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

Question

I’m trying to determine if this fat or loose skin. I’ve had a few consultations recently considering a mummy makeover and my most recent one advised a 360 tt to address my back too, while the other thought a normal TT and lipo. Actually I think this image makes it look must worse I also have a leg length discrepancy of over 1.5 inches which is why one side looks worse, as my back is out of alignment. Im hoping this would be more a lipo thing. Extra 6k for 360 TT!!!

Azita Madjidi, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

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.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

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

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

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

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

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.-

Matthew S. Kilgo, MD · Answer

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.

Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHS · Answer

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

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

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!

Arif Eroglu, MD · Answer

Hello
The 360 body lift may not be very beneficial for you. You have fat in the waist area, but there is no skin sagging. Essentially, there is fat accumulation along with sagging in the back area. My recommendation is to perform Vaserlipo on the waist and back, and at the same time, apply Renuvion J Plasma to the back area to tighten the skin. If the skin on the back is not sufficiently tightened, a back lift can be performed after 6 months.
Another option is to perform Vaserlipo to remove fat from the waist while doing a back lift without removing any fat from the back. If you prioritize safety, a two-session procedure can be done.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

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.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

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.

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

Answers (17)

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