What is the difference between lipoabdominoplasty and a standard tummy tuck?

Dear Ms. Travince, 
Thank you for your story and questions.  Unfortunately without examining you I can only provide general information based on the information you provided which I hope you will find helpful:Simply stated the term Lipo Abdominoplasty defines performing liposuction in conjunction with a abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). I believe most Plastic Surgeons automatically include (even if not stated) with their tummy tuck procedure for contouring the side rolls and creating gentle curves rather than leaving the patient “boxy” with a flat abdomen. I have included some additional information for you to review and I hope you find it helpful: 
1)we all have both internal fat (located n your internal organs and pushing your belly outward) and external fat (on top of your muscles). Internal fat can not be treated by either liposuction or tummy tuck...only weight loss. 
2)You did not mention your current height or weight. We often calculate body mass index (BMI) that helps us give you better advice. I recommend that you attain you goal weight prior to surgery. 
3)If you have a bulge above the pubic area: this may represent some seperation of your rectus muscles that will only be corrected by abdominoplasty
4)their are three types tummy tucks:
a) traditional (muscle repaired from breast bone to pubic bone)
b) mini (muscle repaired from umbilicus (tummy button) to pubic bone)
c) extended (like traditional tummy tuck but extends around at to hip area
all will remove excess fat and skin of the lower abdomen. The remaining skin is stretched tight resulting in smooth abdominal appearance.
5)liposuction alone  will remove only external fat but may leave your skin loose and hanging.
liposuction will not repair separated muscles 
6)both liposuction and tummy tuck are often done together, except in the upper abdomen (May reduce blood flow and cause healing/flap problems at the tummy tuck incision) to contour the flanks. 
7)the types of liposuction are:
a)traditional suction asst. Liposuction (SAL)
b) ultrasonic asst. liposuction (UAL)
c) power asst. liposuction (PAL)
d) laser asst. liposuction (LAL) 
e) water asst liposuction (WAL)
are all effective and are secondary to the experience of the Plastic Surgeon
8)non surgical methods to help "shrink skin" after liposuction use RF:
a) Vellashape III
b) Thermi tight 
Conclusion:
1) based on limited information and not being able to evaluate you in person I optimally recommend you reach your goal weight and then have a traditional tummy tuck and liposuction to contour the flank areas and back
2) I suggest you make several appointments with different Plastic Surgeons who are Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (denoting by membership as having met additional criteria and a focus on Cosmetic Plastic Surgery).
My best,
R. A. Hardesty, MD, FACS
Diplomate and Certified by the Am. Bd. of Plastic SurgeryAwardee: RealSelf Top 100
wwwimagineplasticsurgery.com
4646 Brockton Ave
Riverside, Ca 92506
(951) 686-7600

Lipoabdominoplasty is just another term for tummy tuck with addition of lipo.  In most tummy tuck cases, liposuction of the waist line/hips is done to help contour the torso.  The boxy shape that you mention happens because of certain reasons, but the main reason is patient anatomy.  If the patient's hip bone and ribs are close to the same width and patient has significant intra-abdominal (fat inside the abdomen) then it is highly likely that the boxy shape will persist.It is best to see a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss with you what can and can not be accomplished.Hope that helps.