Tummy Tuck Vs Laser-lipo? (photo)

Liposuction of all types including #LaserLipo is less invasive and quicker to recover from than a Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty). This is because liposuction only involves removing fat from beneath your skin. Your body will cause the overlying skin to contract only to the degree it is capable, often leaving redundant skin which can be unsightly. In other words, you need good elasticity to get a good result. A Tummy Tuck involves removing redundant skin and tightening the underlying muscles. Sometimes liposuction is combined as needed with a Tummy Tuck for the best possible result. Your photos suggest that you probably are a candidate for a Tummy Tuck. The question is whether the shape of your abdomen is affected by an excess of fat, skin, muscle separation or laxity, or some combination thereof. This can only be determined by examination, so go ahead and consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Some of my patients elect to have liposuction first, and then opt for a Tummy Tuck if the results are not satisfying.

Liposuction in the right hands (BC PS) will yield the best result for you.  It appears that you have good skin and should not have loose skin after the procedure. 

Dr. ES

The basic question is whether to have a tummy tuck or liposuction. Laser lipo, which has several brand names, might help tighten skin slightly but is rarely of any significant benefit in my opinion and can cause problems with scarring in the fat layer. It is not safer than other forms of lipo. Tummy tucks are usually done after the skin has been stretched from pregnancies so lipo may be the way to go for you.

You appear to be a good candidate for liposuction.  Don't think you need a tummy tuck.  The laser is a great device, but it really does not have an advantage when it comes to liposuction (despite all the claims).  The most important consideration is the skill of your surgeon.  If liposuction is done properly, your skin is unlikely to get loose after your liposuction and put you in a position that you now need a tummy tuck to deal with it (it may be no tighter but is unlikely to be looser).  Have a look at before and after photos of patients who look similar to you and see what you think.  I've attached a link to this portion of my website.

Hello,

Thank you for the question and photo.  Although we all have some laxity it does not appear you have enough laxity to warrant a tummy tuck.  I think liposuction done well regardless of the modality will serve you well.  The key to good liposuction results is one part good patient candidate one part good surgeon technique.  The modality of liposuction plays a minimal role.

All the best,

Dr Remus Repta