Lipo on the flanks during Tummy Tuck. Why are there no incision holes on the back?

Question

I had a tummy tuck in September with lipo on the flanks. But there are no visible holes whatsoever on my back near the flanks. Do some doctors perform flank lipo from the same tummy tuck incision of the lower abdomen? My flanks don't seem to look much different than they did originally.

Nathan Eberle, MD, DDS, FACS · Answer

while you were on the table in the supine position, your surgeon as many do likely just performed the flank lipo from the TT incision, so you would not have any additional scars and it gives surgeons plenty of access for the flank lipo. IF you were looking for more of a circumferential result, you would have been paying for lipo of your Back as this involves either rolling you side to side on the table or flipping you over into a prone position, this IS NOT part of routine TT+flank lipo.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,It is possible to perform liposuction to the flanks through the lateral aspect of a Tummy Tuck incision. I recommend that you ask your Plastic Surgeon about the specifics of your procedure. Swelling post- Liposuction can last many months so you may not see improvement for some time yet.All the best

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  If you elected to have liposuction of your flanks at the time of your abdominoplasty it is likely that your surgeon used the lateral aspect of your tummy tuck incision so as not to leave you with any additional scarring.  As far as your results are concerned, you are still very early in the healing and recovery process and it is very possible that your results are still masked by the swelling that patients will experience post-operatively.  It can take 6-12 months for all of this post-operative swelling to subside but any questions regarding your progress should be addressed with your operating surgeon at a follow up appointment.  I hope you find this helpful and best of luck on your recovery!

Gregory Baum, MD · Answer

Thanks for your interesting question. I'm sure that your PS did the lipo through your tummytuck incision which is how I usually do it. The tummytuck incision provides great access to the flanks so no additional incisions are necessary. I can't comment about your results but if you have any questions then I would see your PS to discuss. Best regards.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Yes, depending on exactly what area is being treated with liposuction surgery, it is often possible to perform the liposuctioning part of the procedure through the tummy tuck incision line.  Of course, your plastic surgeon will always be your best resource when it comes to precise/relevant information. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Lipo on the flanks during Tummy Tuck. Why are there no incision holes on the back?

Answers (8)

Answer: Where are my liposuction incisions?

Answer: Where are my liposuction incisions?

Answer: Incisions forLipo on the flanks during Tummy Tuck.

Answer: Incisions forLipo on the flanks during Tummy Tuck.

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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Lipo on the flanks during Tummy Tuck. Why are there no incision holes on the back?

Answers (8)

Answer: Where are my liposuction incisions?

Answer: Where are my liposuction incisions?

Answer: Incisions forLipo on the flanks during Tummy Tuck.

Answer: Incisions forLipo on the flanks during Tummy Tuck.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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