Can I Get Lipo in my Stomach After a Tummy Tuck, if So How Long Do I Have to Wait?

Question

I got a tummy tuck done 6 days ago. I know it's still soon but every time I look in the mirror from the side, I still feel that I look big.

Douglas L. Gervais, MD · Answer

Dear Mc9511,

	   The first thing I will say to you is "be patient". You are only 6 days from your TT and you will most certainly have swelling. This will generally resolve over the next several months and sometimes longer depending on your body habitus. Secondly, discuss your concerns with your surgeon. I'm sure they will explain to you the swelling process as it applies to you. Finally, it is possible and sometimes desirable to perform liposuction after a TT. I generally wait at least 3 months and even up to 6 months depending on the patient. Good luck. Dr. G.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

When swelling subsides most patients after in abdominoplasty do not the liposuction. I would wait many months before considering this approach. The vast majority of abdominoplasty patients will not benefit from subsequent liposuction.

Sarah Mess, MD · Answer

It’s ideal to wait 6 months to a year after surgery to ensure proper healing and make sure all swelling has gone down. Be patient. Your swelling should subside soon, and you can begin to enjoy your new look. If you are still interested in additional contouring after 6 months you may want to opt for a non-invasive option such as Coolsculpting to reduce remaining fat.

Nana N. Mizuguchi, MD, FACS · Answer

You may have lipo of abdomen at least 6 months after an abdominoplasty.  At 6 days post-operatively, it is too early to imagine a result.  The majority of inflammation resolves at 2-3 months and continues up to a year.  I incorporate liposuctioni with my abdominoplasty but not all surgeons do the same.  Your abdomen will become smaller as the edema resides.

	 

	Thank you

Matthew H. Steele, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Yes, you can have liposuction after a tummy tuck, but 6 days after surgery is way too early to consider any future surgeries.  You are likely very swollen and will not see your finally results until 3-6 months.  Best to discuss with your surgeon.  Good luck.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

While you undoubtably have swelling so it will get better with time, you should wait 6 months before proceeding with secondary abdominal liposuction after your tummy tuck.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Yes, in fact it is done quite often. I will commonly perform a tummy tuck first. I do not like to liposuction the abdominal flap at the same time because there is an increased risk of flap loss. It can be done at a later time often 6 months or more once the swelling has gone down.

Jeffrey M. Hartog, DMD, MD · Answer

I agree with you that it is much too soon. However, yes you may have liposuction in the future. If you were my patient, I would wait until you were at least three months post-op.

Thomas P. McHugh, MD · Answer

I usually have patients wait for about 6 months before suctioning the belly after tummy tuck. This allows for healing and swelling to go down and be able to evaluate the amount of fat to be suctioned. I always discuss this with my patients ahead of time so that they know their options. Thank you.

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

Although it may be safe to do liposuction this early, it would be quite unwise. It is hard to know how much is swelling, how much is fat, and therefore quite unlikely that a surgeon can know a suitable end point. 

	Without photos, it is also hard to know if liposuction is the answer to whatever issues that are present after surgery.

	Patience.   All the best.

Can I Get Lipo in my Stomach After a Tummy Tuck, if So How Long Do I Have to Wait?

Answers (14)

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