During your consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your body contouring goals, you may want to explore the option of combining liposuction with your tummy tuck. For many individuals, a combination of liposuction and abdominoplasty can deliver enhanced results that meet or exceed their expectations.
If you’re still uncertain about whether to opt for a combined body contouring procedure, gathering helpful information can assist you in making the best decision for your unique situation.
Understanding the Difference Between a Tummy Tuck and Liposuction
While liposuction and a tummy tuck are sometimes used interchangeably to help slim the waistline, it’s important to note that they are distinct treatments.
Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that uses suction to remove stubborn pockets of subcutaneous fat that are unresponsive to diet and exercise. It can effectively target areas like love handles, back rolls, and belly fat. However, liposuction alone cannot address excess skin or muscle laxity that often result from pregnancy or significant weight loss.
On the other hand, a tummy tuck removes excess skin and tightens loose or separated abdominal muscles to achieve a smooth, toned physique. However, if you also have areas of stubborn fat around the tummy, such as the flanks or love handles, a tummy tuck alone may not provide the optimal solution.
Benefits of Combining Liposuction with Your Tummy Tuck
One significant benefit of adding liposuction to your tummy tuck is that your plastic surgeon can address exercise-resistant fat while simultaneously eliminating loose skin and repairing muscle tissue. This means you only need to undergo one surgery and have one recovery period, rather than two separate procedures.
Another advantage of a combined lipoabdominoplasty procedure is the potential elimination of post-surgical drains by using a layered suturing technique. This helps streamline your recovery, as you won’t have to deal with draining tubes and the recovery period is typically shorter than that of a regular tummy tuck.
Lastly, combining a tummy tuck with liposuction allows you to maximize your body contouring results in a way that is often not achievable with either procedure alone. As excess fat and loose skin frequently go hand-in-hand, addressing both concerns simultaneously is often the most efficient and effective approach.
When making a decision about adding liposuction to your tummy tuck, it is important to consult with a skilled plastic surgeon who can assess your specific needs and goals. They can provide
expert guidance and help determine the most appropriate treatment plan to help you achieve your desired outcome.”
Why Dr. Stephenson is uniquely qualified for your transformation
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Issued 2007 and Current
Approximately only 105 certifications per year have been issued since 1937
Member, The Aesthetic Society
Established 1967
Membership is by invitation only and the requirements are designed to limit membership only to formally trained and experienced board-certified plastic surgeons who specialize in aesthetic plastic surgery.
