Lipoabdominoplasty- Tummy Tuck with Liposuction-Improves Results-Raleigh*

There was a time when liposuction was not recommended to be performed during abdominoplasty. With newer techniques and more knowledge of anatomy, plastic surgeons are now frequently combining liposuction and tummy tuck. In some cases, even performing fat transfer to the buttock, Safety concerns- certainly must be taken into account. Although liposuction does not involve large incisions, it is still causing trauma to the involved tissues and can increase risks. So, caution is advised. In fact, in the state of Florida which often has to legislate rules about plastic surgery, surgeons are not allowed to do more than 1000 cc of liposuction during a tummy tuck. This is because of a number of poor patient outcomes and even deaths in that state. No such laws exist in North Carolina however- experienced board-certified plastic surgeons usually limit the amount of liposuction being performed at the time of abdominoplasty. This 33-year-old woman wished to have improvement in her abdomen, removal of stretch marks and liposuction with some fat transfer to the buttock. She underwent full abdominoplasty with liposuction of the back, abdomen, flanks and a conservative amount of fat transfer to the buttock. Patients desiring more noticeable changes in the buttock are often recommended to do this in a second surgery, but fat transfer can be performed safely provided that the plastic surgeon takes appropriate precautions. The patient was very happy with her result.