In the video below from our surgical library, we show how liposuction is not only a procedure in and of itself, but also a great adjunct to other procedures, such as an abdominoplasty. There has been concern with performing liposuction at the same time as a tummy tuck in the past but with better techniques, liposuction during an abdominoplasty is not only safe, but can lead to better outcomes.
The concern with performing liposuction at the same time as a tummy tuck grew out of the risk to blood vessels that could be injured during liposuction but were also expected to provide blood supply to the abdominoplasty skin. While this explanation may be a little complicated, the bottom line is that blood vessels that come from the ribs above the abdomen supply oxygenated blood to the upper abdominal skin. As long as these blood vessels aren’t injured during a tummy tuck, the patient will be fine. While liposuction may make these blood vessels tighten up and shrink temporarily, the vessels will “open up” and be fine. That’s why I avoid injuring these upper abdominal blood vessels during my dissection.
The liposuction performed during a tummy tuck improves the contour of the waist better than a tummy tuck alone. That’s why it’s important to use liposuction as an adjunct to an abdominoplasty.
Liposuction of the Abdomen via GoPro
For patients with excess abdominal skin and stretch marks, liposuction during a tummy tuck will improve the overall result of the patient’s body contouring procedure. You’ll be safer as long as your procedure is performed in an accredited facility with a board certified plastic surgeon. To check pricing on liposuction from a doctor near you, click here.
