When can I get lipo for my upper belly fat after a drainless tummy tuck?

Question

Hi everyone, I am 8 weeks post drainless tummy tuck and I have upper belly fat, I hate it! When I sit it rolls. It's been the same size since surgery I am pretty sure it's not swelling. When can I get lipo up there? And can I do it awake as a touch up?

Guy Cappuccino, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question.  First of and most importantly, you need to allow a few months for all of the swelling to subside before deciding if you need more liposuction.  I would say at minimum 6 months but really more like 12 because it does take that long for swelling to resolve after a tummy tuck.  But if you're asking about safety- I'd feel comfortable at about 3 months after surgery. I hope this helps answer your question.

Olivier Deigni, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question and your pictures.
At 2 months post op you still have swelling in your body that will continue to improve. Your tissues are also still healing and I would recommend waiting up to 6 months post op to see what the final results will look like. At that point, you may be able to address any other areas that may not have contoured as well as you may have wanted. 
Touch up liposuction can be performed safely under local anesthesia with you awake. It all depends on the location and size of the area to be treated and the amount of fat that would need to be removed.
I would recommend you discuss your concerns and your aesthetic goals with your board-eligible or board-certified plastic surgeon. Be sure they address all your concerns about liposuction including the risks and benefits of the procedures, recovery time and postoperative course. You should clearly express your goals and desires so that your plastic surgeon can understand them and develop an adequate surgical plan to achieve them.
Good luck!
Olivier A. Deigni, MD, MPH
Houston Plastic Surgeon

Morad Tavallali, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Congrats on your drain less tummy tuck! However 8 weeks is still too early to have any type of touch up down. Not only do you still have swelling for another 8 weeks, but going in too early will be like stirring up a hornets nest and can lead to major scarring or seroma problems. Be patient for another 2-4 months when your tissues are soft again for best results.

When can I get lipo for my upper belly fat after a drainless tummy tuck?

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When can I get lipo for my upper belly fat after a drainless tummy tuck?

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Everything you need to know about Drainless Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.