Is Liposuction Or A Tummy Tuck Better For Me?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am confused about whether a just need liposuction or a tummy tuck. I am 5’ 3” and weigh 128 lbs. I have had two children but do not have stretch marks, I can only stretch my skin about an inch or two but it definitely is not loose. I have some excess belly fat  which looks strange on me given how thin I am everywhere else. My stomach muscles are tight and I don’t think there is any separation in them.

A:  I could not think of a better description of the indications for liposuction than in your question. A tummy tuck is needed when  one can grab more than an inch or two of skin, have one or more fat rolls, and can feel that there is separation of their vertical rectus muscle in the midline. Improving any or all three of these undesired abdominal features can justify the low horizontal scar that is the necessary sequelae of any form of a tummy tuck. The lack of stretch marks is significant because that signifies that your abdominal skin still has some elasticity…a key element in the successful obtainment of smooth abdominal skin after liposuction.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana