Tummy tuck after lipo: how long do I need to wait?

Question

I had liposuction to abdomen and flanks on Dec 4th. Doctor pulled out 1800cc of fat. I'm happy with the results, but (as my doc warned me--no complaints at all about the doctor or lipo --I chose it with full knowledge of the pros and cons) it didn't get rid of my stretch marks or loose skin that I have. I'm 5'5 and 125 pounds. Now, I want that skin removed, I.e. A tummy tuck. Lipo did make the skin shrink a bit, but now I want to look even better. Question is how long after lipo can I get a tummy tuck?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Nicolle, Everyone heals differently.  I would suggest waiting at least 6 to 8 weeks for all the swelling to go down. Once the swelling has  subsided after your liposuction and your weight has been stable, then I would consider undergoing a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty. Good luck! Sincerely, Dr. Katzen

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You will most likely want to wait 6 months before proceeding with a TT. Each patient is different, so you may be required to wait longer. Speak with your operating surgeon. Best,

Shahram Salemy, MD, FACS · Answer

Great question-- I would typically recommend 4-6 months after your liposuction before moving forward with the tummy tuck. This should reduce the chance of healing issues postop and allow for most if not all of the swelling to resolve.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

I would advise you to wait 6 months. You want your body to have completely healed from the liposuction before putting it through tummy tuck surgery. My best,
Dr. Sheila Nazarian
@drsheilanazarian on Instagram

Robert Kearney, MD, FACS · Answer

You could probably do it as early as 4 months but in most cases it would be best to wait six months.  The area that was suctioned may need to be contoured a little and it will not be clear which area until all of the swelling goes away.

Ercan Karacaoglu, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Dear Nicole,  Everyone is different and heals differently. I would suggest to wait at least 12 weeks prior to having a tummy tuck after liposuction. As I stated before,  everyone is different and it would be better to discuss this issue with your own physician as he have the possibility to see you evaluate your situation.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,Everyone has different healing rates, but when the swelling has softened you can go forward. This may take 2 to 6 months, on average about 3 months.Best of luck!

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

I would recommend that you wait until all substantial inflammation is gone from liposuction. I think six months would be a suitable waiting time.

Christian Arroyo, MD · Answer

What a great question! Past liposuction does not present problems for future surgery. After surgery, it is normal to have a small amount of swelling which eventually becomes scar tissue. So, whenever you perform further liposuction one must deal with the scar tissue that formed from the previous round of liposuction. This makes the surgery a little more challenging, but not impossible. Also, the more scar tissue present, the less stretchy the skin becomes. People scar differently, so one patient may have more scar tissue than another patient therefore it is case by case basis.

Michael F. Bohley, MD · Answer

Thank you for your interesting question...this comes up often. I'm glad that you were pleased with the early results of liposuction.  The important thing to remember, is that all forms of liposuction cause scarringwithin the fat layer.  Because scar tissue tends to be firm/immobile initially, it takes a variable amount of time before it is safe or advisable to work within the same area. In order to maximize the amount of skin/softtissue removal for better contouring, natural healing has to be complete with softening of the tissues. Thisprocess varies from person to person, but generally takes 6 months or longer in my experience. Given that you had a good experience in the past, it would be helpful to discuss this with your prior surgeonin an in-person exam/consultation.  He/She will be able to guide you with regard to your progress and helpin planning the timing of your next procedure.  Good luck to you.

Tummy tuck after lipo: how long do I need to wait?

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