Is lipo included in a tummy tuck?

That's a great question.  The answer is "it depends".  Some patients only need fat removal without having to address the skin or underlying musculature.  These patients may benefit from liposuction alone.  Other patients need excess skin removed and/or tightening of the abdominal muscles.  These patients may require an abdominoplasty (a full surgical tummy tuck where skin and fat are removed together and the underlying musculature is tightened).  However, some abdominoplasty patients with excess fat in the flanks do best with the addition of liposuction to the procedure.  So ultimately, the answer to whether liposuction is included in a tummy tuck is specific to each individual.  Make sure you're evaluated by a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery to find out which procedure is right for you.  Good luck!With warm regards,Keith Blechman, MD

In appropriate candidates liposuction of the abdomen and flanks ("love handles") may be performed at the time of tummy tuck.  Liposuction in other areas like the thighs and arms are usually considered a separate area.

   This will vary from patient to patient and surgeon to surgeon.  I
would search for the board certified plastic surgeon who you feel is
most likely to give you the best results and who performs hundreds of
these procedures each year. I would look at patient reviews as well as
before and after photos on that surgeon's website.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Thanks for your question.  Not necessarily, but in almost all cases I combine some liposuction with a tummy tuck.  This is generally a separate charge as it is a separate procedure.  Most commonly, I will add liposuction of the posterior flanks/hips to augment the result of the tummy tuck.  Aggressive liposuction of the hips/flanks will help accentuate an hourglass figure and generally complement the overall tummy tuck result.  Be sure to share your goals with your surgeons and make sure all of your questions are answered. Good luck. 

Dear Shevy526,Tummy tuck procedure only includes the resection of the extra skin-fat tissue between the belly bottom and the pubic area and the tightening of the abdominal muscles. Liposuction is usually performed at the same time to improve the results by enhancing the shape. You could have 3 options: 1.-TT alone with NO lipo, 2.-TT with just lipo on the flanks (sides) or 3.-TT with a circular lipo (back, sides and front). Always feel free to talk to your surgeon about your choice. Best whishes.  

Liposuction is usually performed with a tummy tuck.  Some patients don't need it but most benefit from additional liposuction to sculpt the areas around the abdomen to give the best result.  The abdominal skin often needs to be thinned to give the flattest appearance possible as well.