Lipo with tummy tuck - is it really needed?

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. This is your choice. Liposuction is a very useful tool in helping to shape and contour the fat so that all areas of the body match. When the stomach is flattened after a tummy tuck, having rolls on the flanks may not fit with the new shape. It’s your body and the results should stay true to who you feel that you want to be.

Thank you for your question.
Liposuction is not always needed when having a tummy tuck. Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Best wishes!

A tummy tuck is only intended to addresses stretched, sagging skin and muscle tissues—not fat deposits. Adding liposuction to remove stubborn pockets of belly fat can provide you with more comprehensive, flattering results. Liposuction is often added to a tummy tuck to achieve a more comprehensive body contouring effect by removing stubborn fat deposits alongside tightening loose skin and repairing abdominal muscles, resulting in a flatter, more sculpted appearance that can't be achieved with just a tummy tuck alone; this is especially beneficial for people who have localized fat pockets even after significant weight loss or pregnancy.

Dear MaeganRN21,
it is not needed to have lipo with tummy tuck. However, in most cases it provides additional improvement of the shape of flanks. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your weight loss. Liposuction is not always necessary with a tummy tuck and depends on each individual patient. It is often used for contouring the flank/love handle area to optimize the result in terms of contouring the back and sides. You may or may not need liposuction after your weight loss so your plastic surgeon will be able to make the recommendation based on your exam. If you decide not to have it at the time of the tummy tuck, it can be done at a later time if needed.

Thank you for your question. Liposuction is recommended with a tummy tuck, but not required. Liposuction will help improve the contouring effect, and sculpting your body. Sometimes a tummy tuck alone can leave you "square". However, specific considerations, including the quantity of extra fat, the quality of the skin, and personal objectives, determine whether liposuction should be combined with a tummy tuck. You should speak with a board-certified surgeon to choose the best option for your circumstance.

Thank you for the question. Liposuction is usually added to a "modern" tummy tuck for a few reasons. One, it allows us to reshape the flanks and give you a more hourglass shape, without having to extend the incision/scar around your back. Second, the upper abdominal skin/fat is usually thicker than the lower skin, so liposuction allows us to even it out to avoid a "ledge" or "shelf" forming right above the underwear line.

Hi,
Thank you for your question about the potential need for liposuction in conjunction with a tummy tuck, especially considering your significant weight loss. The decision to include liposuction as part of your tummy tuck procedure depends largely on your individual anatomy and specific body contours.
Liposuction is primarily used to remove isolated pockets of fat, but it does not address excess skin. During a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), the procedure focuses on removing excess abdominal skin and fat. Additionally, the procedure often involves lifting and reducing the pubic area, repositioning the belly button, and plicating or tightening the rectus abdominis muscles.
Given your history of substantial weight loss, plication of the abdominal muscles is highly recommended as it can help contour the abdomen and restore a more toned appearance. As for liposuction, it might not be necessary in your case. After losing a significant amount of weight, it's more common to have excess skin rather than substantial isolated fat pockets. However, if you do have areas of localized fat, particularly in the upper iliac crest (love handle region) or above the pubic bone, liposuction could be beneficial to enhance the contouring effects of the tummy tuck.
If you're uncertain about including liposuction, it's important to discuss this with your plastic surgeon. They can assess your specific needs based on a physical examination and provide recommendations tailored to your body. Remember, it's not mandatory to have liposuction if you and your surgeon don't feel it's necessary.
Consulting with multiple board-certified plastic surgeons can be helpful to gather different opinions and establish a consensus on the best approach for your situation.
I hope this information assists you in making an informed decision about whether to include liposuction with your tummy tuck. Wishing you the best in your consultation process and upcoming procedure.
Good luck.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Thank you for your inquiry.

For me to offer a valid medical opinion, it's essential to review images of your body from various perspectives. I recommend seeking treatment from a board-certified plastic surgeon with expertise in this procedure to achieve optimal results.

Respectfully, Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.

It is not uncommon to perform liposuction of the hips and waist (sides, not the abdomen or front) with a tummy tuck so the mid-section is rejuvenated as a cosmetic unit. Having said that, if you do not have significant volume in your hips or waist, and the abdomen is where all of the concern is located, then liposuction is not needed. Thank you.