Should You Add Lipo to Your Tummy Tuck?

Updated for 2020

For those seeking a leaner abdomen, a tummy tuck is an obvious choice. A tummy tuck — one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures — can improve the appearance of sagging skin, tighten weak abdominal muscles. The result should be a flatter, more contoured midsection.

Yet, a tummy tuck alone won’t address excess fat deposits. Liposuction, on the other hand, is a well-known body contouring procedure for does just that. So, how do you decide if adding lipo to your tummy tuck is right for you? Here are some factors to consider.

Get Better Curves

Although a tummy tuck can produce great results on its own, it might be smart to include liposuction with your procedure to ensure the best outcome, depending on your goals. A tummy tuck can be great for correcting foundational concerns, like repairing separated abdominal muscles, while liposuction offers extra precision and finesse for fine-tuning and sculpting your silhouette.

Combining liposuction with a tummy tuck is the best way to address unwanted fat AND tighten skin and abdomen.

Address Excess Fat

When combined with a tummy tuck, lipo can be used to address fatty deposits, not only in the abdomen, but also in the surrounding transition areas. Love handles and saddlebags can be slimmed down or eliminated to better accentuate the results of your tummy tuck. Lipo can also be used to remove excess fat from other parts of the body, such as the upper arms, back, inner knee, calves, ankles and thighs.

However, unlike a tummy tuck, lipo can’t help resolve loose skin and won’t tighten lax muscles. For this reason, the two procedures can be very complementary when performed together. Combining lipo with your tummy tuck also means using a different surgical technique that can negate the need for post-op drains, ensuring a more comfortable recovery along with superior body contouring.

Still unsure whether you should add lipo to your tummy tuck procedure? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Martin. Consultations are the best ways to share your concerns, ask for advice and get detailed information about your specific aesthetic goals from a board-certified plastic surgeon.

To learn more about combining liposuction with a tummy tuck, please contact us online or call our Las Cruces office today at 575-521-7111 to schedule your appointment.