Tummy tuck or liposuction after pregnancy

Liposuction will improve stomach with no scarring.

Just going by your picture, I think you don’t need a tummy tuck.

Well done liposuction (superficial and deep) with sub dermal tunneling will actually tighten the skin. (George J. Beraka, MD (retired), Manhattan Plastic Surgeon)

There are a number of things to consider when trying to weigh the benefit of a liposuction procedure verses a tummy tuck after pregnancy.

Tummy tuck or liposuction after pregnancy photo

The key is in skin tone and elasticity, and the condition of the abdominal wall. A significant laxity of the abdominal wall or diastasis will need a tummy tuck for the best outcome.

Also lax and over-folding of the abdominal skin will only respond to a tummy tuck.

If your abdominal wall is sound and strong, and skin does remain elastic you should consider the liposuction to contour the abdomen. Based on the photo, the tummy tuck scar may be best to avoid. (Peter E. Johnson, MD, Chicago Plastic Surgeon)

Plastic surgeon can best decide lipo vs tummy tuck

Since plastic surgeons have expertise in both procedures, they are in the best position to advise you after seeing you in person. Bear in mind that even with laser, there isn’t much skin tightening with lipo. Also, there are different ways to do tummy tucks and perhaps a mini would do. (Richard Baxter, MD, Seattle Plastic Surgeon)

Tummy tuck or liposuction after pregnancy picture

You appear to be quite fit and toned. That is a good starting point assuming your lifestyle and weight are stable. You have a number of conflicting issues: minimal scarring, getting rid of stretch marks. You have to prioritize your goals, what you can’t live with and what you can tolerate. There are many variations of tummy tucks, none of which are anatomically a perfect correction of anyone’s situation. I suspect that your main issue is too much and too loose soft tissue (skin and fat). If you stretch your skin out, I suspect that it will be quite flat, meaning the appearance of fat is due to the soft tissue excess, not to a real collection of localized fat. You can probably improve your tone and contour with a modified tummy tuck, but this will not solve your problem with stretch marks. That will require a full tummy tuck and a longer scar. You will need a comprehensive consultation with thorough exam, and review of what your goals and priorities are. (Robin T.W. Yuan, MD, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon)

Tummy tuck vs liposuction

Tummy tuck or liposuction after pregnancy image

It looks from your photo that you could go either way but you need to understand that the results will be quite different from each other and you need to honestly assess your expectations. Liposuction won’t tighten your skin and it won’t help with stretch marks or muscle laxity. On the other hand, you don’t look like you have enough extra skin to have a low scar from a tummy tuck. So visit with the best plastic surgeons in your area and see what you can expect from each. Don’t go to a non-plastic surgeon who only does liposuction and will tell you that laser lipo will be all you need. (Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS, Seattle Plastic Surgeon)

Tummy Tuck vs Liposuction

It appears from your photo that you are a reasonable candidate for either procedure. IF lack or scarring is important and if you have good skin tone, liposuction may be a good alternative for you.

Unfortunately your skin tone cannot be assessed on photo and you should obtain a consultation with a BC plastic surgeon who can assess your skin tone and explain the advantages and disadvantages of each procedure. Bear in mind that only a tt will address the stretch marks. (John Whitt, MD, Louisville Plastic Surgeon)