This is a common question from people who are considering undergoing a tummy tuck procedure. The simple answer is “Yes”.
A tummy tuck can be performed at the same time as liposuction of the abdomen and waist. The combination of the two procedures can be powerful providing not only tightening but also thinning of the abdomen and waist. With a good understanding of anatomy, proper surgical technique, and patient education the two procedures can be combined safely and effectively.
How much fat can be removed at one time?
The generic answer is five liters. This is the amount of fat that can be removed during one surgery via liposuction and still have the patient be able to be discharged home. If the patient is kept overnight for fluid monitoring the amount can be increased. The reason this value is variable is that not everyone is the same height, weight, or health status. Therefore, the amount that can or should be removed via liposuction during a single session should be modified for safety for each individual.
Who is not a candidate for combining the two procedures?
Most patients that have both excess fat and loose skin are candidates for tummy tuck and abdominal liposuction. There are certain individuals, however, for whom the risk of complications of combining the two procedures is increased. Patients that are not good candidates for combining the procedures include:
- heavy smokers
- poorly controlled diabetes
- bleeding tendencies
- certain prior abdominal surgeries
In essence, patients who are not good candidates for combined tummy tuck and abdominal liposuction have decreased blood supply to the abdominal soft tissue
Not really. Removal of fat is removal of fat. There are various types of liposuction technologies including:
- traditional suction assisted liposuction
- laser assisted liposuction
- ultrasound assisted liposuction
- power assisted liposuction
This patient is an excellent example showing what the combination of liposuction and abdominoplasty can achieve.
