40, 160lbs, Lipo 360 vs. tummy tuck, am I a good candidate for lipo? (Photos)

Question

I am interested in having Lipo 360 instead of a tummy tuck due to the less invasiveness and recovery time. I am ok with a small amount of wrinkly skin, but I am worried that due to excess skin I would not look much different. Am I good candidate for Lipo 360? Currently 40 years old and 160lbs.

Warren Schutte, MD · Answer

I do think you would appreciate a Lipoabdominoplasty or abdominoplasty. From the second photo you provided, your posterior aesthetics look good. I would also use caution on comparing liposuction to surgery as being less invasive or "easier." When considering my patients, those who do more lipo have a longer recovery - liposuction is painful.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

In your side view, you can see your abdomen protrudes anteriorly. You would be better off with a tummy tuck. If you are not planning future pregnancies, I recommend abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement. The mesh creates a more hourglass figure by compressing the abdominal wall resulting in early satiety and helps maintain a reduced weight.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Dana Goldberg, MD · Answer

You gave your age and weight, but not your height, making that info less helpful. From your photos, what I see is mostly intra-abdominal fat and diastasis. This means there is fat under the muscle layer, which can’t be suctioned, combined with loose muscles, which caused the abdomen to bulge forward. I do not think lipo would be successful. You might spend a lot of money and be disappointed because you could end up with both loose skin AND the same general shape.

Of course, sometimes anatomy in photos can be deceptive, so I urge you to seek the opinion of multiple Board Certified plastic surgeons. If three offer you a tummy tuck and one offers you lipo, be wary.

Of course, sometimes anatomy in photos can be deceptive, so I urge you to seek the opinion of multiple Board Certified plastic surgeons. If three offer you a tummy tuck and one offers you lipo, be wary.

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. A tummy tuck is not interchangeable with lipo 360 degrees. I often do these together in a case like yours. If you have liposuction only, you will still have an abdominal bulge no matter what the non-surgeons tell you. Yes, without a tummy tuck you will have sagging pubic area, loose lower abdominal and upper abdominal loose skin and a protruding abdominal silhouette. as a Total Definer surgeon, I use the VASER Hi Def Lipo technique for fat removal and sculpting and a tummy tuck with a low pubic bone level incision. If your main concern is the recovery time, then you will compromise your results and embarking on a second surgery might limit optimum results. See a board certified plastic surgeon for an in person consultation/evaluation. Good luck.

Justin Yovino, MD, FACS · Answer

You’re definitely a candidate for 360 lipo. This would cover the abdomen, flanks, waist, hips, love handles, and most of the back. Regarding the front of your abdomen, it would be a smaller version of what you have now. Come visit.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

It is rare to really need a tummy tuck anymore.  The advanced lipos with bodytite and morpheus under local/iv sed have had such great results that tummy tucks  are becoming less needed.  You would do just fine without the tummy tuck and risks associated with it.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Based on your posted photos, my recommendation would be doing a full tummy tuck with muscle repair to tighten the waist and protuberance of your abdomen from split rectus muscles. Along with liposuction of the waist flank and back in combination. Liposuction only would give you hanging skin, wrinkled, and dented skin, and not really improved the shape that much for the protuberance. Fees from $8000-$15,000. Best of virtual consult with.