck with liposuction for contouring.  This can often be accomplished in one trip to the operating room.

Nancy de Kleer, MD, FRCSC (Plast) · Answer

Yes you can do liposuction and then later have skin removal, however there are a few things to consider before making the decision that this is right for your particular situation. 
There is a recovery time after liposuction, it is normally a shorter recovery time than recovery for skin excision but you will still need some time off.
Some people are surprised by how much loose skin is present after liposuction and so you will need to learn at a consultation if this is a reasonable approach for you. 
In some cases, the main issue is loose skin and doing the liposuction first is really not beneficial, however it some cases it is actually quite helpful to do as you suggest.   
You can considering posting some photos or having an in person consultation for more specifics,
All the best to you,
Dr. Nancy de Kleer

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

thanks to contacting us! yes it is posible to do a liposuction without tummy tuck , and later do it, but the liposuction need a recovery process , it is less than the liposuction, but still need time to heal