Can You Have Lipo And Tummy Tuck At The Same Time

Can you have a tummy tuck after liposuction? A tummy tuck is a procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area. Can a tummy tuck reduce the appearance of liposuction results? It is possible to do both procedures at the same time, but this depends on your surgeon and your health. The best way to get an accurate consultation with a cosmetic surgeon is with a complimentary phone or in-person consultation.

Is It Possible to Get a Tummy Tuck and Lipo at the Same Time?

When you sit down with your plastic surgeon to discuss your body contouring goals, you may want to ask him or her about the possibility of adding liposuction to your tummy tuck. For many men and women, a combination liposuction plus abdominoplasty can create enhanced results that meet or exceed expectations.

If you’re still on the fence about whether you should opt for a combination body contouring procedure, gathering as much useful information as possible can help you make the best decision for your individual situation.

What’s the difference between a tummy tuck and liposuction?

Although sometimes referred to interchangeably as similar treatments to help slim the waistline, liposuction and a tummy tuck are definitely not one and the same.

Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that uses suction to remove isolated pockets of subcutaneous fat that aren’t responding to diet and exercise. On its own, liposuction can help get rid of pesky love handles, back rolls and belly fat, but this treatment won’t be able to address excess skin or muscle laxity that often results following a pregnancy or massive weight loss.

A tummy tuck, on the other hand, does remove excess skin while tightening loose or separated abdominal muscles to achieve a smooth, toned physique. However, if you’re also bothered by areas of stubborn fat in transition areas surrounding the tummy (like the flanks or love handles), a tummy tuck alone is not likely to be the most effective option.

Choosing a plastic surgeon for your body contouring procedure

Abdominoplasty and liposuction are two cosmetic procedures that aim to change the appearance of the midsection. Both are performed by plastic surgeons and are considered cosmetic, so they are not covered by health insurance. Liposuction is suitable for removing small fat deposits found on the hips, thighs, buttocks, or stomach area, reducing bulges and improving contour. However, it is not recommended for weight loss and should not be performed by obese individuals.

Tummy tucks also remove excess skin from the abdomen, which can be stretched out by pregnancy or weight changes. This procedure can restore a flat and contoured midsection by bringing the rectus abdominus back together. However, it may be considered a good option for those with a body mass index over 30, considering pregnancy in the future, actively trying to lose weight, or having a chronic heart condition.

Liposuction and tummy tucks require incisions and anesthesia, with liposuction being performed intravenously and tummy tucks requiring incisions and anesthesia. The procedure may take several sessions to achieve the desired result, and it is essential to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience performing these types of surgeries. Before and after photos are requested to ensure the surgeon can deliver the desired results.

How Is a Tummy Tuck Considered a Medical Procedure?

A tummy tuck is a medical procedure that can be considered a medical necessity, especially for those who have undergone a bariatric procedure and have excess skin that can cause pain and hinder weight loss. Health insurance providers may consider a full tummy tuck if the excess skin can interfere with exercise and prevent weight loss or maintenance.

Stress urinary incontinence is a common condition in women who have given vaginal birth, caused by a weak pelvic floor and characterized by urine leakage when the bladder is stressed. A full tummy tuck can restructure the pelvic region to strengthen the pelvic floor and better support the bladder, preventing stress urinary incontinence-related accidents from occurring.

Back pain treatment can also be treated through a tummy tuck to tighten loose abdominal muscles and improve posture. Muscles in the lower back and spine can become weak due to poor posture or traumatic injuries, leading to the painful cycle of poor posture. Tummy tucks can help alleviate back pain and improve posture.

The procedure involves general anesthesia, an incision at the bottom of the skin covering the abdominal wall, sew the muscles together if they have become stretched out, pull tight the skin over the abdomen, trim off excess skin, and close the incision with sutures. The surgery typically takes two to three hours and is done in one session.

What are the expected results?


Procedure Results Possible Complications Recovery Process
Liposuction

  • Flatter, more proportioned midsection post-recovery.

  • Results are intended to be permanent.

  • Fat deposits may reappear elsewhere after a year.

  • Weight gain can lead to fat reaccumulation, typically not in suctioned areas.




  • Numbness (temporary or permanent).

  • Contour irregularities (wavy or jagged skin appearance).

  • Fluid accumulation (seromas may form).

  • Rare risks:

    • Infection at incision site.

    • Internal organ puncture.

    • Fat embolism (fat piece trapped in blood vessel).






  • Recovery depends on the number of areas treated.

  • Possible swelling, draining, and bleeding at incision site.

  • Compression garment may be recommended.

  • Regular activity can resume within 48 hours.

  • Avoid heavy lifting and extensive cardio until doctor approval.


Tummy Tuck

  • Results are considered permanent.

  • Stronger and more stable abdominal wall.

  • Excess skin removed will not return unless weight fluctuates or pregnancy occurs.




  • Higher complication risks compared to other cosmetic procedures.

  • 8.5% readmission rate due to complications.

  • Common reasons for readmission:

    • Wound complications.

    • Infections.



  • Other risks:

    • Changes in sensation (numbness in abdomen and upper thighs).

    • Fluid accumulation (temporary pockets may form).

    • Tissue necrosis (damaged fatty tissue may need removal).






  • Incision covered in surgical dressing, changed multiple times.

  • Compression garment or “belly binder” provided.

  • Walking with assistance within one day to prevent blood clots.

  • Prescription pain relievers and antibiotics may be needed.

  • Surgical drains may be in place for up to two weeks.

  • Initial recovery phase lasts six weeks with follow-up appointments.

  • Avoid positions that involve abdominal extension or bending backwards.


Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *