Are you considering a tummy tuck but are worried that you still have too much volume to your stomach? If after leading a healthy and active lifestyle, you are still left with abdominal fullness, this could be caused by visceral fat (fat inside the tummy around the organs), a muscle separation following pregnancy or weight gain, or fat within the abdominal tissues. But can this be treated?
What can be treated?
Visceral fat
Visceral fat can only be treated by diet and exercise and no plastic surgeon can remove this.
Muscle separation
Muscle separation (Rectus divarication) can be repaired during a tummy tuck to improve the shape by flattening and removing any ‘doming’ caused by this.
Liposuction and a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
Fat within your abdominal tissues can be minimised with liposuction alongside a tummy tuck. This reduces the thickness of the skin that is being pulled down to your bikini line or to your flanks giving you a more contoured appearance. If your Surgeon thinks you would benefit from liposuction too, they will discuss this with you because there is a limit to how much liposuction can be done at the same time as a tummy tuck due to blood supply.
How to prepare for tummy tuck and liposuction
Preparing for tummy tuck and liposuction involves mental and physical work to ensure you’re in the best health possible prior to surgery. Ask yourself why you’re thinking about these procedures at this time in your life – have you stayed at a consistent, healthy weight but are struggling to get rid of stubborn tummy fat? Have you completed your family and you’re looking to boost your confidence with body contouring? What would your desired outcome look like? Are you doing this solely for yourself and no one else?
Once you’re clear on these answers, you can choose your Consultant Plastic Surgeon and book in your initial consultation with us. Our guide to preparing for tummy tuck surgery is a good place to start.
Why combine a tummy tuck with liposuction
Better results
Tummy tuck surgery and liposuction achieve different outcomes. A tummy tuck removes excess skin, fat and tissue and liposuction only removes fat. Combine them together and it can lead to a more comprehensive body contouring outcome.
It’s important to remember that swelling and scarring is a part of the recovery process for both surgeries. After liposuction surgery, it normally takes around six weeks for swelling to subside, whereas with tummy tuck surgery it can take up to two months for 80% of the swelling to reduce.
Singular recovery process
All our patients want as smooth a recovery as possible. Imagine if you had to recover from liposuction then six months later recover from tummy tuck surgery – not only would it result in you having to take more time off work, but it would involve two lots of downtime and not taking part in the activities you love for longer.
Combining these two procedures will conveniently reduce your overall recovery time and you won’t need to worry about having another surgery. Knowing what to expect after tummy tuck surgery can be confusing but our expert-reviewed guide is a good place to start. Please be aware that there is a limit to how much liposuction can be undertaken alongside a tummy tuck. If you need substantial liposuction, then this would need to be completed as a separate surgery prior to a tummy tuck.
Cost effectiveness
Combining these cosmetic surgeries can also lower overall costs because you won’t need to pay for two hospital stays or arrange travel twice.
Option to repurpose fat
Did you know that any fat taken from your body using liposuction, could potentially be used to enhance other areas of your body? Often patients seek an hourglass figure – and why shouldn’t you – especially after all those hours working hard in the gym and taking care of your body. Repurposing the fat to give volume to your breasts can really help to redefine your shape. You then wouldn’t need to book in for a breast enhancement either! To obtain the result you want, most patients need two to four episodes of fat transfer.
Limitations and considerations
Not everyone is eligible
You will only qualify for surgery if your weight has plateaued for around six months to ensure that your weight won’t fluctuate after surgery. During your initial consultation and preoperative assessments, weight, overall health and body type will be assessed. You might not be suitable for a lipoabdominoplasty but could be suitable for either liposuction to the abdomen or a tummy tuck.
Increased surgical time and risks
As with any surgery, abdominoplasty and liposuction carry their own risks. Tummy tuck surgery is a large surgery which can mean it has higher possible risks. Liposuction doesn’t require as long under anaesthetic, however, by combining the two, you will require a longer anaesthetic. Your Consultant will discuss this with you and associated risks in detail at your consultation.
Book your cosmetic consultation
Ready to enhance your natural features? Our highly experienced Consultant Plastic Surgeons deliver stunning results tailored to your needs and desired outcomes.
Book your initial consultation online or by calling our Private Patient team on 01580 363158.
Published on 28 November 2024