Will the skin on my flanks retract from liposuction? (photos)

Question

Hi RealSelf, I am booked in for a male tummy tuck and liposuction on the abs & flanks in 5 weeks. I know the tummy tuck will address the loose skin on my tummy from a 20 kilogram weight loss but I’m worried that the skin around my flanks won’t retract from the liposuction. Do you think I will be left with saggy skin? Just want some piece of mind as the anxiety is kicking in! Thanks

Douglas S. Steinbrech, MD, FACS · Answer

The honest truth about your flanks.
  
After you have had a massive weight loss it’s clear that the skin on your tummy and your abdomen is going to be loose and saggy and absolutely needs to be touched.
  
However many times the tissues of the flagnk are misdiagnosed and both patients and doctors think that it’s only fat but it’s actually excess skin that has been stretched out because I have a muffin top from an additional 20 kg or 40 pounds.
  
The mistake is for the doctor and the patient to think if you suck out more faster than that one through the contour.
  
Unlike women, men will gladly trade and amazing results with a torso that looks like a 20 something-year-old for the incisions that are below their speedo line anyway.
  
It is a mistake to think that you can achieve this without punching out the excess skin on the love handles.
  
Just make sure that you look at the website of the surgeon to understand the techniques and make sure that they have as many before and Afters as possible for a 270 torso talk to be able to get the results that you want.
  
Good luck.
  
I hope this helps.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Patients do typically get some skin retraction on the flank area and it will help contour the area as well.  It is not uncommon to need additional liposuction after a tummy tuck though because the surgeon can't be too aggressive to the area at the time of a tummy tuck.  I would address your concerns with your surgeon.  Best of luck to you.

Alex Campbell, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. You appear to be a good candidate for liposuction to optimize your overall shape. The ideal liposuction candidate has localized fat deposits and quality overlying skin without significant excess skin or skin damage.  Fat can then be removed to strategically sculpt the body and accentuate your figure.  The skin then retracts over the new shape to give the final result.That said, you definitely have to choose your surgeon correctly and make sure that he/she has the training and experience to meet your goals with absolute safety.  A key quality indicator is Board Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  Don’t settle for less than a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with specialized expertise in this procedure.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Based on your photos and the fact that you are having a TT, abs and flank lipo, the skin on your flanks should retract. Wear your compression garment as specified by your board certified PS.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Based on your photos you will achieve your body goal with a full tummy tuck combined with intense liposuction including abdomen, waist, laterals and upper and lower back to improve your body contour and get better curves, especially in your waist area.
Kind regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Will the skin on my flanks retract from liposuction? (photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Will the skin on my flanks retract from liposuction? (photos)

Answer: Will the skin on my flanks retract from liposuction? (photos)

Answer: Tummy tuck / Lipo

Answer: Tummy tuck / Lipo

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Will the skin on my flanks retract from liposuction? (photos)

Answers (9)

Answer: Will the skin on my flanks retract from liposuction? (photos)

Answer: Will the skin on my flanks retract from liposuction? (photos)

Answer: Tummy tuck / Lipo

Answer: Tummy tuck / Lipo

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.