Why a Tummy Tuck Almost Always Includes Liposuction

Why a Tummy Tuck Almost Always Includes Liposuction

Why a Tummy Tuck Almost Always Includes Liposuction

It’s rare for a person who has lost a significant amount of weight to have no lingering, stubborn fat pockets on their mid-section. That’s why, at Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center, liposuction is almost always added on to a tummy tuck procedure. The two just go together, even though they are very different procedures. A tummy tuck, on the surface, addresses extreme sagging and laxity of the stomach. There are also mini tucks, but those are rare because they only target the stomach below the bellybutton. The more common full tummy tuck is usually requested by those who have lost a lot of weight (oftentimes quickly) and/or post-partum people.

The stomach, especially for women, is designed to stretch. However, “snapping back” is a lot less common than media and celebrities make it out to be. You need a good amount of collagen synthesis, youth, good genes, and luck to make that happen. Instead, a lot of people have stomachs that sag, sometimes severely. This is completely common for those who have had big fluctuations, both in men and women. Still, just because it’s common doesn’t mean you have to live with it. Diet, exercise, and even non-surgical skin tightening treatments aren’t going to work with severe skin laxity. The only option is surgery.

Tummy Tuck Basics

With a tummy tuck, excess skin is trimmed away. But this surgery is a lot more complex than that. The stomach muscles are also addressed and reinforced. Actually, the non-cosmetic procedure to fix diastasis recti is the same as a tummy tuck! (Except the trimming away of skin, of course). Since a full tummy tuck is reserved for those with severe sagging, in most cases a new bellybutton will need to be created, too. This is a surgery that is naturally built into a tummy tuck and does not come at an extra fee. However, liposuction is considered an extra procedure and therefore has an added cost.

Liposuction is the only way to immediately remove unwanted fat. Unlike contouring and sculpting treatments, it can remove large amounts of fat. It’s not a “weight loss” procedure like gastric bypass surgery, and although it can come with intensive bruising for a few days after the treatment, it’s actually one of the quickest and least invasive procedures. You can get liposuction just about anywhere but, unsurprisingly, it’s most common in the abdomen.

Liposuction Combination

If possible, and if your surgeon recommends it, it’s often a good idea to combine some surgeries. A tummy tuck already has your surgeon working in the area, and it’s very easy to add liposuction to the procedure. Some people also get liposuction during a tummy tuck in other areas. Combining surgeries means combining the recovery period, and this is a huge perk to a lot of people.

The incisions for liposuction are very small and often unnoticeable to the naked eye after healing. The same is not true for a tummy tuck. A long, thin scar will remain, typically hip bone to hip bone. However, it tends to lighten to a skin-colored scar and is hidden below the beltline. Some patients choose to further lighten the scar after it’s healed with chemical peels, laser skin rejuvenation, microneedling, or a combination of therapies. Of course, tattooing over the scar is another option for those who are inclined to getting some body art.

Surgery Setup

If you’re thinking about getting a tummy tuck, liposuction, or both, you’re on the path to an exciting journey. The factor that can make or break this process is the surgeon you choose. You deserve to work with only board-certified surgeons who specialize in the surgeries you’re considering. That’s why Dr. Parson only works with select surgeries and operates a clinic that offers complementary non-invasive treatments that amplify surgical results. Surgery is a big decision and can be a positively life-changing one. Work with the best from start to finish for the best experience.

Cosmetic surgery begins with a consultation. This is where you can get all your questions answered and share your inspirational photos. Take a look at our extensive before and after gallery to get an idea of the kind of results you can expect, then get in touch. Call Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center during business hours or fill out the online contact form for the quickest response.