I have Lost my Waistline After Tummy Tuck, Will Lipo Help Contour?

Question

About five years ago, after 2 kids and several years of breastfeeding, I had a breast reduction. I requested a tummy tuck as well. I was not a good candidate for the TT as I was still overweight. I had a full TT and I no longer seem to have a waistline. My curves are gone and my upper ab area is larger than the lower abs. Can liposuction contour my waistline? I am currently on a sensible diet and exercise program to lose my remaining lbs but I am uncertain if it will give me optimal results.

Aaron Stone, MD · Answer

Without photos or a face to face examination it is impossible to know what is going on what surgery if any would be helpful. The upper abdominal prominence you describe can be anything from loose muscle that can be tightened by revision abdominoplasty, fat that can be liposuctioned, excess skin that can be removed by revision abdominoplasty to a hernia that can be repaired.
	
	I hope you realize that this format of posting questions and receiving answers lacks the face to face direct communication required for you to make an informed decision regarding your surgery.
	
	My response to your question/post does not represent formal medical advice or constitute a doctor patient relationship. You need to consult with i.e. personally see a board certified plastic surgeon in order to receive a formal evaluation and develop a doctor patient relationship.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Tumescent liposuction is such a great contour procedure under local anesthesia and shapes the waistline easily- especially after tummy tucks.  You can be back to work in 2 days and easy to undergo.  Sincerely,

	David Hansen,MD

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

Liposuction is great for contouring the abdomen after a tummy tuck. I frequently combine these two procedures and the patients love the look that they get. It's hard to give you an exact answer without seeing you, but it sounds as though liposuction is the way to go.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Although it is not possible to give you precise advice without direct examination,  it is very  likely that liposuction surgery will improve contours of the abdominal wall and flank areas after tummy tuck surgery.

	It will be in your best interest to meet with well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons in person to discuss your goals.

	Best wishes.

Donna Rich, MD · Answer

This question is hard to answer without photographs or a personal examination. Liposuction can contour the waist line and the upper abdomen if the upper abdomen fullness is due to fatty tissue and not abdominal wall laxity. As always, it is best to be close to your ideal body weight before any plastic surgery procedure, especially liposuction.

I have Lost my Waistline After Tummy Tuck, Will Lipo Help Contour?

Answers (7)