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

Congratulations on your weight loss success! Based on your photos and the information you provided, it seems you may have a combination of excess skin and some residual fat. While Smart Lipo can help with fat removal and offers some skin tightening, it is not the best solution for significant skin laxity, especially after substantial weight loss like yours.
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, would provide the best results for your situation. This procedure removes excess skin, tightens the abdominal muscles, and provides a more contoured and smooth appearance. Additionally, a tummy tuck can address issues such as muscle separation (diastasis recti) that may have occurred due to pregnancy or weight fluctuations.
It's important to continue with your weight loss journey until you're closer to your goal weight, as this will help ensure optimal results. Once your weight is stable, consult with an experienced plastic surgeon to discuss your options further. Based on your concerns and photos, a tummy tuck is likely your best option for achieving the smooth, tight abdominal contour you're seeking.
Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHSHarvard, Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Trained Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonNew York, New York

Thanks for your question! SmartLipo will give a little bit of skin tightening but you have enough that I do not think you will be happy. You should really commit to a full tummy tuck for best results. Good luck!

Congrats on your weight loss! In person exam is essential. Based on limited photos - it appears that you would benefit from a tummy tuck to address excess skin+fat. In our Practice we offer "drainless" tummy tuck . I suggest that you seek an experienced Board Certified PS and discuss the details at your consultation

I have had many patients with a story and anatomy similar to you. In fact, less than 3 weeks ago we performed 360 liposuction and buttock fat transfer on patient who underwent a gastric sleeve earlier this year. You have options that include laser and/or radiofrequency assisted liposuction, mini tuck, or tummy tuck. There must be some things in place in order for liposuction to be a reasonable option for you. There must be excess stubborn fat present between the skin and the underlying muscle. This layer is called the subcutaneous space. You must have expectations that are realistic and this includes the fact that loose skin will still be present and may even be more loose appearing. Liposuction removes this fat and results in a smaller pinch and flatter abdomen, but it does not remove skin. The space where the fat used to be can be treated with energy-based devices such laser (smart lipo) and or radiofrequency (renuvion). These devices help stimulate contraction but the results are not the same as a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck is the most powerful way to tighten abdominal skin because skin is removed and the skin is sutured. Unfortunately, a tummy tuck requires general anesthesia and a significant recovery. Excess skin from below the belly button can be removed without the need for general anesthesia. This is called a mini tuck. A mini tuck requires a scar that is similar to a full tummy tuck. A mini tuck can be combined with liposuction and energy-based devices to further tighten the area. The best way to decide what option is best for you is to undergo a consultation with a plastic surgeon who offers all of these options.