Is it common to need abdominal lipo after a tummy tuck?

Question

I recently got a tummy tuck done and I still have a tummy pouch leftover. I spoke with my doctor about this and he said I would need lipo in the abdomen. Is this common? I thought that was what the tummy tuck was for? :/

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thanks for the question. Sometimes you do need to have liposuction with a tummy tuck. This is more to contour the abdomen. Commonly it is done at the same time as the initial surgery. It can be done afterwards but that can leave some skin redundency which may require a further revision.
I think if your surgeon felt that you might need lipo then he should have discussed this with you before the surgery as to whether it would be combined or done therafter. Sometimes, it might just be that the area will settle and therefore it would not be required. 
I would wait till all the swelling has settled down and this would be around 6 months from the time of surgery. If it is that there is a sudden increase in swelling, very shortly after the surgery then you should check with your surgeon to rule out any possible collections forming (seroma) or haematoma - if it is quite soon after the surgery. I hope this is of help to you 
BW

Julio Clavijo-Alvarez, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Thanks for sharing your question. I can appreciate your concern.
  
The straight answer is: Lipo could be needed after a tummy tuck if  the thickness of the abdominal skin is increased prior to surgery. A tummy tuck only removes tissue from the front of the abdomen. It does not decrease the thickness of the remaining skin. If there is excess of skin on the circumference, an up and down scar may be granted to improve the excess skin. Finally, make sure that your doctor is aware of your process. She/He should be able to guide you best in your care.
Wishing you the best in your journey
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: It is difficult to say what is exactly happening with your case without a physical examination, testing or having done your surgery. It is imperative that you have a thorough examination by a board-certified surgeon. Only then, you may weight better the options to fix your current concerns.

Susan Buenaventura, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, you don't mention your height or weight, or if you had a full tummy tuck or "mini".  Tummy tuck will tighten up the abdominal muscle, remove excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen and pull the upper abdominal skin down to close the tummy tuck.  If you still have additional fat on the skin that is left behind, liposuction may be appropriate.  If you are not overweight, then it would be unusual to need liposuction after a tummy tuck.  Remember they are different operations, some patients need both.  Do give it enough time to heal before being too concerned!

Adolfo Sesto, MD · Answer

Hi. Not to my knowleddge is not common. What is common is to develop a Seroma (colletion of fluid between the abdominal muscles and the skin) that needs manual drainage.International Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
Member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS)
Member of the International Confedaration of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (IPRAS)

Is it common to need abdominal lipo after a tummy tuck?

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Answer: Is it common to need abdominal lipo after a tummy tuck?

Answer: Is it common to need abdominal lipo after a tummy tuck?

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Is it common to need abdominal lipo after a tummy tuck?

Answers (4)

Answer: Is it common to need abdominal lipo after a tummy tuck?

Answer: Is it common to need abdominal lipo after a tummy tuck?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.