Upper abdominal liposuction with tummy tuck
Liposuction is part of most tummy tuck surgery that we do, however what is done will vary one practice to another so you should have a very careful and specific discussion with your surgeon.
Without more information, we can’t tell if you need liposuction in the upper abdomen, though you are right in that, suctioning above can increase the risk of seroma or healing problems. (Peter E. Johnson, MD, Chicago Plastic Surgeon)
Lipo and Tummy Tuck
However, without pictures or seeing you in person, it is impossible to give you specific advice. In general, lipo at the same time as tummy tuck is safe on the flanks and sometimes on the actual anterior belly.
However, this is a decision which must be specific to each patient based on their anatomy and health history and the extent of dissection which is required for your abdominoplasty. (David Shafer, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)
Abdominoplasty +/- Lipo
You need to post photos to get a reasonable answer to this question. Otherwise we are just giving you non-specific information, which is helpful, but doesn’t necessarily apply to you. (Steven Holzman, MD, Austin Plastic Surgeon)
Depends on your anatomy
It is difficult to tell without pictures and an examination of your upper abdomen area what is the source of your problem.
It could be a stretching of your abdominal muscles (called rectus diastasis), it could be abnormal fat collections (which are usually good areas for liposuction), or just a bunching of the skin which will be stretched down as a result of a tummy tuck. So every person needs to be looked at individually since plastic surgery is both a science and an art. The problem really needs to be addressed so that you are ultimately happy. (Tito Vasquez, MD, FACS, Southport Plastic Surgeon)
Lipo & TT
Without pictures or examining you, I can’t say with any certainty what will be “enough” to correct your problem. Having said this, many surgeons do perform liposuction as part of a modern abdominoplasty.
Theoretically, applying liposuction to the upper abdomen could decrease the blood supply to the flap and increase the risk of flap necrosis/wound healing issues; however, I have not had this problem.
I suggest you see an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon in your area to discuss your options. Ask to see pictures of results. I wouldn’t suggest doing more than 2L of lipo at the same time as an abdominoplasty. (Asif Pirani, MD, FRCS(C), Toronto Plastic Surgeon)
TummyTuck with Upper Abdominal Lipo is It Necessary?
It is not uncommon for many women I see to benefit from a little lipo in the upper central abdomen. If kept more central I find it can be done very safely, and really gives an added flatness to the tummy. You are right in that it seems much easier to flatten the lower part of the tummy and I think Lipo can help in the top part. (John J. Corey, MD, Phoenix Plastic Surgeon)