5'2", 160 lbs. - Do I really need a tummy tuck or is Smart Lipo an option? (Photos)

I do not think smart Lipo would give you much improvement if any at all–from your photos, it seems you are and excellent candidate for a regular tummy tuck. A good examination is needed to give you more useful information. Good luck with your procedure

Smartlipo can only tighten the skin a small amount, if any. It is designed to remove fat, but not so much to tighten the skin. You may find that a tummy tuck to be more effective for you.

Dear sadeyoung,

based on your photos, you look like a good candidate for a TT. Full tummy tuck should tighten your abdominal muscles and remove the excess skin. Flanks liposuction would give you a better shape. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon because only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Unfortunately, there are no effective non-invasive modalities that tighten body skin. However, there are other options for rejuvenating your tummy. The first question is if you have noticeable diastasis, meaning a bulge in-between your six-pack muscles when you do a sit up or plank type of action. Your muscles look flat in your photo so this is likely not a major issue in decision making. Assuming so, the I would recommend some liposuction with skin excision and umbilical transposition. This is a tummy tuck type of skin excision excluding the muscle tightening. This can be done with an oral cocktail for sedation and local tumescent anesthesia, so you never go "under". There are no drains with resumption of activity as tolerated. There is an overall lower complication rate and down time compared to a traditional tummy tuck. This is a great option for many women out there . . . An in-person exam by an experienced body plastic surgeon will help guide you in your decision. Thank you, I hope this helps.

Based on your pictures, you have a moderate amount of skin like city. This is due, not only to your significant weight loss, but also to your previous pregnancies. In my experience, once that a sharp priest forms in the lower abdomen such as is visible in your pictures has formed, the results of any type of liposuction are very disappointing. The skin retraction is not sufficient to create a flat contour. Additionally, once the loose skin does shrink down, it can be left with wrinkles and folds, which can be very unsightly as well as difficult to correct. You are an excellent for a tummy tuck. The scar can be placed low on the abdominal wall and hidden in the bikini line which would make it imperceptible. That would leave you with a flat firm abdomen.

The decision between a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) and Smart Lipo (laser-assisted liposuction) depends on your specific goals, body type, and the current state of your abdominal area. If you want subtle fat removal and contouring, Smart Lipo may suffice. For a more sculpted, tight abdomen, a tummy tuck is likely needed.

It’s best to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your anatomy and goals. They can recommend the best option for you