8-West Cosmetic Surgery

Combining Tummy Tuck With Liposuction

For many people, genetics, weight gain and pregnancy cause the muscles and skin in the abdomen area to permanently stretch out. For these people, no amount of exercise or diet will help the muscle and skin retract to a more flat and contoured appearance. A tummy tuck, also known abdominoplsty, is a Vancouver cosmetic surgery procedure to correct the appearance of excess skin and fat near the abdominal area. When combined with liposuction, a more comprehensive level of sculpting can be achieved.

Common Areas for Liposuction

Liposuction treats problem areas that don’t go away, regardless of diet and exercise. Liposuction removes pockets of fat and contours the area, which often results in a slimmer shape and smoother fitting clothes.

Common Areas for Liposuction

• Abdomen
• Flanks
• Hips
• Thighs
• Knees
• Arms

The Tummy Tuck Procedure

There are different techniques for abdominoplasty, each of them indicated for a specific abdominal shape. Each technique is associated with its own unique set of benefits and risks. Dr. Watts will recommend the best approach for you, and carefully review the risks and benefits of each. Find Out More

• Mini Tummy Tuck
• Complete Tummy Tuck
• Extended Tummy Tuck

Visit this website’s knowledge base to find our more about important body changes of time and how cosmetic surgery can help.

Are You a Good Candidate

The ideal candidate for liposuction is someone who is within 25 pounds of their ideal weight and has realistic expectations of surgery.

Physical Features

You may be a candidate for a tummy tuck with liposuction if you are bothered by any of the following physical features:

• Areas of stubborn fat that are resistant to diet and exercise
• Your are within 25 pounds of your ideal weight
• Your have excess skin and fat in the abdominal area

General Health

You may be a candidate for tummy tuck combined with liposuction if you are in general, in good health:

• You have normal blood pressure
• You are not taking blood thinners, or your family physician can safely recommend that you stop taking them for two weeks

Recovery

Time Off Work

• Most people take two weeks off work, depending on what kind of tummy tuck is performed, and what body ares are treated with liposuction

Back to Normal Activities

• You can resume normal activities, such as light household work and taking a gentle stroll, the day after surgery
• You can resume light fitness activities, such as jogging or yoga, two to three weeks after surgery
• You can resume vigorous fitness activities, such heavy weight training or high impact cardio, four weeks after surgery
• You should avoid bending over and lifting heavy objects for two weeks after surgery

Bikini/Bathing Suit Ready Ready

• You will have evidence of bruising and swelling for up to three months, however most people are comfortable in a bathing suit one month after surgery
• You incisions will fade over time

Complete Recovery

• The incisions fade over time and often become nearly imperceptible

Risks & Complications

All surgeries have associated risks. The specific risks of your combination tummy tuck and liposuction surgery will depend on the extent of your surgery. Your surgeon will review the risks and benefits of the surgery in detail during your surgical consult. In general, complications of tummy tuck with liposuction surgery, while not expected, include:

• General anesthesia (blood clots)
• Hematoma
• Infection
• Scarring – belly button, hip to hip (panty line)
• Asymmetry
• Pain
• Seroma – pockets of tissue fluid in the abdomen or chest wall
• Further surgery – revision of dog ears
• Delayed healing
• Abdominal numbness for 6 months

Combination Body Shaping Procedures

Vancouver breast implant surgery is often combined with liposuction or tummy tuck surgery. This combination is particularly popular with mothers who are frustrated by the body changes that occurred as a result of pregnancy. Find out more about Post Pregnancy Body Changes in this website’s knowledge base.

What Cosmetic Breast Surgery is Right for You?

While the information on this site is extensive, it is not designed the replace the skill and expertise of a board certified plastic surgeon. Use the information to help you explore the possibilities and educate yourself about the typical recovery period of cosmetic surgery. While this site provides general information about cosmetic surgery as it related to the average person, it cannot be used as a tool for people to decide which surgery is best for them. Only a thorough consultation with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Watts can provide the specific information required to make an informed decision about surgery. To find out which surgery is most appropriate for you, please Request a Consult.

Next Steps

Ready to Discuss Your Cosmetic Surgery Needs with Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Watts? Schedule a Consult

If you are ready to book a consult, please Request a Consult.If you would like to learn more about what to expect during a surgical consult, please go here.

Not Sure You Are a Candidate? Use our Virtual Consult Form

Not everybody is a candidate for cosmetic surgery. To save time, we have launched a Virtual Consultation tool. Upload your photos, provide some information about what you would like to change, and we will provide a complementary evaluation. Find out more about the Virtual Consultation here.