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Cutting out Fat for Mini Tummy Tuck Instead of Liposuction?

I had a mini Tummy Tuck 3 weeks ago, and the doctor cut out the fat instead of liposuctioning it. I was wondering, does it matter how he took out the fat?

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20 Doctor Answers | Asked by poca in chicao IL

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The fat is not the only issue

When performing a mini tummy tuck, it's important for the surgeon to not only address any excess fat that may be present, but also to evaluate the abdominal wall muscles as well as the quality and the amount of skin. In most cases I will directly excise the fat so as to precisely control the thickness of the skin and fat that remains, and then plicate or tighten the muscles of the abdomen before removing any excess skin that's present. You can achieve good results with liposuction of this... more

Direct approach may be best with tummy tuck

With abdominoplasty, whether a mini or full, my preference is to remove the fat from the central portion by directly cutting it out. Using liposuction on the part that is raised up as a flap may pose some additional risk, but it is commonly used on adjacent areas such as the waist or hips. By thinning the flap with direct removal of the fat, it gives a lot of control to the thickness and creates a surface for sutures called "progressive tension" which means less drainage (your... more

Many ways to peel an apple.

If you are thin and only have a little extra fat just below the belly button, cutting the fat out may be less traumatic then liposuction. Liposuction is still ideal for removing the fat in areas where there is no easy access through a surgical incision. Relax and enjoy the results!

Surgical removal of fat with mini-tummy tuck: What’s the best technique?

Liposuction is a broad term that defines the surgical removal of fat utilizing a small hollow tube (cannula) with holes on one end and a vacuum source on the opposite end. Today, there are different types of liposuction being performed There are four categories of liposuction fat extraction: · Standard Liposuction · Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction · Power Assisted Liposuction · Laser Assisted Liposuction What they all have in common is... more

The liposuction cannula is just an instrument, like a scalpel.

Fat can be removed by cutting it out or with different types of liposuction. The main advantage of liposuction is that you avoid an incision (and a scar). Since you had an incision anyway for the mini tummy tuck , cutting the fat out is probably fine. It depends on where exactly the fat was. I assume you also had some loose skin and that's why you had the mini tummy tuck approach? Anyway, if you look good, you had the right operation.

Liposuction and Abdominoplasty can go hand-in-hand

Poca, With most cases of abdominoplasty and mini-abdominoplasty, I perform both liposuction and the fat excision. However, it all depends on your fat distribution and amount of redundant or loose skin. So, there really is not a one-answer-fits-all solution as to whether cutting the fat out or if liposuction is the best answer - usually they go hand-in-hand. Hopefully, you are happy with the results you received. David Shafer, MD Shafer Plastic Surgery

Usually both are done

Mini-tummy tucks usually consist of 1) small excision of skin and subcutaneous fat of the lower abdomen, sometimes 2) liposuction of the abdomemn and hips, and 3) tightening of the lower abdominal musculature. If you are very thin and only had loose skin in the lower abdomen, then it may have only required some skin and fat excision.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Lipo vs. Mini Tummy tucks

In my practice near San Francisco we encourage patients to think of their abdomen as two parts. The first is abdominal volume, the second is the skin envelope around the abdomen. Each may have a need for cosmetic improvement and the approach for managing a particular patient must be carefully tailored for that patient. Lipo is great for targeted permanent fat removal but not as good for skin envelope reshaping. Even with new gadgets like "laser lipo" most of the time if there is... more

Liposuction versus direct removal of fat

The main difference between an excisional lipectomy (cutting out the fat) and liposuction is the technique. Direct excisional lipectomy allows for quick sculpting of the fat without distortion from tumescent solution. However, many feel that liposuction allows for preservation of sensory nerves, blood supply, and lymphatic vessels which improve postoperative sensation, wound healing, and lower rates of seroma or fluid collections. Many surgeons will perform both procedures to complement each... more

David Bogue, MD

6 reviews

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

www.drbogue.com

Different problems can require different solutions

Liposuction works best for discrete areas of local excess fat covered by skin with good elasticity that can shrink down after the fat is removed. This leads to improved contour. When the overlying skin is loose than liposuction alone can result in more sagging skin. As a result excess skin and its attached fat is often removed in this scenario. In a 'mini-abdominoplasty' the improvement in body contour achieved is focused on areas below the belly button. A full tummy-tuck carries the job... more

Tummy tuck vs liposuction- how fat is removed

Both procedures will remove abdominal fat- in the case of the tummy tuck, the skin and fat is removed en-bloc, while a liposuction procedure removes fat discontinuously. Both procedures are effective at improving abdominal contour, but must be applied to the right patient.

Cutting Fat vs. Liposuction

One technique is not inherently superior in conjunction with Tummy Tuck. It is common to use both techniques as part of our efforts to give the best results.

Liposuction and Mini Tummy Tuck

The way the fat is removed when sculpting the abdomen depends on where it is located. In a mini tummy tuck, there is usually excess skin located in the lower abdomen. A smaller incision than a traditional tummy tuck will allow removal of this excess skin as well as any fat in that area. However, there is usually some excess fat located laterally in the love handle region as well as superiorly in the upper abdomen. Liposuction is a good option in removing this fat... more

What is a mini-tummy tuck

a mini tummy tuck is best when the loose skin is primarily in the lower abdomen, below the belly button. the scars can be limited to scars within the bikini line. liposuction can be combined with a mini tummy tuck to nicely contour the lower abdomen. the other advantage to a mini tummy tuck vs liposucion alone is that the muscles of the abdomen can be tightened if necessary with a mini tummy tuck.

Liposuction causes less bruising

When I perform an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), I usually liposuction the abdomen and flank area before removing the excess skin. I find that this gives a better result, including a better defined waistline. This also allows me to improve the areas beyond where I'm cutting out skin. As I am closing up the incision, I will often remove fat by cutting it out at the ends of the incision as well as in the pubic area to help flatten out the mons pubis.

Methods of Fat Removal with Tummy Tuck

With Tummy Tuck surgery, the loose lower tummy skin is removed with its fat. In addition fat from adjacent areas is sometimes removed as well to get better contours. Because the blood vessels supplying the skin are located just over a distinct layer called Scarpa's fascia, it is safe to remove the fat underneath this layer without damaging the skin. This can be done directly as was done in your case.

Liposuction versus excision of fat in a tummy tuck

When performing a mini tummy tuck, the technique that is used to remove the fat depends on the surgeon's preference but more importantly on the distribution of fat in your abdomen. If the majority of your fat is in the central and lower part of the abdomen, it may be best to during the mini tummy tuck. If your fat is distributed throughout your abdomen and besides, liposuction may be necessary. In our practice, every patient that receives a tummy tuck receives liposuction. This is... more

Generally the fat attached to the skin removed is cut out

With a tummy tuck, there is skin removed. The fat that is attached to that skin is cut out with the skin. Sometimes, there is other fat in the upper abdomen or the flanks that is liposuctioned at the same time as the tummy tuck.

Resecting fat versus liposuctioning fat.

I think that resecting the fat, dermolipectomy, if performed in a very limited area, is very reasonable alternative to liposuction when performing tummy tuck. see video

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Mini tummy tuck is seldom a good operation.

I seldom see a good candidate for a "mini tummy tuck". The surgeon who performed your operation removed fat directly as is always done with a full or partial abdominoplasty. He might also have employed liposuction to enhance your results. Ask him.