Tummy Tuck and Liposuction

There are various other procedures, such as liposuction and laser-beam lipectomy, that can be combined with your surgery to enhance the effects of your tummy tuck. These procedures can excise excess fat and redundant skin from other parts of your body like the arms, thighs, hips, back, and buttocks.

 Liposuction, otherwise known as suction-assisted lipectomy, is a process in which localized areas of fat deposits are removed by suction with the intended results of altering the body contour. Most surgeons will inject the target site with a local anesthetic agent such as 1% Lidocaine, plump up the fat, and firm the surface of the site. Small incisions will be made, and a blunt, hollow, curved or straight metal cannula with multiple openings will be inserted through small holes. The cannula is then moved back and forth along the axial plane, parallel to the skin surface. It will be used to aspirate cores of fat in a “honeycomb pattern.” This usually results in a uniform contouring of the site. 

 Laser-beam assisted liposuction, or ultrasonic-assisted liposuction, may also be used to vaporize fat rather than traditional suctioning. This has an added advantage of a reduced amount and length of bleeding. After liposuction, the incisions are sutured and reinforced with wound closure strips, and you may be required to wear a compression garment for 10 days to control edema.

You may also elect to have other procedures at this time, such as breast augmentation, thigh lifts, or body lifts to enhance your overall look.