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Is Liposuction Necessary when Having Tummy Tuck?

I have had several consultations with different plastic surgeons about having a Tummy Tuck done. Two of the plastic surgeons told me that they would just do the Tummy Tuck, without Liposuction as it can be dangerous if done at the same time. Two other plastic surgeons said that they would do Liposuction to the flanks, and also right under my rib cage, above my belly button. I am really confused! I am going back to the one ps who said he would do both at the same time and ask him more questions about it. I just want to be safe. Is Liposuction really necessary? Or can some area already be tightened with just Tummy Tuck?

Asked 32 months ago by akra in 45840

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abdomen flanks

Tummy Tuck - With or Without Liposuction

Recent reports state that conservative liposuction with a tummy tuck(abdominoplasty) does not significantly increase the risks to the patient or the flap. This surgery is never necessary and you ultimately have the decision on what surgery is performed. If your surgeon is recommending liposuction and has the experience performing liposuction with a tummy tuck, I would follow his recommendations.

Richard P. Glunk, MD

Philadelphia Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Liposuction to the flanks is usually safe with a tummy tuck

In about 20% of my tummy tucks, I also do liposuction laterally to the flank area as this is not treated by the tummy tuck. The key is to not perform liposuction to areas where the blood flow to the skin of the tummy tuck would be injured and increase the risk of healing complications.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Liposuction can be safe with Tummy Tuck

I think each patient is different. Most patients can have some liposuction done at the same time as an Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) and liposuction to the upper abdomen is almost always done at the same time. The most important thing is safety for the patient. If I thought that it would be too risky then I would recommend that the liposuction be done at a separate procedure. One way to limit the risk with liposuction is to limit the amount of fat removal and the length of the procedure. I... more

Allen Clark III, MD

Montgomery Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS

Yes and No

I consider myself a conservative and safe surgeon. Yes, liposuction can be performed on that abdominal flap in the superior abdomen at the time of abdominoplasty. However, this does run the risk of injuring the blood supply to the flap and thus increasing the risk of wound healing problems. In addition if the lower part of the flap is not or cannot be defatted than the result is more fullness in the lower abdomen which can give the appearance of an unfinished surgery. However,... more

Christopher L. Hess, MD

Fairfax Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Liposuction with abdominoplasty is safe if done correctly.

Hi! It sounds as if you do need liposuction. In New York City, we do abdominoplasty together with liposuction safely all the time. The key is how the tummy tuck is done. We use a MINIMAL UNDERMINING abdominoplasty technique which does not damage the blood supply to the skin. This makes simultaneous liposuction safe.

George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Liposuction and a tummy tuck

This is a very interesting topic. Textbooks have stated that it is risky to perform abdominal liposuction at the same time as a tummy tuck, but recent plastic surgery articles have discounted this. In my practice, I'll liposuction the flanks only with a tummy tuck to help preserve the blood supply to the abdominal skin. The feeling is that extensive liposuction above the belly button could disrupt the blood supply to the skin flap. A little liposuction would probably be fine, but I... more

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Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Tummy tuck with liposuction works fine.

I like to do liposuction at the same time as a tummy tuck because it helps the skin advance and makes you look thinner. I have to be careful not to do much in the area above the umbilicus because this is the area of maximum stress. The waist area and front part of the hips are a good place to contour the tummy tuck for a nice results. The tummy tuck will tighten the skin and the liposuction will improve the contour and transition areas. Best Wishes Dr. Peterson

Marcus L. Peterson, MD

Saint George Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Abdominoplasty and liposuction

There are many issues here which are too complex to answer completely in this format but I will try to simplify. Some physcians have concerns with any combination of the procedures and feel that there is an elevated risk of deep venous thrombosis. This, at one time in the past, let the Florida State Health officials to limit performing these combinations to hospitals or surgery centers only; this moratorium has since been lifted. Many physicians are reluctant to perform liposuction on... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Liposuction with tummy tuck is safe and can add to the result

The reason some of the plastic surgeons you met are concerned about safety with liposuction and tummy tuck is that if done without care particularly in smokers, it can add to the risk of the skin edge dying and this can lead to delayed healing. The good news is that over the last decade tummy tuck techniques have been modifed by many plastic surgeons making the combination of liposuction and tummy tuck much safer and more predictable. The advantage of combining both techniques is that... more

Nicholas Carr, MD

Vancouver Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS

Depends on your anatomy

There is some controversy about lipo at the time of abdominoplasty. If done with caution and not to and undermined flap I feel as if it can be done safely. Whether or not it is neccessary depends upon where you have fatty excesses. In some cases if they are not addressed at your initial surgery you might need to have it done later to maximize your result. Just address your concerns with the plastic surgeon that you like the best and I'm sure he/she can put your mind at ease. Good Luck! more

Scott Tucker, MD

Winston Salem Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Can't answer this with a simple yes or no

Every case is different and each surgeon has their own preferences for performing a particular operation. In some cases liposuction may not be necessary at all and in others it may enhance the result. When performed at the same time as a tummy tuck, one needs to be aware of a variety of issues pertaining to the blood supply and the surgeon you met with can discuss this with you in greater detail. Most of my cases are performed in combination with some degree of liposuction.

Darrick E. Antell, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Liposuction can help improve the waistline and upper tummy during lower or mini tummy tuck

I frequently do liposuction of the flank or waist area and the upper tummy above the belly button when doing a mini or lower tummy tuck.When a lower tummy tuck is done and the 'belly button" is not repositioned, excess fat and loose skin can persist in the upper abdomen. Also, following tummy tuck, which tightens the lower abdominal skin, the flank or waist area can look full.I have found that liposuction can be very helpful to re-contour the upper abdomen and flank or waist area during... more

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