Would Like to Know the Risk of Doing Lipo on Thin, Stretched Skin?

Question

Thanks for taking the time. I know I need a TT,working on it :-) would like to know the risk of doing lipo on thin,stretched skin? Would like to harvest fat.

Jose Perez-Gurri, MD, FACS · Answer

The better question should be...........Am I really a candidate for lipo of the abdomen with my present thin skin? Based on the photos you have provided, I would caution you against having lipo done to the abdomen. Your basic issue is not localized area of fat which is what lipo will improve. Your main issue is a very laxed abdominal skin following pregnancy. Perfoming lipo of that area will only serve to  worsen your situation. I would recommend that you consider a tummy tuck. Always seek out a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery with years of experience in tummy tucks. Good luck.

William Bruno, MD · Answer

If you have thin, stretched out skin with stretch marks, the skin may have contour irregularities after liposuction.This means there could be dimples, indentations and depressions in the skin due to its poor elasticity.Consult with several surgeons to see if you are a good candidate.Best wishes,Dr.Bruno

Richard L. Zeff, MD · Answer

If your concern is primarily to harvest fat and it's not an large amount of fat, then the changes will probably be minimal. But if you're doing it to improve the contour of the abdomen, then you should expect loose stretched skin to remain that way.  It may not hang any more than it does now, but it will tighten minimally and will at best be flatter and a little rumpled or irregular. Only tummy tuck can correct the loose skin satisfactorily.

Mark Deutsch, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for allowing me to answer your question. It appears from your picture that you have thin, loose skin with not much fatty tissue underneath. In these cases liposuction alone is unlikely to give you a result you will be happy with and abdominoplasty with liposuction and tightening of the abdominal muscles will give a better result. It is important to seek consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who can examine you and give you the proper guidance.

George C. Peck, Jr, MD · Answer

Liposuction will only remove fat; it will not tighten the skin. If you take air out of a balloon, the balloon envelope will get wrinkled. This is the same affect on the abdominal skin.You may be better off waiting to have an abdominoplasty to tighten the abdominal wall muscles and skin, while removing the fat in the lower abdomen. You will have less stretch marks and you will have a tight abdomen. The total cost of surgery is $6000, which includes the Board Certified Professional fee, Board Certified Anesthesia fee, and Medicare Approved Surgicenter fee.Hope this helps.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

If you are considering only liposuction on your abdomen then you will not be happy with results.  The quality of your fat under the central abdomen will be quite fibrous and will not liposuction out well.  Most likely it would be poor quality for fat grafting.  You would be a better candidate for an abdominoplasty.

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

You can safely have a liposuction under your thin stretched skin as long as you find a qualified plastic surgeon to do it.

Megan Jack, MD · Answer

The main risk would be worsening of the skin laxity and contour irregularities/dimpling.  There are other risks that aren't associated with the skin such as scars, swelling, bruising, blood clots, etc etc. You seem to be fairly thin and mostly have skin laxity so likely are best served with a tummy tuck to remove the extra skin and tighten the abdominal wall.  If you are looking to harvest fat for fat transfer, unless you are planning to put the fat in your face you may have a tough time because you don't look like you have much fat. Tough to say base on this pic alone though so your best bet is to schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in body contouring surgery and fat transfers.

Robert T. Buchanan, MD (retired) · Answer

Liposuction can be done anywhere there is excess fat. If the overlying skin is lax and has poor tone, it will remain the same. It is fine to do liposuction with this kind of skin as long as you understand what the skin will be like after the surgery. This can be covered with clothing. One of the happiest patients I have ever had was an older lady who had significant lax skin after the liposuction since it made her look significantly better in clothing.

Would Like to Know the Risk of Doing Lipo on Thin, Stretched Skin?

Answers (9)

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