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Should You Add Liposuction to Your Tummy Tuck?

During your tummy tuck consultation with Dr. Eric Desman, he will ask you about your aesthetic goals and what results you’re hoping to experience in undergoing this surgery. Based on your answers, he may suggest you consider making other cosmetic changes at the same time as your abdominoplasty.

Many patients find a stand-alone tummy tuck is sufficient to help them achieve their desired abdominal contour, but others opt to add liposuction to their abdominoplasty to go above and beyond their expectations. Should you choose to undergo a combination of liposuction and tummy tuck surgery? Here’s what you need to know to be a more informed surgical patient.

Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck: What’s the Difference?

Though both procedures can help create a flatter, more defined abdominal region, liposuction and abdominoplasty are not identical surgeries.

Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that removes specific, exercise-resistant pockets of body fat through a small cannula attached to a powerful vacuum-like device. By itself, liposuction can help you say goodbye to love handles or a muffin top. However, this treatment doesn’t address the sagging skin or separated abdominal muscles that can accompany pregnancy or a significant weight loss.

In contrast, a tummy tuck will remove excess skin while tightening weakened or separated abdominal muscles to achieve a flat, toned stomach. However, if your cosmetic concerns include unwanted fat in regions like your flanks or lower abdomen, a tummy tuck alone might not help you achieve your ideal outcomes.

Why Include Liposuction With Your Tummy Tuck?

If you’re dissatisfied with unwanted fat, lax skin, and weakened abdominal muscles, Dr. Desman can address all three of these issues simultaneously if you choose to add liposuction to your tummy tuck. The most significant benefit of combining plastic surgeries is the time and money you’ll save.

• Recover from both procedures at once, instead of having to take more time off work to undergo two separate healing processes.
• Combine fees associated with anesthesia, surgical facility privileges, the surgical team’s time, and any medications or supplies needed for your recovery period.

Finally, the holistic effects of a combined tummy tuck and liposuction offer maximal body contouring results that aren’t attainable with either procedure by itself. Many people who have undergone one or more pregnancies or have lost a dramatic amount of weight struggle with stubborn fat pockets and skin laxity, so asking a skilled plastic surgeon to address both of these everyday cosmetic issues in one effective procedure is often the most time-efficient approach to obtaining your ideal results.

Where to Go for Your Combination Body Contouring Surgery in Northern Virginia

When you’re thinking about surgically changing any aspect of your appearance, it’s crucial to weigh your options and choose a board-certified surgeon with plenty of experience in your desired procedures and a long track record of patient safety. Ask to see their before-and-after photo gallery with liposuction and tummy tuck surgeries to ensure their aesthetic approach aligns with yours. After getting a price quote for your surgery, inquire about any available financing options that could help put the cost within your financial reach.

Dr. Desman is the first plastic surgeon serving the Northern Virginia, Maryland, and greater Washington, D.C., metro areas to offer SAFELipo®, a cutting-edge approach to liposuction that provides consistently natural-looking results. Contact us today to schedule your no-obligation consultation.