Hello Doctors! I am 24 years old and I do not have kids. I have some loose stomach skin that hangs that I really want to get rid of. Not sure if I should do 360 lipo or have a tummy tuck. I do not have any kids, and I don’t want any until 5 years or so. Would you recommend lipo or the tummy tuck? Thanks!
Hi there! The best treatment option depends on how much loose skin you have, and the condition of that skin. If it is a mild amount, you can consider nonsurgical skin tightening with radiofrequency treatments, for example. The best results require a series of them once a week for 8-10 weeks on average. If there is more loose skin, then a tummy tuck is an option. In addition to removing excess skin, tummy tucks typically also include tightening of the ab muscles, which is not recommended if you are planning to have kids in the future, since it would not stretch the same way non-tightened abs would. This is a good thing if you are done having kids, but if you are not sure or plan to, it is best to skip this step for now. You may not need it anyway if you have not had large weight changes or pregnancy in the past (the usual reasons for diastasis recti, or the separation between the abs). Liposuction only reduces the volume of fat present, and does not tighten the skin.
Thank you for sharing your question. Unfortunately without photographs or an in-person examination it is difficult to offer definite advice. In most cases a woman should have completed her family before a tummy tuck and at 24 most are better suited towards liposuction. Hope this helps.