Tummy Tuck and Liposuction: Can They Be Combined?
Posted February 09, 2016 in Practice News
Ever been in that situation where you had to choose between two good things? Well, this isn’t one of those times. Thanks to the advances in technology and the growing expertise of plastic surgeons, you don’t have to choose between liposuction and a tummy tuck (also known as abdominoplasty), or have to get one procedure done and then wait to heal before getting the other.
The combination of liposuction and tummy tuck has become a common procedure in Reno plastic surgery. Is it safe? Yes. When performed by an experienced Board-certified plastic surgeon, it minimizes the risk of tissue trauma and greatly reduces the recovery period.
What about the results, you ask? Before we dive into that, let’s look at the benefits the individual procedures offer.
A tummy tuck eliminates excess fat and skin from the middle and lower abdomen. Additionally, it repairs and tightens loose abdominal muscles due to pregnancy or significant weight loss. The procedure reduces bulging in the midsection, giving the abdomen a tighter, more sculpted appearance.
Liposuction, on the other hand, removes stubborn excess fat deposits that don’t respond to diet and exercise through gentle suction. It’s important to remember that liposuction isn’t for weight control; it is a body contouring procedure, and patients are strongly advised to eat healthy and exercise regularly to maintain results.
Think about the benefits these two separate procedures offer. Now think about reaping those benefits at once, while reducing both pain and recovery time. It’s the perfect pair! In a 2012 study conducted by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the combined procedure of liposuction and tummy tuck yielded a high patient satisfaction (over 99%), with no increase in pain compared with abdominoplasty alone. Additionally, 86% of patients included in the study reported an increase in self-esteem after surgery.
BUT (yes, there’s a but coming) there are certain factors to consider: There is a limit on how much fat can be removed, and where. When performing the combined procedure, liposuction of the upper or lower abdomen is a big NO to avoid skin necrosis, a complication where skin tissue dies. Should a plastic surgeon perform liposuction on the tummy area, they should be extremely careful not to remove as much fat as they would otherwise in a separate procedure.
Dr. LaDawn Talbott, a Board-certified Reno plastic surgeon, routinely performs liposuction in the hip and flank areas in conjunction with a tummy tuck to sculpt the waist and contour the hips. The results can be far more stunning and transformational than those achieved by either procedure alone.
Contact Talbott Plastic Surgery Center
Are you considering a combined procedure of liposuction and tummy tuck? Would you like to learn more and explore your options? Contact Dr. LaDawn Talbott today and schedule your complimentary consultation.
