Tummy Tuck or BodyTite? Looking for decent results without downtime and risks. (photos)

Question

I’m 5’7, 145lb, 44 yo female. I’ve had two children and have lost about 100lbs. I’m nervous about the recovery of a tummy tuck because I don’t have a ton of support. I realize that a tummy tuck would guarantee good results but would BodyTite be able to get me decent results without the downtime and risks?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello booklover321, and thank you for your question regarding BodyTite versus a tummy tuck to improve your abdomen after weight loss and pregnancies.

After examining your photos, it appears you have excess abdominal skin that contributes to irregularities in the appearance of your stomach. While BodyTite, a minimally invasive skin-tightening procedure, could provide some partial improvement, it would not address the significant skin laxity you have. For the most comprehensive and dramatic results, a tummy tuck is the superior option.

A tummy tuck not only removes the excess skin but also allows for muscle plication, where the rectus abdominis muscles, which tend to weaken and distend after pregnancies, are sewn back together. This step is essential for restoring a flatter and more toned abdominal contour, especially after major weight loss and childbirth.

It’s understandable to be concerned about the downtime and risks associated with a tummy tuck, but it’s important to consider that this procedure would provide a much more significant improvement than BodyTite. While BodyTite may offer some temporary tightening, it will not remove excess skin or address muscle separation.

Every surgery carries risks, including those you’ve listed, but choosing an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon will help minimize these risks and optimize your outcome. If you’re nervous about recovery and support, consider discussing post-operative care options with your surgeon, such as in-home nursing assistance or enlisting help from friends and family during the initial recovery phase.

Ultimately, while BodyTite offers a less invasive option with reduced downtime, a tummy tuck will deliver the best and most lasting results for your concerns. I hope this helps you weigh your options and feel more confident about your decision. Best of luck!

Sincerely,
J. Timothy Katzen, MD

Afet Oncel Bozkurt, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hello, actually your expectations are important. Based on your photos, you'll need a tummy tuck for an excellent result, but body tite may help you also upto a point

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

I am confident to say that any liposuction with skin tightening would leave you extremely disappointed.  You are, by your photos, an excellent tummy tuck candidate.  It seems you are muscle may not have to be tightened, which brings most of the downtime to this operation.  You may consider a consultation with a plastic surgeon who specializes in tummy tucks to understand the healing process and what you can expect and returning to fairly normal activity.  Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear booklover321,

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

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

Firstly, Bodytite will do nothing for your tummy; there is no effective non-invasive body skin modality that I am aware of, please correct me if I am mistaken. Having said that, there are good options for you. The first question is if you have noticeable diastasis, meaning a bulge in-between your six-pack muscles when you do a sit up or plank type of action. Your muscles look flat in your photo so this is likely not a major issue in decision making. Assuming so, the I would recommend some liposuction  with skin excision and umbilical transposition. This is a tummy tuck type of skin excision with NO muscle tightening. This can be done with an oral cocktail for sedation and local tumescent anesthesia, so you never go "under". There are no drains with resumption of activity as tolerated. There is an overall lower complication rate and down time compared to a traditional tummy tuck.  This is a great option for many women out there . . . An in-person exam by an experienced body plastic surgeon will help guide you in your decision. Thank you, I hope this helps.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

BodyTite does produce some level of result, however, after your loss of 100 pounds your skin quality and result is likely not to be optimal. A tummy tuck performed in a accredited surgery center, with an anesthesiologist and a board certified plastic surgeon and the option of regional blocks postoperatively to keep your discomfort at a minimum, should allow you to have the best result that you can have while minimizing your downtime, all at low risk.

Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHS · Answer

Based on your weight loss and skin condition, a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) would likely provide the best results for you. BodyTite is a non-surgical skin tightening procedure that won’t be sufficient to address the significant skin redundancy and stretch marks. BodyTite won't correct the muscle issues or provide the same level of improvement that a tummy tuck can, which includes muscle tightening, skin removal, and addressing the stretched skin around the abdomen.
Additionally, a tummy tuck would deliver more lasting results, especially considering your skin quality after weight loss. If you’re concerned about recovery, you may want to plan for help during the recovery period. Ultimately, if you're aiming for the most dramatic and long-lasting transformation, a tummy tuck would be the more appropriate choice. It's important to discuss your goals and recovery concerns with your surgeon to find the best solution for you.
Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHSHarvard, Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Trained Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonNew York, New York

Rajaie Hazboun, MD, MBA · Answer

Thank you for posting your question here!My answer will be based on the information and pictures provided, for a personalized and detailed plan please consult with your plastic surgeon.Congratulations on your weight loss, what an achievement!From the pictures you do look like you have a lot of skin redundancy , way beyond what body tight can help with. I would recommend an abdominoplasty in your case , it also has the added benefit of tightening the muscles and improving your belly button. That being said , I understand your concerns with regards to recovery and lack of support , but I would still recommend the abdominoplasty once you are able to arrange for help during your recovery , if you are going to undergo surgery might as well get the one that will give you the results you desire even if you have to wait till you have help or ask for help from friends or family.I hope this help, best of luck!

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Do not consider BodyTite as it will not give the results you desire. After 100 lb. weight loss, you will need a circumferential body lift or extended abdominoplasty. Otherwise, you will end up with dog ears in or around your back.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Arif Eroglu, MD · Answer

Hello:Both your lower and upper abdomen have very poor skin quality. There is sagging in the lower abdomen. You have severe and deep stretch marks. You are definitely a candidate for a tummy tuck. There is no chance of achieving good results with BodyTite. Either go for a tummy tuck, or don’t do anything until you’re suitable for one.

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