Can Liposuction Be Combined With A Tummy Tuck?
The short answer is, yes. In fact, these common cosmetic plastic surgery procedures are performed together so often this combination has its own name: lipoabdominoplasty. Liposuction and abdominoplasty (more commonly known as a tummy tuck) are body contouring procedures designed to improve your shape and self-confidence by eliminating excess fat.

If you’re bothered by areas of stubborn fat surrounding the tummy, as well as loose, saggy skin, you may be wondering which procedure is right for you. In most cases, a combination procedure is a right choice. A lipoabdominoplasty provides enhanced contouring results that exceed what either of these procedures can do individually.

What’s the Difference Between a Tummy Tuck and Liposuction?
These two treatments are often referred to interchangeably. It’s not hard to see why – they both help slim your waistline. However, they are quite different.

Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that can treat various areas of the body utilizing small, easily hidden incisions. The procedure uses suction to remove pockets of subcutaneous fat. Subcutaneous fat is under the second layer of skin, and is often resistant to diet and exercise. Liposuction alone can help get rid of fat from your abdomen, back, inner and outer thighs, chin, arms, and knees. Unfortunately, it doesn’t address excess skin or muscle laxity.

Alternatively, a tummy tuck primarily addresses loose skin by removing the excess skin and tightening loose or separated abdominal muscles, resulting in a more toned physique. Excess skin cannot be removed through diet and exercise because it is caused by poor tissue elasticity.

How Does a Lipoabdominoplasty Work?
During this combination procedure, liposuction is completed first to remove excess fat from the belly area. The fatty tissue under the skin is filled with a saline solution. The final step involves removing the fat cells using suction.

Next, the tummy tuck is performed to remove excess skin and tissue, which provides a flatter look to the stomach. Your abdominal muscles are tightened, to reduce the circumference of your waistline, before removing the loose skin in the abdominal region. The remaining skin is then brought together in a more aesthetically pleasing way.

Benefits of Combining Liposuction With a Tummy Tuck
Lipoabdominoplasty eliminates the need for a second surgery to address the same problem area. Additionally, having one combined surgery means you’ll have a:

Reduced risk of blood loss, blood clots, and seromas (pockets of fluid beneath the skin)
Reduced recovery time
Reduced cost
Ultimately, one procedure means you only have to put your body through surgery once to get twice the benefits.