Tummy tuck 360 lower body lift before before full leg lipo (Photo)

Hello honest680923,
Thank you for your question regarding whether you should have a tummy tuck or 360 lower body lift before or after full leg lipo; specifically, whether you should a lower body lift and then undergo insurance coverage full leg liposuction for lipedema or wait.
A 360 circumferential lower body lift includes an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), hip lift, hip reduction, buttock lift and buttock reduction. During the hip lift, the lateral thigh (outer thigh) is lifted and reduced. The hip lift helps to augment and accentuate your outer leg shape. ALso, the hip lift during the lower body lift, smoothes away any loose, lateral thigh skin. A tummy tuck does not effect the outer thighs or hips.
During leg liposuction, thigh fat is removed from the groin to the knees. Most plastic surgeons would suggest aggressive liposuction to remove the lipedema leg fat. However, the thigh lipo may cause some loose skin, especially on the outer thighs.
Therefore, most plastic surgeons would suggest you undergo leg liposuction for lymphedema first. Also, most plastic surgeons would suggest you wait until all your leg liposuction is completed and then, undergo the 360 circumferential lower body lift. You will achieve a much better lateral or outer leg lift if the staging is done.
In addition, it is conceivable that so much fat is removed during the leg liposuction, that you may need a longitudinal, medial vertical thigh lift with an incision from the groin to the knee. It truly depends on how much excess thigh fat is removed during your insurance approved leg lymphedema liposuction surgery. If you do need a longitudinal vertical medial thigh lift often this can be combined with the lower body lift.
Therefore, in conclusion, I would suggest you have your insurance approved, leg liposuction fro lipedema, first. Then, once your leg liposuction is complete, consider a lower body lift. I hope this helps to answer your questions regarding a tummy tuck or 360 lower body lift before before full leg lipo. Good luck. When seeking complex surgeries, always find an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in lower body lift and thigh lifts.
Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

Begin by getting the liposuction for lipedema approved and then have that procedure completed since it is medically necessary. Then you can continue with the lower body lift as a separate stage. If there is too much fat removed for the legs you may get some improvement with a lower body lift but it would not be the same as having a leg lift. You'll know better what is recommended after the liposuction.

Dear Honest680923,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery