Do I need a tummy tuck or can I do liposuction? (Photo)

Question

I’m afraid of the scar for tummy tuck however I wasn’t sure if it’s what a I need I have a little bit of loose skin above the belly button and have been told I needed a tummy tuck to correct is it possible to do skin tightening and liposuction? Female age 37 3 kids (2004/2015/2019) healthy, 5’0, 110lbs

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding whether you need a tummy tuck or liposuction. Based on your photo and description, you appear to be an excellent candidate for liposuction. Liposuction alone could help reduce fat in targeted areas, leaving you with a slimmer and more defined appearance. If you are looking for even greater contouring, VASER liposuction might be an excellent option. VASER uses ultrasound technology to not only remove fat but also tighten the skin to some degree, which could address mild skin laxity above your belly button.

That being said, if your primary concern is the loose skin itself, liposuction alone may not resolve that issue entirely. While skin tightening from VASER lipo could help, it’s not as predictable as surgical skin removal in a tummy tuck. If the skin laxity becomes more of a concern, a tummy tuck would offer the most definitive solution by removing excess skin and tightening any underlying abdominal muscles if needed. However, with your current level of skin laxity, you might be able to avoid the tummy tuck and its associated scar for now.

I recommend consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in both liposuction and tummy tuck procedures. They can assess your goals and help you decide on the best approach for your unique body and aesthetic preferences.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. Based on the photos alone, you are a good candidate for liposuction. If you feel that your core is week or you have been told that you have a diastasis, then muscle plication may be needed.

Mahira Tanovic, MD · Answer

Hello!
This is a great question. From the photos you have provided, you may be able to have liposuction without a tummy tuck, depending on skin thickness, and if you have any loose skin. 
As always, an in-office consultation is required to really examine your abdomen and your own unique anatomy, as well as discuss the procedure and any questions you may have.
Best,Dr. Tanovic

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear THYTHi,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
 Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Anita Patel, MD, FACS · Answer

The main differentiating factor between tummy tuck and lipo is whether or not you have skin laxity, versus just excess volume. You're in great shape overall, and it's hard to tell the degree of skin laxity on the photo. Lipo is great at reducing excess volume, and creating a leaner shape and contours. It does not however tighten the underlying abdominal fascia, or remove excess skin, like the tummy tuck. One additional useful view would be the abdomen when bending forward. If there are a lot of wrinkles and loose skin in that view, then you may be a better candidate for a tummy tuck. Often after 3 pregnancies, there has been enough stretching of the skin and fascia, creating a small bulge or pooch, that makes one a great tummy tuck candidates. In person, a surgeon can determine if the contour is a result of a small amount of fat (where lipo and later skin tightening are sufficient, even if there is some skin laxity left), or if it's from stretched abdominal fascia or rectus diastasis (better off with a tummy tuck).

Morad Askari, MD, MBA · Answer

"Thank you for sharing your picture, and question. Combining liposuction and Renuvion skin tightening could be a potential option. Renuvion can help tighten loose skin, while liposuction addresses stubborn fat. However, the results depend primarily on your personal expectations and goals. Although these methods can enhance body contours and tighten skin, they may not provide the same degree of correction as a tummy tuck. I'd recommend a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss the options and choose the right one for you.
"

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

It appears that you have more fullness in the abdomen then would be expected based on the amount of overall fat you have. This suggests that you would benefit from a tightening or plication of your abdominal muscles and thus the abdominoplasty. Depending on the amount of skin laxity you may qualify for a modified procedure with a shorter scar. A definitive diagnosis and recommendation require an actual physical examination for proper assessment.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

If you have loose skin, liposuction can make it even looser. For that reason, a tummy tuck would most likely be more suitable. Nonsurgical skin tightening methods can be unpredictable and the results may not be as dramatic as you’d like.

Albert Ko, MD · Answer

You would be an excellent canidate for Bodytite to your abdomen and flanks. Its a liposuction and skin tightening treatment. Best of luck!

Robert M. Wald, Jr., MD · Answer

From your photos, I would recommend liposuction alone. You have good skin tone and your skin should retract well following liposuction. Since there is no sitting photo, I can't comment on any loose skin in this position. I would consult with you doctor who can examine you in person.

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