Liposuction and tummy tuck are popular cosmetic surgery procedures among men and women looking to improve abdominal contour. Used together in one procedure, they can provide great results, according to a study published by an ASPS member surgeon in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery-Global Open®, the official open-access medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
The combined “lipoabdominoplasty” procedure was performed on 150 patients. They first underwent ultrasound lipolysis to remove excess fat from the abdomen and flanks (love handles) and then tummy tuck to remove excess abdominal tissue and loose skin. The outcome was compared to that of 384 liposuction-alone patients and 17 abdominoplasty-alone patients.
The study, based on data over a five-year period noted that:
- The combined procedure performed to reduce surgical trauma can also provide excellent patient outcomes
- Lipolysis and abdominoplasty, performed individually or in combination, can be performed safely with appropriate measures to reduce complications by minimizing tissue trauma
- None of the liposuction candidates developed seromas, which was due to the use of limited ultrasound
- The rate of seromas after abdominoplasty was low (5 percent)
Using safe preventive measures can help surgeons reduce the risk post-surgical complications such as blood clots.
The combined treatment offers many benefits
- The best of both procedures
- More comprehensive results with smoother lines
- Impressive lower body makeover
- Less risk of blood loss during surgery
- Known risks of individual procedures such as development of seromas are minimal
An earlier study by this expert found high patient satisfaction rates and improved self-esteem among patients who underwent the combination procedure. The present study’s results have noted that exceptional cosmetic outcomes could be achieved with a low complication rate when basic measures are taken to reduce risk.