Should I consider a tummy tuck or would I be able to achieve results from vaser liposuction? (photos)

Question

I am trying to decide whether to do vaser lipo or a tummy tuck. Obviously cost is a big consideration, but I had a consult for vaser lipo and was quoted around $15k. I have not had a consult for tummy tuck yet, I have a consult for it in a few months. My other concern is I do have some skin laxity and stretch marks from pregnancy. I am worried about the recovery from tummy tuck, but I know that will likely give me the best results. Would I still be able to get good results from lipo? I am 40 yo.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding whether you should consider a tummy tuck or achieve results through Vaser liposuction. By examining your photos, it’s clear you have both excess skin and fat. Liposuction alone would remove the excess fat, but it would leave you with even more visible excess skin. For that reason, I recommend a tummy tuck. This procedure would remove the excess skin, tighten your abdominal muscles, and help create a flatter abdomen. In combination with liposuction of the flanks or love handles and maybe even the lower back, this could give you a more defined waistline and an hourglass shape.

Recovery from a tummy tuck can be more involved than liposuction, but the results are often more transformative, especially in cases with loose skin and muscle laxity. Most patients take about two to four weeks off from work and daily activities, depending on the extent of the surgery. You will need to wear a compression garment for several weeks, avoid heavy lifting, and follow your surgeon’s post-op care instructions. Swelling and bruising are common in the early weeks, but as these subside, you will begin to see the results. Full recovery may take three to six months, with most people returning to normal routines within 6-8 weeks.

In your case, a tummy tuck would address the skin laxity and stretch marks, which liposuction alone would not. Many surgeons offer waived consultation fees through RealSelf, so I recommend having multiple consultations to gather as many professional opinions as you desire.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Mark H. Tseng, MD · Answer

Hi Giving360239,I would like to help you with your questions!It's important to understand that Vaser liposuction and tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) are two different procedures that address different issues. Vaser liposuction targets unwanted fat deposits and can improve body contour, while a tummy tuck primarily addresses excess skin and loose abdominal muscles.
While liposuction can remove excess fat, it may not significantly improve skin laxity or stretch marks. Tummy tuck, on the other hand, can effectively remove excess skin and tighten the abdominal muscles, resulting in a flatter and smoother tummy area.
Based on your concerns about skin laxity and stretch marks, it's possible that a tummy tuck may be the best option for you. However, this can only be determined after a thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can assess your individual situation and recommend the best course of action.
In terms of recovery, it's true that a tummy tuck typically involves a longer recovery period than liposuction, but this can vary depending on the extent of the procedure and the individual's healing process. At Tseng plastic Surgery, we can provide you with more information about what to expect during the recovery period.
Ultimately, the decision between Vaser liposuction and tummy tuck depends on your individual goals, concerns, and budget. It's important to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your unique situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for you.
Warmly,Dr. Mark Tseng

Giuseppe Fiore, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and pictures. Given your concerns about skin laxity and stretch marks from pregnancy, and if your goal is a flat stomach without loose skin, a tummy tuck is likely the more suitable option for you. While Vaser liposuction can effectively remove fat and somewhat improve body contour, it may not adequately address significant skin laxity and won't remove stretch marks.

However, if you're not ready for the longer recovery time of a tummy tuck, combining liposuction with skin tightening (Renuvion) could offer some improvement, though the results might not be as significant as a tummy tuck. It's important to discuss your goals and concerns in your upcoming consultations to determine the best course of action for your specific needs.

This approach is ideal for fat removal and body contouring, and it can also improve your waistline if your body allows it. Combining Vaser liposuction with J plasma-Renuvion or Bodytite can increase the likelihood of skin tightening. In my clinical experience, I prefer using Renuvion and usually combine it with Vaser liposuction because it provides better results in terms of body shape and skin tightening. Renuvion only requires one session and is typically performed under general anesthesia or sedation in a hospital setting. Bodytite requires one session in combination with Morpheus 8 (three sessions four weeks apart).

My preferred approach, which involves circumferential body Vaser liposuction and Renuvion/J plasma, is an excellent option for women or men who want to improve their body contour and silhouette with fewer scars and avoid a tummy tuck. Before undergoing Vaser liposuction, a preoperative assessment is necessary to determine if you are a suitable candidate. This assessment may include factors such as a BMI less than 30-32, overall health, and any medications you are taking.

I strongly recommend scheduling a consultation with an expert body contouring surgeon for a medical and surgical assessment to determine the best treatment plan for you. I wish you all the best in achieving your desired results.

Sincerely,
Dr. Fiore

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. VASER liposuction is not interchangeable with a tummy tuck. As a Total Definer board certified plastic surgeon, I use the appropriate tool and surgery to give the best results. Liposuction alone will not give you good results. I often use VASER liposuction 360 degrees, fat transfer to hips and buttocks (if needed) with a full abdominoplasty. This will give an hourglass figure which most women desire. The initial upfront cost is higher, but doing it stepwise or ending up with multiple corrective surgeries after suboptimal results is even more costly. See a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in advanced body sculpting techniques for an in person consultation/evaluation. Good luck.

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

Vaser ultrasound liposuction will remove stubborn fat from belly and waist, will tighte skin to a degree without bigger surgery and recovery of tummy tuck. If you are ok with improvement, some possible lax (but much better) skin and easier recovery, then Vaser is good option.

However- If you want tightened muscles and flattest belly with no skin laxity, then tummy tuck would give best results.

An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended to further discuss your best options and expectations.

Navjot Singh, MD, FACG · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and pictures. Given your concerns about skin laxity and stretch marks from pregnancy, and if your goal is a flat stomach without loose skin, a tummy tuck is likely the more suitable option for you. While Vaser liposuction can effectively remove fat and somewhat improve body contour, it may not adequately address significant skin laxity and won't remove stretch marks.

However, if you're not ready for the longer recovery time of a tummy tuck, combining liposuction with skin tightening (Renuvion) could offer some improvement, though the results might not be as significant as a tummy tuck. It's important to discuss your goals and concerns in your upcoming consultations to determine the best course of action for your specific needs.

Anuj Purbey, MBBS · Answer

Thank you for sharing your considerations. It's great that you're taking the time to explore your options and weigh the pros and cons.
Considering your concerns about cost, recovery, and desired results, it's positive that you're being thorough in your decision-making process. Vaser liposuction and a tummy tuck serve different purposes, and the choice between them often depends on individual goals and anatomical factors.
Here are a few points to consider:
Vaser Liposuction:Effective for contouring and removing localized fat deposits.May provide some improvement in skin tightening but is generally more suitable for individuals with good skin elasticity.Shorter recovery time compared to a tummy tuck.
Tummy Tuck:Addresses both excess skin and fat, making it effective for individuals with major skin laxity and extensive stretch marks.There are greater health risks involved. Requires a longer recovery period.Typically more expensive than Vaser liposuction.
Given your concerns about skin laxity and stretch marks, I recommend discussing your specific concerns with experienced Vaser liposuction expert who can thoroughly examine your skin and advise on the most appropriate treatment for you.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Based on the nicely posted photos in my over the Real Self internet opinion, you need full TT with muscle plication + lipo on flanks and waist. Lipo only, especially the VASER, WRONG option! Did you see a boarded Plastic surgeon or some non surgeon in a clinic or MedSpa? Expect fees from $8,000+. Best to virtual consult with....

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Choosing the correct procedure should be based on having a clear understanding of what the primary problem is. In other words, the first step is to make an accurate assessment or diagnosis. Based on that you then choose the treatment that appropriately treats the problem.
There are four variables that determine what someone’s abdomen looks like. Each of these variables has its own way of being treated. If someone doesn’t like the abdomen, it is always because of one or more of these for variables.
The four variables determine what time is abdomen looks like our abdominal, scan laxity typically do to previous pregnancies for weight loss, excess subcutaneous fat, muscle separation from previous pregnancies or excess visceral or intra-abdominal fat.In your case, the primary problem is abdominal, still laxity, most likely due to your previous pregnancy. The second most important variable is muscle separation also related to previous pregnancies. You have a modest amount of subcutaneous fat, but this is not what’s contributing to the shape of your abdomen. Your concerns are all related changes due to previous pregnancies. Previous pregnancies do not change fat distribution and fat. Distribution is not your primary issue. For this reason, Liposuction is not a great procedure for you. It will reduce your subcutaneous fat, but that is not the reason your abdomen looks the way it does. If you want a tight, flat, abdomen or an abdomen, that looks more like it did before your pregnancy, then you need a full tummy tuck. Nobody wants to have a tummy tuck, but it is the correct procedure to reverse pregnancy related changes which is what is causing your abdomen to look the way it’s currently does.
You can certainly have Liposuction, but it will not give you an impressive result. Liposuction is Haily appropriate to treat your love handles waste back and under arm area, but not the front of your abdomen.
I suggest patients schedule multiple in person, consultations with local board-certified plastic surgeons to first and foremost. Get an accurate assessment and better understanding of various treatment options. The Doctor Who evaluated you for Liposuction should’ve explained that the inherent limitations of the procedure, and should have recommended a full tummy tuck.
You are a textbook, quintessential tummy tuck candidate.
In the end, the decision to have cosmetic surgery is often based on what people are willing to go through and what they’re trying to achieve. If having a flat tight abdomen is not important and you were simply trying to reduce your subcutaneous, fat layer and look a little more slim and clothing. Send Liposuction may be appropriate. It will not give an impressive looking result, but it will reduce your subcutaneous fat layer.Results for both procedures, vary substantially based on who you choose as your provider. Liposuction, especially has quite substantial variation in outcomes, depending on who you choose. Not all plastic surgeons have the same level of skill and experience, and choosing the right provider is quintessentially the hallmark of what determines someone’s outcome.
To find the right provider, patients should have multiple consultations. I personally recommend avoiding virtual consultation instead, relying exclusively on in person, consultations whenever possible. During each consultation, spring pictures of your own body to use as a reference. During each consultation, ask each provider to open up their portfolio and show you their entire collection of before, and after pictures of previous patients who have similar body characteristics to you around. This means the same amount of skin laxity, muscle, separation and subcutaneous fat. And experience provider should have no difficulty showing you at least 50 sets of before, and after pictures of commonly performed procedures like abdominal liposuction, or a full tummy tuck. Being shown a handful of preselected images, representing the best results of a providers career or seeing results of patient aware different candidacy for the procedure than your own is insufficient to get a clear understanding of what average results look like in the hands of each provider. Insist on seeing a sufficient number of before and after pictures to get a clear understanding of an average results look like especially a patient who had similar body characteristic to your owner. Seeing five or 10 sets of pictures is insufficient to get a clear understanding of what average results look like. Experienced surgeons will have hundreds or even thousands of before and after pictures to choose from. Take an active role in the consultation process recognizing it is your responsibility to that the provider and try to decipher who is the most skilled and experienced provider among the various candidates you are interviewing.
 You are definitely a good candidate for a tummy tuck, but not a particularly good candidate for Liposuction. This means the only thing standing in the way between you and an excellent tummy tuck result is choosing as efficiently talented provider.
Judge Tommy Tucker results based on who gets the most natural looking belly button with a very low sex scar that follows the anatomic contours naturally and evenly on both sides. The torso should look balanced, attractive and proportionate from all angles, including from behind. Some individuals may need an extended tummy tuck or additional liposuction, especially on the backside to get an ideal outcome. if somebody recommends having liposuction in conjunction with a tummy tuck, then you should vet the provider for both Liposuction and tummy tuck results. Do not assume that somebody knows how to do liposuction because they showed you quality tummy tuck results. Insist on seeing sufficient numbers of before and after pictures for each and every procedure that’s recommended for you.I recommend patients start by having at least five in person, consultations, and consider rescheduling more if they have any questions regarding having found the best provider for your procedure. 
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Pierre Gordon, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Dear Giving360239, Thank you for your question. Liposuction and a tummy tuck are made for different issues. Liposuction is meant to treat stubborn fat that is underneath the skin. A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is meant to address excess skin that is not expected to retract completely to give an anesthetic result if only liposuction is done. In your case, liposuction alone would take away the fat that is underneath the skin, but would not do enough to treat the skin that is folding over. As a result a tummy tuck would give you the better result. The recovery is manageable and the scar can be placed low enough to be hidden by underwear or bikini.

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