Sagging skin and stubborn fat around your abdomen can develop over time, after pregnancy, or after weight loss. If you have struggled to get rid of loose abdominal skin and pockets of resistant fat, a tummy tuck may be right for you. During your tummy tuck, Dr. Greenberg may also use liposuction to sculpt and shape your final results. The details of each person’s procedure will differ based on their needs.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
Abdominoplasty or a tummy tuck is used to correct issues with the abdominal area. People often have a tummy tuck after pregnancy or significant weight loss to remove sagging skin, eliminate difficult fat, and achieve a slimmer, more sculpted shape. A tummy tuck can also address separated abdominal muscles, a common problem after pregnancy that can leave you with a weakened core and abdominal “pooch” of loose skin and fat.
Is it Possible to Combine Liposuction With a Tummy Tuck?
Liposuction is not a required part of a tummy tuck. However, liposuction is often a key part of a tummy tuck. While the abdominoplasty itself will remove a significant amount of fat from the abdomen, it will not address areas like the hips and waist that contribute to the appearance of your abdomen. Liposuction is often used for sculpting and creating more aesthetically pleasing curves.
Dr. Greenberg can also perform liposuction on other areas of the body during your tummy tuck. Popular areas for liposuction include the thighs, chin and jawline, and under the upper arms. When a tummy tuck is combined with liposuction and breast enhancement, the procedure is known as a mommy makeover. Discuss all your concerns with Dr. Greenberg during your consultation.
What is Recovery Like After a Tummy Tuck With Liposuction?
Whether you have liposuction does not usually affect the overall timeline of your tummy tuck recovery. You can expect some swelling and discomfort that improve after the first few days. Most people can return to work and other light activities after two weeks. You can usually return to your exercise routine and other strenuous activities after four to six weeks. A compression garment will be used to support the area and help control swelling while you heal.
What Results Will I See After a Tummy Tuck?
You will usually be able to see an immediate improvement in the appearance of your abdomen. However, swelling will keep you from seeing your full results for several weeks. Tummy tuck results can take up to six months to evolve to their final appearance. We recommend a healthy lifestyle to maintain your results over time. While fat removed with liposuction will not return, changes in weight can affect your overall results.
Take the Next Step
If you’d like to learn more about tummy tucks or liposuction, schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Scott A. Greenberg and his team at Winter Park Plastic Surgery & Laser Center in Winter Park, FL (serving the Central Florida area). (407) 644-3137
*Individual results may vary
