Posterior flank lipo or no lipo with my tummy tuck? (Photo)

Question

I'm scheduled to have a tummy tuck in 2 months, and i can't make up my mind whether to add a posterior flank lipo. It will cost about a 1/3 more in order to add the lipo. My kind doctor and husband are leaving the decision totally up to me. Would I see 33% better results by adding it? Or would it be just a waste? Please help me make up my mind!! TIA!!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

I would highly suggest you have this posterior flank liposuction. I think you’ll be sad if you do not have this area liposuction. This will enhance and define the hourglass figure. The tummy tuck and love handle liposuction are commonly paired to maximize the results. Therefore, in my opinion, there is no question. Do the posterior Lipo. Good luck. I hope this helps to answer your question about whether to do posterior flank liposuction. 
Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, most of my patients who choose to have liposuction with their tummy tuck are satisfied with the outcome, but as with your surgeon, I always advise that the degree of improvement is modest.   Also, some types of liposuction are combined with modalities (like laser, radiofrequency, ultrasound energy etc) to help tighten the skin a little, and others do not.   The methods that tighten the skin have additional risks and are often more expensive.  Your surgeon can the pros/cons/risks of their particular liposuction modality before deciding whether to include it with your tummy tuck.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Has your surgeon told you what the improvement is predicted to be with this added? If they have, then would you be happy with the predicted improvement? If yes, then it may be a good idea to add it. If no, then don’t. Although you’ll be paying 1/3 more, consider how much benefit it would be to add this rather than rating it as “33%”.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Liposuction can help to enhance your curves and tighten your look.  It's hard to say what percentage improvement you'll get overall.  It would be more cost effective for you to have it done now versus having the tummy tuck alone and then later on return to have the liposuction.

Jason Hess, MD · Answer

I do not think liposuction would provide a 33% improvement in your case.  However it seems a substantial added expense depending on the cost of the abdominoplasty.  I find that most patients benefit from a combination of liposuction and abdominoplasty.  In my practice, I perform liposuction on 85 to 90% of my tummy tuck patients.  Best of luck with your upcoming procedure.  Irregardless of whether you choose liposuction or not, tummy tuck is one of the highest satisfaction of procedures and plastic surgery.

Posterior flank lipo or no lipo with my tummy tuck? (Photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Liposuction

Answer: Liposuction

Answer: Lipoabdominoplasty

Answer: Lipoabdominoplasty

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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Posterior flank lipo or no lipo with my tummy tuck? (Photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Liposuction

Answer: Liposuction

Answer: Lipoabdominoplasty

Answer: Lipoabdominoplasty

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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.