Can my hips be lifted with a tummy tuck?

Dear MD2012,

    Tummy tuck and liposuction are 2 completly different procedures. Liposuction only thins the skin and tummy tuck,  if done correctly , tightens the skin and muscles and narrows the waist. With tummy tuck procedure , there is high likelyhood that you will lose weight due to the muscle tightening which increases the intra abdominal pressure. This reduces hunger and limits the amount of food that you can eat. In my practice I do not perform liposuction at the time of tummy tuck due to the increase risk of damage to the circulation of the skin that can result in skin loss or wound healing problems.  If my patients request additional thining of the skin, liposuction is performed 6-8 weeks later. Cosmetic surgery is purely elective and  additional risk should be avoided. Be sure to consult with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon and check their before and after results.

                          Best of luck,

                                                   Dr Widder

Thank you for an excellent question. In the past, it was thought that liposuction and tummy tucks should not be done at the same time. This was due to a fear of lessening the blood flow to the abdominal skin and compromising the healing. This has changed over the last several years. 

Tummy tucks are now done routinely with liposuction, and there are several studies that show its safety. The addition of liposuction allows better contouring of the flanks and love handles. It is difficult to get this type of result with a tummy tuck alone, though you should discuss this with your plastic surgeon.

If an extended tummy tuck is done, or perhaps a circumferential body lift, the buttocks can be lifted. The trade-off will be a longer scar. Tightening the muscles will help with waistline definition, but liposuction will further the result in many cases.

Best of luck with your tummy tuck

Jeff Rockmore

We have routinely performed liposuction on the sides flanks during a tummy tuck to help contour entire abdomen.  It is unsafe to liposuction the superior area if abdomen during this surgery .  Good luck