Does a Tummy Tuck Remove Any Fat?

With a tummy tuck a large portion of skin is removed as well as a large layer of fat under that skin. The layer of fat removed is usually about an inch in thickness.

The most common reason patients seek having the Tummy Tuck procedure is to get rid of the bulge in their belly and to tighten the abdominal wall. Lower abdominal fat is addressed as needed during the procedure. The excess skin and muscles are also tightened. This leaves the patient with a defined and tightened abdominal contour. Some patients even state that their stomach looks better post-operatively than it did even before they had children.


To learn more, please visit our page on potential complications of a tummy tuck procedure.

The excess skin and fat of the lower abdomen will be removed during a traditional tummy tuck. The abdominal wall will also be tightened during the procedure, giving you a flatter profile. Your lateral thigh will not see much change unless you undergo an extended tummy tuck; discuss this in detail with your plastic surgeon before surgery.

Best wishes,

Dr.Bruno

Part of the tummy tuck procedure is to completely remove the lower abdominal tissue - skin and fat.  The problem is often the upper abdominal fat, which is risky to aggressively liposuction at the time of the procedure and may need to be done later.  Regarding a thigh lift, it is best not to expect too much in this regard, since abdominoplasties are not intended to lift the thighs and will likely not have an impact on this area.

A tummy tuck (*bdominoplasty) tightens skin, repairs muscle separation if necessary, and any localized fat in the abdominal area. It does not remove internal abdominal fat which fortunately usually responds to exercise. Lipo to other areas such as the thighs could be added.

A tummy tuck involves three main aspects of improvement: the removal of excess skin, the tightening of the muscle fascia and the removal of the lower abdominal fat. The lower abdominal fat is completely removed with the excess skin superficial to it.

Additional fat can be removed from the hips and lower back to provide a proportionate truck.  Fat on the upper abdomen and upper outer sides may need to be reduced at a separate time. These are the areas that supply the abdominal skin with blood, and if fat is removed from them, the risk of the abdominal skin dieing increases. Some doctors will contour this area "conservatively"; however, the only truly conservative approach is to save the contouring until after the tummy tuck has healed.

Tummy tucks may provide a small lift the the upper aspect of the anterior thigh, but should not be expected to lift the lateral thigh. To lift the lateral thigh, the incision would need to be extended to the back. This is done in cases of massive weight loss with a lower body lift.

Thank you for the question. 

Congratulations on your weight loss and your upcoming tummy tuck surgery.  Generally patients are very pleased with the results of this procedure.

With this operation “excess” skin and adipose  tissue of the lower abdominal wall  will be removed. Abdominal wall muscle  re-approximation will also be performed. The extent of the decision will depend on the extent of the redundant skin and adipose tissue.

You should adjust the areas of concern with your plastic surgeon to determine the length of the planned  incision.

Good luck!

A tummy tuck involves removal of the lower abdominal skin with fat and also usually tightening of the muscle. Depending on the amount of fat located in the lower abdomen the fat removed may be minimal to excessive. Often, liposuction of the hips is also performed in order to best impprove the waistline.

A tummy tuck involves the removal of excess skin and the adherent fat (in addition to tightening of the underlying abdominal wall). Liposuction can be done as an ancillary procedure for additional contouring of the abdomen. It also can be performed concurrently elsewhere to obtain a more global improvement in one's contours.

of the abdominal wall, and can remove scars and stretch marks below the level of the belly button.  The scar is placed low to be hidden in the "bikini" line, and the skin up to the level of the umbilicus, or belly button is removed.  The abdominal muscles are exposed up to the upper abdoman and then plicated or sewn across the midline for tightening and to help hold the abdominal contents in place.  Sometimes we add liposuction of the hips to the procedure to help bring in the waistline. Generally speaking, the incision does not go far out enough to lift the lateral thighs, although for the appropriate patient, we can extend the incision around to the back to lift the lateral thighs and buttocks (the so called belt lipectomy or belt lift).  It sounds like you are a good candidate for this surgery, and we wish you luck...