Thank you for your question regarding combining Lipo 360 and a tummy tuck. This combination is popular among patients looking for comprehensive body contouring, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of doing both at the same time versus staging them as separate procedures. Pros of Combining Lipo 360 with a Tummy Tuck: Single Recovery Period: By having both procedures at the same time, you only go through one recovery period, reducing overall downtime and the need to take time off from work or daily activities. Complete Body Contouring in One Step: Lipo 360 addresses fat around the entire midsection, including the flanks and back, while the tummy tuck tightens muscles and removes excess skin. Combining the two procedures can provide a dramatic improvement in your overall body shape. Cost Efficiency: When performed together, you may save on costs related to anesthesia, surgical facilities, and other associated fees compared to doing two separate surgeries. Cons of Combining Lipo 360 with a Tummy Tuck: More Painful Recovery: Combining these procedures leads to a more painful recovery. The body must heal from both the extensive liposuction and the muscle repair and skin tightening of the tummy tuck, which can result in increased discomfort and a longer recovery period. Less Liposuction on the Abdomen: A significant downside is that your surgeon will need to be more conservative with abdominal liposuction during a combined procedure. This is necessary to avoid jeopardizing the blood supply to the skin and tissues in the abdominal area, which is crucial for proper healing after a tummy tuck. As a result, less fat can be removed from the abdomen itself. Longer Surgical Time: Combining the procedures increases the overall time spent under anesthesia, which can increase the risk of complications, although this risk can be managed by an experienced surgeon. Increased Risk of Swelling and Fluid Build-Up: The combination of liposuction and tummy tuck can lead to more post-operative swelling and a higher chance of fluid collection (seroma), requiring careful follow-up care. For patients like yourself, who are of normal weight and need both muscle repair and moderate fat removal, combining the procedures may offer excellent results. However, it’s important to consider the more intense recovery and the potential limitations of liposuction on the abdomen due to the need to protect blood supply. Sincerely, Dr. Katzen