Considering tummy tuck - Is this fat or loose skin? (Photo)

On the picture you have your arm raised and you still have the rolls in the back. Liposuction can empty the rolls to some extent and make them look flatter, however the skin laxity gets worse with liposuction since it's like deflating a balloon. Your skin will retract to some extent but the rolls of skin may still be there. I you don't mind having scars in your back, you may have the TT 360 but you can always get the regular TT and liposuction of you back then reassess in a year to see how much of your back skin is still making a roll once you give a chance to the skin to retract on its own.

Dear Reserved631624,

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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thank you for your query. The picture appears to be from the back. There seems to be some fat and some loose skin as well. Liposuction will help but some surgical or nonsurgical skin tightening may be needed as well. Please discuss this specific concern with your surgeons. A tummy tuck will not address it. All the best

Thank you for your question. To provide a valid medical opinion I will need to see pictures of you body from different angles (mainly front view) 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.-

Hello and thank you for your question.
It is very difficult to determine whether the areas of concern on your back are primarily loose skin or fat without a physical examination. If you do have a combination of excess fatty tissue along with skin redundancy, in addition to a TT you may consider a combination of back liposuction with VASER and/or Renuvion for optimal results. Assuming a "360 TT" refers to 360° liposuction with abdominoplasty rather than a lower body lift, which would not address the upper back. I hope this helps.

Depends on your goals. A tummy tuck with lipo +/- circumferential may give you a great result.


You have a combination of both excess fat and skin laxity, especially in the back area. Liposuction can help target the fat, but it may not address the skin sagging, as liposuction only removes fat and doesn’t tighten skin. If the skin is loose and doesn't retract well after liposuction, additional procedures like a back lift or J-Plasma (a skin tightening treatment) might be recommended.


The option of a circumferential tummy tuck can address both the front and back. You might also consider doing the liposuction first, giving the skin time to retract, and then re-evaluating after a few months to see if more skin removal is necessary. Discuss your goals with an experienced surgeon who can assess your specific situation and suggest the most appropriate plan for you.


Dr. Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHS
Harvard, Johns Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Educated
Double Fellowship Trained
Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon
New York, New York

Thank you for your inquiry! It looks like by your photo, you would be a great candidate for liposuction of the back/hips. That procedure can be done at the same time as a mommy makeover. We would love to meet with you virtually or in person to discuss your goals and make a surgical plan for you!

Your back has loose skin and this will not be corrected by a circumferential lift. You will need an extension of the a breast lift posterior, it is called a bra line lift. The bra line lift can be done at the same time of the breast lift, if desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

It is impossible to advise you about TT vs belt lipectomy (360 TT) without front view photo! Most likely aggressive liposuction of the back and flanks would correct current deformity without skin excision. Hope this helps. Good luck.

I would agree that a 360 degree liposuction which inlcudes upper and lower back, upper and lower sides and abdomen would improve the contours of your back significantly without a large scar back there. Plus a 360 lift with the incision going low on your waist does not improve the upper back skin. So if your upper back is not as much of a priority with your budget I would personally say 360 liposuction with an extended tummy tuck would be ok. For my practice that runs about 18k for surgery, anesthesia and facility fee.