After a Tummu Tuck without Lipo, how long before I can have the lipo of hips and flanks done? Is three months enough time?

Question

It's been a month that I had my tummy tuck.  The doctor suggested that I not do the lipo.  I had asked because I have a small waist to begin with and big hips didn't want it to be disproportionate.  The doctor suggested not to have lipo said I didn't have enough fat.  I am 5/4" and 124 lbs.   My legs are thin.  I work out but my stomach and sides were my problem area.  When i first had the tt it seemed fine because I was swollen, now one month later not swollen I feel fine I love my tummy but feel like I am wearing a donut around my hips.  I hate it so much I am having anxiety issues and attacks I am so obsessed with my hips that I don't want to go out anymore and will only wear loose clothing.  I feel so thin on top with huge donut hips.   When i went for my three week post op the doctor said it looked great.  He called the nurse to look also and I know that she noticed my hips.  I said I was going back to the gym  she said work out if it doesnt go away come back for the lipo so I know it's not just me.  I knew I should have had it all at once.  How long before I can have the lipo of hips and flanks done is three months enough time.  i want to call and schedule procedure right away so I can rest.  Has this happened to any one else  :{

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

At 5'4 and 124lb you don't sound like a heavy person that needs liposuction.  If you do have extra fat on your hips (is it really extra fat or is it your hip bones that are more prominent now?) that a liposuction sculpting can be performed at any time.  However, once again, at your heigh and weight, I suspect there is not a lot of fat to suction out.  Pictures would be very helpful.

	Sincerely,

	Martin Jugenburg, MD

Steve Laverson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thigh and hip liposuction is often performed in the prone position, but the tummy tuck supine.  Your hips/thighs bothered you before, but not as much as the tummy.  Now that the tummy is fixed, thighs bothering you even more (if I understand you correctly).  NOT A BIG DEAL!  You are small, and although it's bothering you, doesn't sound like it will be difficult or too expensive to have liposuction to trim hips/thighs/flanks.  

	In support of your surgeon, I must say that I too err on the side of conservatism.  Still, we can't always predict exactly how things will turn out, and how patients will feel about their result.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	I would suggest that you wait as close to one year after surgery before deciding on the need for additional surgery. It may take that amount of time for the skin to fully &ldquo;redrape".

	Best wishes.

Manuel M. Peña, MD · Answer

There is really no corelation between weight/ height and wether or not you would benefit from liposuction in these areas. Liposuction is a sculpting procedure to help you attain a desired shape (if possible and healthy), not a procedure reserved for the "heavy". I perform liposuction of these areas (all or some of these areas) in about 80% of the time. I initially consult with the patient using the computer analysis to "fix' the tummy , then we look at the rest of the areas and plan accordingly. In Florida we are limited to removal (by liposuction) of 1000 cs of fat when we combine it with ANY OTHER procedure (In an office operating room setting / AAAASF).. That amount ususually takes care of the problem areas in most of my patients.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Best to post photo of your result. But since you did not my guess is a minor liposuction of the hips under local anesthesia will set things right for you.

After a Tummu Tuck without Lipo, how long before I can have the lipo of hips and flanks done? Is three months enough time?

Answers (8)