Can my hips be lifted with a tummy tuck?

Traditionally, liposuction was not combined with skin removal procedures such as tummy tucks because of concerns about the blood supply to the skin.  This has changed recently.  Limited liposuction of the flanks has been routinely used with tummy tucks by most surgeons for sometime, but recently more extensive liposuction has been safely performed as part of a lipo-abdominoplasty.  It benefits patients by contouring the entire trunk and improving waist definition if there is excess fat.  A extended tummy tuck or circumferential body lift is another alternative that removes more skin and fat simultaneously.  This procedure is helpful in lifting the outer thighs and buttocks while defining the waist in patients with loose skin.  Unfortunately the scar will be longer, but easily hidden under underwear if placed appropriately.  Both procedures are very safe and effective in the hands of an experienced surgeon in a healthy patient.  Be sure to ask to see before and after photos for both procedures and to discuss the pros and cons of each procedure in someone of your height and weight.

Far more important than deciding if TT is for you is the skill and experience of your plastic surgeon. Choose your surgeon rather than the technique and let him explain why one technique may be better than another and if you need a tummy tuck. Many board certified plastic surgeons provide a free first time consult and you should take advantage of that! See the below link on some suggestions on finding the most qualified Plastic Surgeon for you!

I frequently combine liposuction of the hips/flanks/love handles with a tummy tuck.  Liposuction of the neck, breasts, arms, and thighs can also be done safely with a tummy tuck.  In order to make your buttocks higher, I would recommend a body lift or circumfirential tummy tuck.  I frequently use this approach to flatten the belly, to provide a much more narrow waist, and to perform a buttock lift.  It's hard to tell you the best procedures to meet your aesthetic goals without photos or seeing you in person, but I am located in Baltimore which is pretty close to you. Thank for your question!  Dr. Schreiber, Baltimore Plastic Surgeon