A tummy tuck is a powerful way to reshape your belly. It removes extra skin and tightens the area for a smoother contour. Sometimes, the extra skin is mostly below the belly button. Other times, the loose skin can stretch both above and below the belly button. In either case, the extra skin is carefully removed, and the skin is pulled tighter to create a flatter look.
But here’s the big question: Should you add liposuction to your tummy tuck? Let’s explore why this combination often creates even better results.
What a Tummy Tuck Can Do
A tummy tuck is excellent for removing loose or hanging skin. If your skin folds at the lower belly, it can be tightened and smoothed. If your skin also sags above the belly button, that area can be lifted too. In both cases, the tummy tuck helps create a firmer, more toned shape.
Where a Tummy Tuck Falls Short
However, a tummy tuck alone does not remove fat from every area. One common area it misses is the flanks (also called “love handles”). You can check this by gently pinching the sides of your waist near your lower ribs. If you feel extra fullness here, that’s fat — not just skin.
The tummy tuck scar is placed low across the abdomen, so it cannot address fat around the flanks or upper waist. That’s where liposuction comes in.
How Liposuction Adds More Contour
By adding liposuction to your tummy tuck, your surgeon can remove stubborn fat from the sides and waist. This does two things:
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Smooths the overall shape: Liposuction reduces bulges and balances your figure.
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Defines your waistline: With less fat around the ribs and hips, your tummy tuck looks more dramatic.
Together, these procedures create a flatter, tighter, and more sculpted belly.
The Trade-Offs
Of course, there are things to consider. Adding liposuction does increase the cost and may add a little more recovery time. However, many patients feel the benefits are worth it because the results look more natural and complete.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a tummy tuck, it’s smart to also ask if liposuction could help. By combining the two, you may achieve a smoother, more balanced contour that flatters your whole midsection.
