Lipo Needed After a Tummy Tuck

asked 5 months ago by enstrs in Islamorada, FL
Latest answer by Robert Brueck, MD
Question viewed 226 times
Tags: flanks, bulge, hernia repair, normal

I had a tummy tuck w/hernia repair, lipo on the flanks and a breast lift w/implant 4 months ago. Around 3 wks post op my incision opened about 2 in. I am going in 10 days to have a scar & belly button revision. There is a small "bulge" above my belly button that my surgeon recommends having lipo on. Is it common to need lipo after a tummy tuck? What should I expect with lipo on the upper stomach?

10 answers to Lipo Needed After a Tummy Tuck

Lipo of upper stomach

It is not a common issue, but can happen. The problem is usually seen before surgery. Some attempts can be made to reduce it during the tummy tuck, but correction can be limited. Going in later is a better plan for patients who have this.

Michael Hueneke, MD
Nashville Plastic Surgeon

Is it common to need lipo after a tummy tuck?

A Full or Standard Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) removes all excess tummy skin (usually all the skin between the belly button and the Mons pubis) as well as flattens the tummy and narrows the waist. However, depending on the woman's size and the technique of tummy tuck used, minimal to moderate liposuction is done to avoid injury to the blood supply of the tummy skin and avoid disastrous death of the skin. If you had a prominent component of fat of the upper abdomen prior to having the... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Liposuction for tummy tuck revision is an acceptable option

Yes, revision liposuction can sometimes be necessary. It is also possible that one of your muscle tightening sutures became loose. It is impossible to say without having examined you. But yes, liposuction may be indicated to refine your contour. This is not out of the ordinary. If you need clarity before the surgery, return to your surgeon and ask further questions.

J. Jason Wendel, MD
Nashville Plastic Surgeon

Liposuction after tummy tuck

Sometimes liposuction is needed after a tummy tuck. I usually mention it in advance to the patients I feel may need it. I do not like to liposuctiont the abdominal flap that is elevated during tummy tuck as the same time as the tummy tuck for fear of having healing problems.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

It "depends"

Liposuction of the upper abdomen is often carefully combined with "tummy tuck" (abdominoplasty). If there is major fat localized at the upper abdomen it may not be possible to safely contour the area completely at the initial surgery due to concerns of blood supply to the tissues. Therefore, it is not uncommon to go back later and improve the contour through further liposuction. Your "bulge" may be caused by one or more... more

David J. Levens, MD
Coral Springs Plastic Surgeon

www.drlevens.com

Liposuction after Tummy Tuck?

Thank you for the question. Liposuction surgery after tummy tuck is not an unusual procedure. Your plastic surgeon is in the best position to determine what the “bulge" above your belly button is. Generally, recovery after liposuction surgery is relatively pain-free, specially after having undergone the tummy tuck operation. Best wishes. see video

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

Liposuction after Tummy Tuck

It is not unusual to improve the results of a tummy tuck with liposuction on a delayed basis. There is almost always additional fat in the abdomen that can be removed and although some liposuction can be performed at the same time as the tummy tuck it is safer to do that once the tummy tuck has healed.

John P. Stratis, MD
Harrisburg Plastic Surgeon

Lipo After Tummy Tuck

It sounds like your surgeon is offering you some revisions that will make things look better. It is common to do so.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Lipo post tummy

This should be easy to correct.It may be a little collection of fat or a small hernia.your doctor caneasily treat this.

Robert Brueck, MD
Fort Myers Plastic Surgeon

Contour deformities following tummy tuck.

Small contour deformities can occur following a tummy tuck. A small bulge that is attributable to subcutaneous fat can be corrected with liposuction or direct excision. Touch up liposuction is a relatively minor procedure. For the specifics of the procedure, you should sit down with your surgeon and go over the plan he/she has created for you.