I know a tummy tuck is recommended but could I get away with lipo 360 after losing over 70lbs? (photos)

Question

I've lost over 70lbs, and while I don't have thin, stretchy skin, I have a hanging stomach, and very soft fat. My arms have a slight amount of loose skin, but it's mainly just very soft fat. I'm not looking for a perfect body, but something similar in "shape" to the attachments. I am 5'0.5 and I weight between 132-135 on average. I know most would recommend a tummy tuck, but Could I get away with lipo 360 ? Could I get a general cost estimate? Could I get 5000cc taken out? Thank you!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

You need a formal evaluation by an expert in body shaping and contouring to determine what is best. The best in body contouring not only removes fat with energy devices like VASER ultrasound but also internally heats the skin with radiofrequency devices such as Renuvion (J-Plasma), InMode BodyTite, and ThermiRF to heat the undersurface of the skin and tighten it at the same time as fat removal. These combinations are called 4D HI-DEF VASER Liposuction and can only be done by a well-trained body contouring specialist. At the same time, fat should be harvested and purified, with PRP and stem cells added, and then injected into muscles, indentations and cellulite to get body shaping and contouring. For a Brazilian butt lift (BBL), we inject the fat into the buttock for contouring and lifting, but fat can also be used in areas such as the chest/breast, arms/shoulders, calves and face. Cellulite should also be treated with a combination of QWO or Cellfina, subcision, and/or fillers such as Bellafill, Renuva synthetic fat, or Sculptra. If skin is very loose before surgery, then it will need to be removed: tummy tuck/abdominoplasty for lower abdominal skin; breast lift for excess breast skin; and/or a brachioplasty for loose arm skin.

Overall, you need a full assessment, but simple liposuction alone will not tighten skin and needs a combination of various methods -- fat removal, skin tightening, defining, fat grafting, skin removal -- to get the best in body contouring and body sculpting. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer.

Overall, you need a full assessment, but simple liposuction alone will not tighten skin and needs a combination of various methods -- fat removal, skin tightening, defining, fat grafting, skin removal -- to get the best in body contouring and body sculpting. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @MissySosa thank you for your question and showing your pictures. From my experience of 21 years, the best way to go is combining treatments. Liposuction alone won't get rid of loose skin and diastasis and I it in the abdominal area. Besides each procedure serves a different purpose, a tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and strengthens the abdominal muscles, in which there is abdominal lipolysis, abdominal diastasis repair, skin removal with umbilical reconstruction. On the other hand liposculture we take out fat from all parts of the body to make it more harmonious. So if you just have lipo 360 without the Tummy tuck you are not going to like the results because the skin and the abdomen would look kind of weird. Is important to be clear with your specialist in the results that you seek. Best wishes!

Anshu Gupta, MD · Answer

If you elect to undergo liposuction only you will be left with even more loose hanging skin. The skin doesn't have enough elasticity to snap back to the new contoured body. I think you would be very dissatisfied with your overall results if you elect of liposuction only. An abdominoplasty + liposuction is the ideal treatment to give you a nice contoured midsection.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Based on these photos, it is unlikely that you will have good result and flat abdomen without skin excision by means of TT. However, you may consider starting with liposuction of abdomen and back with possible fat transfer for shaping and augmentation of buttocks and hips, as a first stage. Wait for 6-12 months and proceed with TT if result is not satisfactory. Single procedure, most likely will not solve the problem. Good luck.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

As you can see in your photographs, your skin is already hanging. Liposuction will cause more excess skin to hang and you will mostly likely be dissatisfied. However, liposuction can be done and 10 lbs can be safely removed during one session.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear MissySosa,
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

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your weight loss! From your photos you will not be able to achieve your aesthetic goals without a tummy tuck.  Liposuction can be added for additional contouring.  A tummy tuck will remove excess fat and skin as well as repair abdominal wall laxity.  The result will be a flatter, tighter tummy.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Dear Missy Sosa,
You absolutely require an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) to obtain the results you are looking for.  Liposuction of your sides and lower back (flanks) would be performed at the same time.
Lipo 360 will leave you wrinkled and possibly a bit hanging.
Dr. Taranow

Joshua B. Hyman, MD · Answer

Congratulations on the weight loss! Unfortunately, lipo will never be a substitute for a tummy tuck. I think liposuction 360 would be a step forward and have nice results but it will not give you a flat and tight abdomen. Abdominoplasty in someone your size is a two hour operation and recovery is about 5-7 days. I only use one drain in patients your size. Lipo takes months to heal and ultimately, you will still need a tummy tuck. Definitely go with the abdominoplasty and a board certified experienced plsatic surgeon.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

You can try large volume lipo of the 360 abdomen and trunk areas (not arms!). In Florida max lipo 4 liters so you would be outpatient hospital surgery. Lipo out patient is 6-8 liters+. Fees in $12,000 ranges. The issue is your excess abdominal lower skin. Most likely a second round of a full TT will be needed. Seek in person or virtual consultations with private practice boarded Plastic Surgeons ONLY! Not clinic ones...

I know a tummy tuck is recommended but could I get away with lipo 360 after losing over 70lbs? (photos)

Answers (11)

More Lipo 360 Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (11)

More Lipo 360 Questions

Do I still have inflammation/swelling at 6 months post-op? (Photos)

Fibrosis and pregnant after 360 lipo. Is it going to cause any problems? (Photo)

Lipo360, no BBL. Will it improve the shape of my butt? (Photo)

Do you think lipo 360 will give me good results? (Photos)

Can I get 360 Lipo without a tummy tuck and still see a result?

Which providers take high BMI for aggressive lipo 360?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS