Safety of Having Tummy Tuck and Lipo at the Same Time?

Combining liposuction and a tummy tuck certainly increases the risks of doing either procedure separately.  The question is how much additional risk are we willing to accept.  The risk depends on "how much" liposuction you are considering.

Abdomen liposuction with abdominoplasty


LIposuction of the abdomen can be done safely at the time of an abdominoplasty.  The abdominoplasty technique should be modified to preserve vascularity (lipoabdominoplasty).  


Small volume liposuction with abdominoplasty


A little liposuction of the upper hips at the time of abdominoplasty is pretty low risk and something that I frequently do.


Larger volume liposuction with abdominoplasty


The risk of DVT/ PE is increased with larger volume liposuction combined with abdominoplasty

Every plastic surgeon has their own appetite for risk.  Mine is very small, it is what helps me sleep at night.  This is cosmetic surgery and my feeling is that whenever possible, risks should be minimized.  For this reason, I do not combine extensive liposuction with abdominoplasty.

It is routine with most surgeons to combine "tummy tuck" (abdominoplasty) with liposuction and the combination can be quite safe.  Typically, liposuction of the lower back/flank area is done to complement the improved contour in front.  Additionally, the upper abdominal wall fatty layer thickness can be carefully reduced with liposuction while elevating, removing and tightening the lower skin.

The concerns arise with too much liposuction volume removal leading to potentially excessive fluid and blood loss and with excessive thinning of the upper abdominal tissues resulting in compromised blood flow and healing problems.  These problems can be avoided with good judgement and careful technique.

Good luck.