Tummy Tuck: Prices, Photos, Reviews, Info, Q&A

Best Procedure For Loose Skin

Choosing between an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) or liposuction of the abdomen is determined by the ability/inability of your skin to retract after the procedure.

In patients who have retained good skin elasticity are typically good liposuction candidates. If your skin is loose then you will need an abdominoplasty, which can potentially be done in conjunction with liposuction depending on your needs.

Therefore you will most likely benefit from an abdominoplasty as liposuction will remove the fat but will not tighten the skin rolls. Make sure that you consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon as they will be better able to counsel you as to which procedure or combination thereof after an in-person examination. (Pedro M. Soler, Jr., MD, Tampa Plastic Surgeon)

Alternatives to tummy tuck for loose skin before

It is impossible to give a definitive answer without an examination, but I can at least give you some generalities. The choice between a tummy tuck or liposuction is based on the elasticity of your skin.

If there is minimal skin excess and the skin has retained its elasticity, than liposuction may be the proper choice.

Liposuction relies on your skin to contract and fit your new form after the fat is removed. If the skin has lost its elasticity through pregnancies, weight changes, or age, than a skin tightening procedure is needed. A tummy tuck allows the excess skin to be removed.

It can be combined with liposuction when needed. If you have rolls of skin or muscle laxity, it is likely that a tummy tuck is a better option for you.

Alternatives to tummy tuck for loose skin iimage before

The best way to find out the options for your belly would be to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. During the consultation, an individualized treatment plan that meets your needs can be developed. (Jeffrey Rockmore, MD, Albany Plastic Surgeon)

Tummy tuck or lipo

The laxity of your skin and the condition of the abdominal musculature will determine whether you are a candidate for tummy tuck or liposuction. Influential considerations include childbirth, weight fluctuations and presence of a diastasis. I suggest that you see a board certified plastic surgeon for evaluation. (Robert L. Kraft, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)

Belly rolls need a tummy tuck

Alternatives to tummy tuck for loose skin photo of patient

The decision comes down to skin laxity when deciding between tummy tuck or liposuction. Given the fact you have skin excess and ‘belly rolls’ our bet is tummy tuck is right for you. (Peter E. Johnson, MD, Chicago Plastic Surgeon)

Tummy tuck vs liposuction

Without an exam, a definitive answer cannot be given, however I will try to give you some guidelines. A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is useful when a patient has excess skin, fat (rolls), and possibly a loose abdominal wall. If your skin is relatively loose and has created “rolls,” it is much more likely that you would be better off with a tummy tuck.

Liposuction simply removes excess fat, but if you have a significant amount of excess skin the rolls will remain. During a tummy tuck the abdominal wall (muscle layer) is frequently tightening up (plicated) to reduce the bulge that often results after one or more pregnancies. I believe that you live fairly close to my office so feel free to come in for a complimentary consultation. (Eric T. Emerson, MD, FACS, Charlotte Plastic Surgeon)

If you have loose skin you will need a Tummy tuck

Alternatives to tummy tuck operation for loose skin

Liposuction is a great procedure to remove bulges of fat but unfortunately it does not tighten the skin. If the skin is loose before the liposucktion then it will be as loose or looser after the liposuction. A combination of liposuction and a tummy tuck in the right patient gives awesome result.

You will need to consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to find what specific procedure will give you the best results. Ask for before and after photos. If you are interested you can review my article on Abdominal paniculectomy in the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons Sept, 2011. (Carl W. Lentz III, MD, Orlando Plastic Surgeon)

Rolls of skin need a tummy tuck

Alternatives to tummy tuck surgery for loose skin

Liposuction removes fat but does not do anything for rolls of skin. Tummy tuck on the other hand will remove the excess skin and fat and is most likely a better choice for you. However without pictures it can’t be said for sure and perhaps your desire not to have scar will mean that liposuction it the ideal procedure for you. A formal review by a plastic surgeon in person would most likely help you answer your questions. (Martin Jugenburg, MD, Toronto Plastic Surgeon) Photos of the areas of concern would be very helpful in order to assess what would benefit you the most-liposuction will address mainly density and little or no loss of skin elasticity while a tummy tuck will get rid of excess loose and lax skin. In most cases we address a tummy tuck with lipo because patients typically have concerns about excess skin and density (Edward J. Bednar, MD, Charlotte Plastic Surgeon)