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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10 answers to “Cutting out fat for Mini Tummy Tuck...”

A: Generally the fat attached to the skin removed is cut out

By Richard P. Rand, MD - Seattle Plastic Surgeon

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.

A: Many ways to peel an apple.

By Robert M. Freund, MD - New York City Plastic Surgeon

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!

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

By George J. Beraka, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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... more

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

By Stephen A. Goldstein, MD - Denver Plastic Surgeon

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... more

A: direct approach may be best with tummy tuck

By Richard Baxter, MD - Seattle Plastic Surgeon

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... more

A: Liposuction and Abdominoplasty can go hand-in-hand

By David Shafer, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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... more

A: Different problems can require different solutions

By Robert T. Grant, MD - New York Plastic Surgeon

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... more

A: Usually both are done

By Steven Wallach, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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... more

A: The fat is not the only issue

By Shahram Salemy, MD - Seattle Plastic Surgeon

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... more

A: Lipo vs. Mini Tummy tucks

By Steven H. Williams, MD - Bay Area Plastic Surgeon

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... more

Comments

BGL
1 post
30 Nov 2008

I am planning on getting a tummy tuck in 09. I get 4 wks pd vacation days,however, i didn't want to take them all for my surgery. Is it far fetched for me to think that I could go back to work in 3 wks or should I plan for a full 4 wks?? I have a desk job with no lifting.