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Why Combining a Tummy Tuck with Lipo is So Common

Dr. John Millard

Combining a tummy tuck with liposuction is so common because it is an effective way to address multiple aesthetic concerns during a single appointment. After weight changes, pregnancy, and/or aging, it’s common to experience droopy skin and fat that affects your appearance and self-esteem. A tummy tuck with liposuction is an effective way to improve your body confidence and balance your proportions so you can enjoy lasting results and a slimmer appearance.

At the Denver Liposuction Specialty Clinic, we have helped many patients improve their figures with customizable treatments designed to balance their proportions and provide lasting results. We personalize each procedure to help you address changes to your figure and achieve your desired look.

Contact our Denver office online or call (303) 708-8770 to learn more about how we can enhance your appearance with a combined tummy tuck and liposuction!

About Tummy Tucks

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a procedure that removes excess skin from the abdomen to sculpt your figure for a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance. Weight fluctuations and pregnancy can stretch the skin, and separated abdominal muscles–a condition known as diastasis recti–are also common after pregnancy or weight gain. (1) We can address excess skin and tighten the abdominal muscles during a tummy tuck to help improve your core strength and the appearance of your midsection.

Tummy Tuck After Weight Loss

We offer different variations of tummy tucks to address different amounts of excess skin and body goals. If you recently lost weight and have a significant amount of excess skin, we can remove it with a technique that removes more tissue. Addressing loose skin after weight loss can improve your mobility, make clothes more flattering, reduce rashes/chafing, and allow you to more fully enjoy your weight loss results. (2)

About Liposuction

Liposuction removes excess body fat to sculpt your figure for a smoother appearance. As you age, it’s common to develop unwanted body fat that resists diet and exercise. This can affect your self-esteem and body proportions. During a liposuction treatment, we will make a small incision and administer tumescent fluid, which is a combination of lidocaine, epinephrine, and saline. This solution causes the fat cells to swell for easier removal, while also providing additional pain relief and minimizing bleeding. After allowing the tumescent fluid to swell the fat, we will remove the excess fat with gentle suction.

Liposuction vs. Cellulite Reduction

While there is no cure for cellulite, cellulite reduction treatments are available to reduce the appearance of skin divots. If cellulite on your lower abdomen is causing you to feel self-conscious, liposuction during a tummy tuck can restore your confidence by helping you achieve smoother skin. Approximately 80-90 percent of women experience cellulite, and it commonly appears on the thighs, buttocks, and/or hips. (3) It is generally caused when the connective bands beneath the skin are too tight. (4) This condition often arises as one ages due to changes in skin quality. (5)

Benefits of Combining a Tummy Tuck with Liposuction

There are several benefits of combining a tummy tuck with liposuction, which include:

  • Smoother figure: Removing excess skin and fat can improve your body proportions and accentuate your curves.
  • Natural-looking results: We make thin incisions along the natural curves of your body for beautiful results.
  • Improved core strength: Addressing loose abdominal muscles with a tummy tuck can improve your strength and self-esteem.
  • Increased muscle definition: Removing excess skin and fat can improve your muscle definition for a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance.
  • Improved clothing fit: Many patients find that addressing excess skin and fat can improve their ability to feel more confident in clothing and bathing suits.

Candidates & Consultation

During your consultation, our patient coordinator will ask about your aesthetic goals and perform a physical examination to determine the most effective treatment for your needs. Please come prepared to discuss your lifestyle, medical history, and medications. Most candidates for liposuction are:

  • Nonsmokers
  • In good overall health
  • Interested in long-lasting treatment options

Candidates do not have a condition that affects their ability to heal, and they take good care of their bodies. If you have additional body goals, we can also discuss them during your consultation.

If you have photographs of your desired look, we recommend that you bring them with you for us to examine. Each treatment is personalized for your specific underlying anatomy and aesthetic goals so you can enjoy beautiful results.

Preparation

To prepare for your procedure, you should:

  • Refrain from smoking for approximately 6 weeks
  • Stop taking medications and supplements that thin your blood for 1-2 weeks
  • Avoid drinking alcohol for 24 hours
  • Arrange for someone you trust to drive you home

We also recommend that patients run errands ahead of time and that they prepare their meals for a comfortable recovery.

Treatment Process

Your treatment process will depend on your underlying anatomy and aesthetic goals. We will cleanse your skin and administer general anesthesia.

Next, we will make a thin incision along the natural curves of your body to remove excess skin and fat to sculpt your figure. To remove excess fat, we will administer tumescent fluid to cause the excess fat cells to swell for easier removal. To remove excess skin, we will make an incision along the underwear line to tighten the skin and repair muscles for a smoother appearance.

Recovery

After your treatment, you will need to avoid strenuous exercise temporarily until cleared by your surgeon. We can provide specific instructions based on your personalized plan. If you receive a tummy tuck, you should take several weeks of downtime to allow your incisions to heal properly. It’s also common to experience some swelling and/or bruising after your treatment.

We will provide specific instructions to help your skin heal for optimal results afterward. You will also need to follow up with the office to allow us to monitor your progress. Most patients can return to work after approximately 1-2 weeks. Sleeping for 7-8 hours each night and staying hydrated are important for supporting your body while you heal.

Results

Your results will depend on your specific treatment plan, but most patients notice that their quality of life improves after receiving treatment. They also notice that their body proportions and clothing options improve. We will provide specific instructions to help you maintain your results. You will need to maintain a stable weight by exercising regularly and eating nutritious meals because weight fluctuations can stretch the skin. You will also need to take good care of your body.

The Cost of a Combined Tummy Tuck with Liposuction in Denver

The cost of a combined tummy tuck and liposuction treatment will depend on your personalized treatment plan and aesthetic goals. We can discuss the most effective treatment plan for your needs during your consultation.

Contact our Denver office online or call (303) 708-8770 to learn more about how we can enhance your appearance.

FAQ

What is the difference between liposuction and a tummy tuck?

While both aim at improving the abdomen’s appearance, liposuction primarily removes fat, whereas a tummy tuck focuses on eliminating excess skin and tightening muscles.

How long does a tummy tuck with liposuction take?

Combined liposuction and tummy tuck typically takes about 3-5 hours, depending on your treatment plan.

Is a tummy tuck with liposuction painful?

Patients report mild discomfort following surgery, which can be alleviated with prescribed medication during the initial recovery phase.

When can I return to work and resume normal activities?

Most patients can return to light work after approximately one to two weeks, but they should avoid strenuous activities for several weeks. We will provide specific details about the recovery timeline you can expect.

Will there be scarring after a tummy tuck with liposuction?

Yes, but we make low incisions just below the bikini line that are easy to hide under clothing and swimsuits.

Can I have children after a tummy tuck with liposuction?

Yes, however, pregnancy can affect your results. We recommend that you wait to have a tummy tuck until after you are finished having children.

References

  1. Ward ZJ, Bleich SN, Cradock AL, et al. Projected U.S. State-Level Prevalence of Adult Obesity and Severe Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2019;381(25):2440-2450. doi:https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmsa1909301
  2. Soteropulos CE, Edinger KM, Leibl KE, Siebert JW. Improvement in Back Pain Following Abdominoplasty: Results of a 10-Year, Single-Surgeon Series. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2020;40(12):1309-1315. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjaa032
  3. Gabriel A, Chan V, Caldarella M, Wayne T, O’Rorke E. Cellulite: Current Understanding and Treatment. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2023;5. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojad050
  4. Stevens WG, Green JB, Layt C, et al. Multicenter Pivotal Study Demonstrates Safety and Efficacy of a New Cellulite Procedure: 3-Month Results. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. Published online July 5, 2022. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjac179
  5. Leszko M. Cellulite in menopause. Menopausal Review. 2014;5:297-304. doi:https://doi.org/10.5114/pm.2014.46472