What would you suggest to help me achieve a less awkward shape? Would I qualify for liposuction in both areas? (Photo)

Question

Would I qualify for lipo? Would I have to get a tummy tuck and arm lift? What procedure is best?

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

I reviewed all six photos. You do appear to have areas where liposuction could reduce fat, especially the waist/flanks, lower back, abdomen, and possibly the upper arms. The key issue is that the photos also show skin laxity and rolls, particularly around the abdomen and some looseness in the arms, so liposuction alone may not give the smoother shape you want.

For the abdomen, a tummy tuck is often a better shaping operation when there is loose lower-abdominal skin, overhang, stretch, or muscle separation. Liposuction can contour the waist and flanks, but it does not reliably tighten loose abdominal skin. If the skin has poor elasticity, lipo alone can leave looseness or irregularity.

For the arms, the decision depends on a pinch test and skin quality. If most of the fullness is fat and the skin is elastic, arm liposuction may be reasonable. If there is hanging skin or poor recoil, an arm lift gives more predictable tightening but does leave a scar. A common plan would be to reach a stable weight first, then consider a tummy tuck with waist/flank liposuction, and separately decide whether the arms need lipo or a lift after an in-person exam. The best procedure is the one that matches the amount of fat, the amount of loose skin, and the scar tradeoff you are willing to accept.

Igor Burko, MD · Answer

Hello, my name is Igor Burko, and I am a Plastic Surgeon at SY Aesthetics in NYC. I recommend you consult with a trained plastic surgeon who can give you their best recommendation. In addition, it is important to discuss what your expectations are prior to undergoing any procedure. You may be a candidate for multiple surgical options, however, your expectations will dictate which options is best suited for you.

Warren Schutte, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for providing photos. It does appear that you are a candidate for contouring of your arms and abdomen. For your abdomen, abdominoplasty with lipo would be a great aesthetic change. You could even consider back and posterior flank liposuction to enhance shape. Depending on your arm skin quality, arm lipo will aid in debulking and contouring but a brachioplasty (skin removal) may be recommended if skin doesn't have great elasticity.

Ramin Behmand, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question, and those photos are really helpful! Focusing solely on liposuction for your back and abdomen can make a significant difference. However, I believe you'll be even more satisfied with the results if you combine it with a tummy tuck. Although the recovery for a tummy tuck is more involved compared to liposuction alone, it ensures that you won't experience any loose skin on your stomach. Additionally, it provides a pubic lift simultaneously.

I recommend avoiding the arm lift procedure. Your arms already look good, and the incremental improvement isn't worth the visible scar. Additionally, I wouldn't recommend liposuction on your arms to prevent any potential laxity. Dr. B.

I recommend avoiding the arm lift procedure. Your arms already look good, and the incremental improvement isn't worth the visible scar. Additionally, I wouldn't recommend liposuction on your arms to prevent any potential laxity.  Dr. B.

Arif Eroglu, MD · Answer

Hello; you have too much fat in your abdomen. Furthermore, you have too much skin laxity. Already, in the lower abdomen; you have started to sag slightly. When fat is erased; this situation will increase even more. By lipoabdominoplasty, you will get the best solution; for your belly area. If you want your belly button not to be touched; Vaserlipo and Renuvion J Plasma procedures were applied to the abdomen; excess skin can be removed from the lower abdomen. Your waist and back fat; that taken with Vaserlipo; for tightening, again, Renuvion J Plasma can be done. For your hip bottoms, fat injection was made; the image can be corrected. For arms; absolutely, no need for an arm lift. Arm with Vaserlipo and Renuvion J Plasma methods; your problem can be resolved without any incision.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

I would recommend liposuction of the full abdomen and flanks in 1 procedure and lipo of the midback, axillae and arms in another done just a day apart under local with iv sedation for complete comfort.  Cost is roughly $11,000 each and so worth it. You are back to work in 2 days and back to the gym in 1 week.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding the best procedure to help you achieve a less awkward shape and whether you would qualify for liposuction.

Based on the photo and your goals for a more contoured figure, you would be a good candidate for Lipo 360 combined with a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL). Lipo 360 involves comprehensive liposuction around the entire circumference of your abdomen and back, effectively enhancing the natural contours of your waist, hips, and lower back. This fat can then be strategically re-injected to enhance the buttocks during the BBL, providing a more balanced and appealing body shape.

However, it's important to consider that by removing a significant amount of fat from your abdomen, you may experience some degree of skin laxity if the skin's elasticity is not sufficient to retract smoothly. This means that while Lipo 360 and BBL can give you the curves you desire, you might eventually need a tummy tuck if your abdominal skin becomes lax and begins to hang post-procedure.

A tummy tuck would remove excess skin and tighten the abdominal area, ensuring a smoother and flatter stomach. This procedure can be planned as a separate stage if necessary after assessing the results of the liposuction and BBL.

As for an arm lift, this would depend on the amount of excess skin and your personal comfort with the appearance of your arms. An arm lift (brachioplasty) is specifically targeted to remove sagging skin from the upper arms, providing a more toned appearance.

I recommend consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can provide a detailed physical examination and discuss the best comprehensive approach tailored to your body and aesthetic goals. This will help ensure you achieve a pleasing, natural-looking contour with balanced proportions.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

From your photos, one thing you should consider is weight loss medication such as Ozempic to help you get your weight to the desire level. Another alternative is liposuction. Liposuction can remove 10 lbs. safely of the abdomen and arms. However, it is possible that the skin will hang and you may need a tummy tuck or brachioplasty.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. You are a good candidate for 360 Lipo + Tummy tuck. This would help improve your shape and remove the excess skin from your abdomen.

Steve Laverson, MD, FACS · Answer

Probably some combination of fat removal, skin tightening, and body contouring procedures would adjust your shape to a result you're pleased with but expect a recovery process, associated scar(s), and imperfections.   The "less awkward" form you desire should be clarified in consultation for specific recommendations.

What would you suggest to help me achieve a less awkward shape? Would I qualify for liposuction in both areas? (Photo)

Answers (16)

More Liposuction Questions

Am I a candidate for arm liposuction or do I need an arm lift? (Photo)

Can you lipo jowls? (Photo)

I have a dent on my thigh caused by a DPT vaccine while I was young. I would like to know if it can be corrected (Photo)

Post-liposuction fibrosis or too much fat removed? (Photos)

What can be done to help me achieve a flat, tight, sculpted stomach? (photos)

Can I get lipo in my abdomen and between my breasts? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS