Will a Tummy Tuck Help my Back Fat? (photo)

In a short answer, no.  A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty will only treat the anterior abdominal area.  You will need liposuction to treat the bra fat in your back and flanks.  This can possibly be performed at the same time as your abdominoplasty, but your surgeon may be limited somewhat as to how aggressively the liposuction can be done at the same time as a tummy tuck.  

Congratulations on scheduling your tummy tuck.  You should see a great improvement in your contour from this procedure. However, the tummy tuck will have no affect on your back fat. You will need liposuction of the back to improve this area.  Discuss this with your plastic surgeon prior to surgery.  They may be able to perform liposuction of the back at the time of your tummy tuck to improve this area as well.  Best of luck,

         It’s not unusual for
patients with redundant abdominal tissue to also have localized fat collections
that are located in the posterior flank region. When this situation arises it’s
not unusual for patients to need both abdominoplasty and liposuction of the
flanks.

 

         When abdominoplasty
alone is performed, the back and flanks are usually unaffected by this
treatment. To correct the flank fat collections, liposuction of the back is
usually always necessary.

 

         Under these
circumstances, the combination of abdominoplasty and liposuction gives
excellent results and high levels of patient satisfaction. If you’re concerned
about back fat it’s important to discuss this issue with your plastic surgeon
before proceeding with abdominoplasty. 

Thank you for your question and the photos.

No, breast reduction and tummy tuck will not help back fat. You may consider liposuction of that area in the future.

To be sure, see two or more board-certified plastic surgeons in your area for a full and complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have surgery.  I hope this helps.

Liposuction is a helpful adjunct to remove excess fat from the hips, flanks, and back that isn't removed with a tummy tuck.  I frequently combine these two procedures and it can be done safely without adding much recovery time or discomfort.  Ultrasound-assisted liposuction is perfect for this situation as the ultrasonic waves help to eliminate the tough fat that can frequently accumulate in these areas.  Even more, some patients don't even need a tummy tuck and liposuction of the abdomen can be done at the same time as the back, hips, and flanks to smooth out the abdominal area. 

Congratulations on deciding to have a Mommy Makeover.  This will not only look good, but it will make you feel good, and in my experience, has increased self-esteem among my patients tremendously.  The abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) does not directly address the fat on your back.  However, most plastic surgeons will liposuction the hips (muffin tops) at the same time as a tummy tuck, and to add in liposuction of the upper and mid back (back fat) will not significantly add to the length of the surgery. 

This is an important question to ask of your plastic surgeon - will he or she feel comfortable doing this added liposuction at the same time as a tummy tuck and breast reduction.  Each surgeon has his or her own comfort level and experience, and you need to go with your personal plastic surgeon's recommendation. 

Congratulations again on your wise choice of a Mommy Makeover. 

 

Hi, I would certainly recommend that you speak with your plastic surgeon regarding this concern. Because you plan on having surgery already, your board-certified plastic surgeon may be able to give you feedback on whether incorporating some liposuction with your Tummy Tuck would give you the result you are looking for. Best of luck to you!

If you are concerned about the back fat, you should undergo liposuction at the same time as tummy tuck.  From your side view, you will benefit from tummy tuck.  By the posterior (back) view, you have lipodystrophy in the upper back.  Tummy tuck will not affect the contour of the back; therefore, liposuction should be done to address the area concerned.  There are several types of liposuction available.  Please discuss with your plastic surgeon.  Please remember that compression garment will be important after tummy tuck as well as liposuction.

Although a Tummy Tuck will not directly affect your back fat, liposuction of your concerning areas of the back will most definitely.   There are several liposuction techniques available to treat the denser fat of the back.   


I would discuss your concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon to ensure he or she addresses this for you.

 

I wish you a safe and healthy recovery.

 

Dr. Gill

Thanks for your question, and for attaching photos. 

What I usually call back fat is covered by your clothing in the photos. However, whether you are talking what I would call the back or the flanks, I can say with some certainty that the TT alone will not correct that (those) areas, and that liposuction added to the procedure would do so. 

 

By the way, if the problem only occurs when you have on a bra, the solution may be weight loss, or at least a bra that is not constricting. 

Best wishes.