If you have a standard Tummy Tuck with no Liposuction, will any fat be removed? (photos)

Thank you for your question regarding whether fat will be removed from a standard tummy tuck without liposuction. I would counsel you to watch many videos on youtube regarding the tummy tuck procedure. Alternatively, you can watch a live broadcast of tummy tucks on Instagram. During a standard tummy tuck, an incision is made low on the abdomen, tissue dissection is carried up to the rib cage, and the rectus abdominal muscle is plicated. The belly button is repositioned. Excess skin and fat are removed. Excess skin is removed during a standard tummy tuck, and again excess skin and fat are. Fat can be removed with suction or a scalpel; therefore, in your case, a significant amount of fat would be removed with the scalpel. Though not necessary, liposuction can improve certain areas of the tummy tuck. However, liposuction is undoubtedly not mandatory during a standard tummy tuck. I hope this helps answer your question regarding whether fat will be removed from a standard tummy tuck without liposuction.

Thank you for your question.
With an abdominoplasty, all of the tissue from the umbilicus to the pubic region is eliminated. This means that the skin and fat from this region is completely removed. You can expect a flatter, smoother contour to your abdomen after this procedure. I recommend speaking with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns.

Yes. You will have removal of fat with a tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, whether or not liposuction is used. This is because the abdominal wall has a number of layers, such as: skin, subcutaneous fat, superficial fascia, more fat, deep or muscle fascia, and multiple layers of muscle, followed by linings of the inner abdomen, or peritoneal cavity, where the visceral fat is located. A traditional abdominoplasty removes all tissues down to the deep or muscle fascia. So this includes skin, and multiple layers of fat in addition to superficial fascial tissue. Liposuction would additionally remove fat without additional skin and fascial tissue removal, usually of the lateral abdomen and/or flanks. There are some situations where "lipoabdominoplasty" is best and some where it is not. These are good conversations to have with your surgeon prior to your procedure so that your goals are met safely.

Your question does make sense. With a standard abdominoplasty, the only fat cells that you lose are the ones that are physically removed with the scalpel ( the ellipse of tissue removed from lower abdomen). All of your other subcutaneous fat remains (fat from the top of your abdomen, sides, flanks, etc). Having liposuction along with your abdominoplasty (lipoabdominoplasty) is very nice to remove additional fat cells that typically remain with a standard abdominoplasty. With this option your upper abdomen and flanks would be liposuctioned at the same time as the tummy tuck,

A standard tummy tuck could include removal of fat without liposuction, if needed. However I often also do liposuction in adjacent areas for contouring and have found it to be safe and reliable. There is another option called "lipoabdominoplasty" which combines liposuction and tummy tuck.

Dear justamama,
based on your photos, you look like a good candidate for a TT. Full tummy tuck should tighten your abdominal muscles and remove the excess skin. During tummy tuck no fat will be removed. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon because only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. If liposuction is not being done, the fat under the skin which is being removed is the only fat that can be safely removed.

Thank you for your question. Directly underneath the skin is fat. Any excess skin that is going to be removed the fat directly under it is also removed. Liposuction is often combined with a tummy tuck in order to thin out the abdominal wall and to provide some curvier figure. Good luck.

Hello @justamama, thank you for your question. No, just the excess of the skin. This is why it is important not only to perform lipolysis through liposuction, but also to perform plication of the muscles in order to tighten and repair them. There are 4 factors that are taken into account when it comes to the abdomen shape: Lax skin, diastasis recti, fat under the skin and intra abdominal fat. The first two are treated with a tummy tuck, and the last with lipolysis with liposuction. It is important that you have a consultation with a board certified specialist to determine a surgical plan according to your needs. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

Hello, thank you for your question and pictures.

When a tummy tuck is performed the skin excess and the fat on this skin is removed but the localized fat on the tissue remained will stay, sometimes is recommended a second stage liposuction in case the patient wants to improve even more the results but is not always needed.

Make sure to approach to a certified surgeon to help you clear all your doubts.

Best wishes!