Excess fat can not only affect your body image but also determine your health and increase your risk of developing medical conditions in the future. It’s believed that every two inches of additional waist size in healthy women can increase the risk of cardiac disease by 10%.
It can be challenging to lose belly fat, and there’s no natural way to remove excess skin from weight loss.
A tummy tuck with lipo is a popular cosmetic procedure that helps reshape and contour the abdominal area. The combination of a tummy tuck and liposuction will yield impressive results, and provide patience with a flatter and more toned abdomen.
If you’re considering this procedure, it’s important to have realistic expectations. You likely have a lot of questions regarding the procedure itself, pre-op and post-op.
This guide is going to tell you everything you need to know. By the end, you’ll feel confident making a decision about this procedure.
Initial Consultation for Tummy Tuck With Lipo
The first step to take when you’re considering a tummy tuck with lipo is to have a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. This appointment doesn’t require you to make a commitment to the surgery.
Questions and Information
If you have any questions or concerns, this is the appointment where you’ll have the opportunity to ask. It’s important that you feel completely comfortable with your decision to have this procedure, and asking questions can help ease your mind.
There are a variety of different types of tummy tuck procedures that are available. This initial consultation appointment will help determine which one is the most appropriate for your specific needs. This may include a full tummy tuck, a mini tummy tuck, or an extended tummy tuck, depending on your anatomy and goals.
The plastic surgeon is also going to give you a detailed explanation of the risks and benefits associated with a tummy tuck with liposuction. You need to have a clear understanding of the potential complications in expected outcomes so you can set your expectations realistically and prepare properly.
Cost
Another topic that will likely come up in the first appointment is the cost and financing. The surgeon will provide their fees, which may include facility fees, anesthesia fees, and other associated costs. You can also inquire about financing options in payment plans if that’s the route you want to take.
To help give you a realistic idea of the potential results. The surgeon may show you before-and-after photos of previous tummy tuck patients as well.
Signing and Scheduling
Once you’ve decided to move forward with a tummy tuck, you’ll discuss the potential surgery dates and scheduling logistics with the surgeon’s office staff. You’ll also typically sign a consent form.
It’s important to remember that you don’t have to make any decisions during the first consultation. Take your time making a decision, and don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion if you aren’t fully comfortable.
Talking About Medical History
When you’re talking to your surgeon, you’ll want to talk about your goals and medical history, and the surgeon will assess your candidacy for the procedure. Not everyone is a good candidate for a tummy tuck with liposuction, which is one of the main reasons for the consultation appointment.
It’s vital that you communicate your expectations with your surgeon. This will help them create a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to your needs and wants.
When talking with a plastic surgeon, be sure to let them know about any pre-existing medical conditions and previous surgeries. You want to inform them about allergies and any medication that you’re currently taking.
Many patients are tempted to lie during their consultation appointment to reduce the risk of being denied; however, being honest will help ensure your safety during surgery.
During your initial appointment, the surgeon will likely conduct a physical examination of your abdominal area. They will assess your skin, the quality of your muscle tone, and the amount of excess fat or skin that you have. They will also check for hernias or any abdominal issues.
This is another step that is in place to keep you safe and healthy throughout the entire process.
Preparing for Plastic Surgery
When you’re preparing for a tummy tuck with lipo, there are a few steps you need to take. You’ll need to stop smoking several weeks before the surgery.
Smoking can impede the healing process and should be avoided after the surgery, as it increases your chances of complications.
You’ll also need to follow all the preop instructions. This may include fasting before the surgery or avoiding certain medications.
You’ll also need to arrange support after your surgery. Someone will need to drive you home and stay with you for a few days while you recover. You will find it hard to do your daily activities alone.
If you have pets or children, you’ll need to arrange care for them.
What to Know About the Procedure
One of the primary goals of a tummy tuck with lipo is to improve abdominal contours. This procedure is effective at addressing excess fat deposits and loose skin, which are often resistant to diet and exercise.
The combination of liposuction and tummy tuck results in a smoother and more sculpted appearance. You can also expect your abdominal area to appear flatter.
Once the excess fat and skin are removed, it creates a more streamlined and aesthetically pleasing silhouette. This can significantly boost your confidence and self-esteem.
While it’s not the main goal of a tummy tuck. You may see fewer stretch marks after your procedure. While it’s not likely that they’ll be completely eliminated, many patients see a significant improvement in their appearance.
One of the reasons so many people invest in a tummy tuck with lipo is due to the long-lasting results. With the proper post-op care and maintenance, you could benefit from the results for years.
However, it is crucial that you maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet. If you plan to become pregnant, it’s vital that you let your surgeon know, as this could affect your surgery results.
A tummy tuck with liposuction is performed under general anesthesia. This ensures that you are comfortable during the surgery. There are two main steps.
Lipo
In the initial stage, liposuction is performed to remove that deposit in the abdominal area. It can also be used in adjacent areas like the flakes or hips. The surgeon will make a small incision and insert a thin tube to suck out the excess fat.
Tummy Tuck
Once the liposuction portion is complete, the tummy tuck procedure begins. A small incision will be made along the lower abdomen right above the pubic area.
The excess skin is then removed in the abdominal muscles may be tightened if necessary. The remaining skin is then repositioned and sutured in place.
Liposuction Recovery and Post-Surgery
To ensure a successful and safe outcome, it’s important that you understand the aspects of recovery and post-surgery after a tummy tuck with lipo.
Immediately after your surgery, you’ll be kept in a recovery room under observation before being discharged. This is to ensure you come out of the anesthesia safely and without complications.
You can expect some pain and discomfort after the surgery. There may even be some swelling, so don’t worry.
Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help keep you comfortable. It’s vital that you take these medications as prescribed and do not skip a dose.
You’ll likely need to wear compression garments to help minimize the swelling and provide support to the treated areas. Before the surgery, your plastic surgeon will be able to give you recommendations and explain to you how to wear them.
Don’t be surprised if you have drains placed at the incision site. These help remove excess fluid and reduce your risk of infection.
You will be given detailed instructions on how to care for these drains. You’ll want to ensure that the sites are kept clean and follow the wound care instructions meticulously.
Resting
Rest is one of the most important things to prioritize after your surgery. This will help with the healing process and ensure you don’t injure yourself.
You should avoid lifting heavy objects and bending over for the first few weeks in any strenuous activities. You’ll want to follow your surgeon’s instructions about slowly increasing your activity levels. You’ll start with light walking, as this can promote circulation and aid in healing.
Besides resting, you should also prioritize staying hydrated and eating a well-balanced diet. This will also support the healing process.
Follow-Up Appointments
Be sure to attend all follow-up appointments with your surgeon, as they will want to monitor your progress and address any concerns. Your surgeon will also want to remove the drains, sutures, and staples during these visits.
Bruising and swelling are normal for several weeks. However, they should gradually go away over time. If you’re experiencing a lot of swelling, elevating your legs and using cold compresses can help.
Scarring
You will have some surgical scars after the procedure, which will slowly evolve over time. You’ll get detailed instructions on how to care for these as well.
Using a silicone gel or sheeting will help improve the appearance. It’s vital that you minimize the amount of sun exposure your scars get. Keeping them covered will help them fade faster.
Resuming Normal Activity
How quickly you heal will determine when you can return to work in normal day activities. You should wait until you’re cleared by your surgeon to do any high-impact exercises or heavy lifting.
One area that many patients forget to think about is the emotional support that you’ll need after your surgery. A tummy tuck with lipo can be physically demanding, but also emotionally strenuous.
Having support from friends and family can be crucial. If you have a therapist, talking with them about your feelings towards this procedure before and after can be very helpful as well.
Results
You will see an immediate improvement in your abdominal contour after the procedure. However, the final results will become more apparent after the swelling subsides.
The healing process takes longer than most people expect. The majority of patients will see the final results within 6 to 12 months.
Risks and Considerations
Like any surgical procedure, a tummy tuck with lipo has risks. You should take a considerable amount of time to think about the potential downsides of this procedure.
There is always a risk of infection and an adverse reaction to anesthesia. Scarring is almost inevitable. However, some people will scar worse than others. Going to an experienced plastic surgeon can help minimize these risks, but they are still always there.
Finding a Plastic Surgeon
Finding a plastic surgeon that is reputable and experienced can take some time. It can also seem daunting, as there are many plastic surgeons out there.
However, doing your due diligence and research will ensure you find the best one. Asking for recommendations from friends and family is an easy step.
They may have had a procedure in recent years and can give you suggestions. Online reviews are also a great tool that you should take advantage of. You can learn a lot from other people’s experiences.
When you’re looking for a plastic surgeon, be sure to look on their website for their credentials. Many surgeons will put photos of their previous work on their website for you to see.
Unlocking the Secrets to a Sculpted Silhouette
A tummy tuck with liposuction can be a very transformative procedure. It can help you achieve the body that you want and prove your self-confidence.
As you can see, there are a lot of factors that contribute to the entire process. By understanding what to expect, you can make an informed decision and achieve the results that you want. To ensure plastic surgery is what you want, take your time making this decision and consult with our board-certified plastic surgeon.
Here at Mark Deuner Plastic Surgeon, we offer the best results. Send us a message for a consultation appointment.