Do I have enough skin for a Tummy Tuck? Was told Lipo 360 and Jplasma would be what’s needed. (Photos)

Question

In 2020 I received Abex treatment and SmartLipo. It did help to get rid of some excess skin at the lower abdomen, but I was left with upper stomach loose skin (I think), and pockets of fat in upper stomach and back. I was 180 at the time of treatment. I had gotten up to 235 during my pregnancy pre-surgery. I am now 5 years post surgery and 155lbs (5’8). I am now looking to get a MMO, and told my Surgeons office I was torn between BBL/TT/Lipo 360 OR BBL/BA+BL/Lipo 360. They told me they did not feel I had enough loose skin to perform a TT now. I can’t tell if what I have is fat remaining or loose skin. Would appreciate any guidance!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From the posted photos you appear to be a candidate for a tummy tuck.  The stretch marks will not be addressed by liposuction with J Plasma.  The stretch marks on the upper abdomen will be pulled lower and those on the lower abdomen will be removed.  Liposuction can be added for contouring if desired. I encourage you to visit with a few board certified plastic surgeons near you to help you understand teh direction you want to go.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Lipo 360 and Jplasma will do nothing for you except make your situation worse. Since you are wanting a mommy makeover I would begin with your breasts first. I recommend a breast lift using The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained. This procedure will also lift the upper abdominal skin and make it easier to perform a tummy tuck. At the same time or later, a tummy tuck can be done. If you are not planning future pregnancies, I recommend abdominoplasty with mesh reinforcement. The mesh creates a more hourglass figure by compressing the abdominal wall resulting in early satiety and helps maintain a reduced weight.

Best Wihses,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wihses,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Based on these photos, your problem with abdomen is horizontal skin laxity. Without an elliptic excision and scar that extends from chest bone to pubis it is impossible to solve that issue. Breast lift and augmentation would help to provide desired fullness; a small amount of fat grafts that can be harvested form your abdomen and flanks should be sufficient for small buttock augmentation since you already have nicely shaped buttocks. I hope this helps. Good luck.

Mark Eberbach, MD · Answer

Let me guess. The surgeon that told you that is not certified by the American board of plastic surgeons. They are some other “board”.

J plasma would leave you in horrible shape.

There is no question that you need a tummy tuck combined with some liposuction.

Run to a new surgeon.

Do I have enough skin for a Tummy Tuck? Was told Lipo 360 and Jplasma would be what’s needed. (Photos)

Answers (4)