Liposuction was first introduced into the medical world in the late 70s and early 80s. Liposuction is primarily a cosmetic procedure intended to remove fat from strategic locations in the body. At first, it was a very primitive application of suction to fatty areas of the body, and watching as the fat flowed from the body through a tube into a canister. This was a very exciting observation at first.
Over time this technique has become much more sophisticated by adding fluid to the treated area that will dissolve some of the fat and magnify its removal. Some techniques apply energy to the area that tries to shrink some of the skin.
As with all aspects of medicine treatment is determined by the diagnosis. If the diagnosis includes excess skin, as well as extra fat then liposuction alone, will not be adequate to treat the problem.
Liposuction
There are, of course, borderline cases, but in general, after multiple pregnancies and significant weight loss both fat and skin will usually be in excess. Thereby requiring a tummy tuck. And, liposuction alone may not be sufficient. Again, if there is excess skin and fat, the flesh, the tightest, abdomen can only be achieved with a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty.
Also, muscle tightening can accompany the tummy tuck, as well as combining liposuction with the flank and hip areas to achieve the best flattest tightest abdominal wall. You can see examples of this in our website gallery. Therefore, under circumstances where there is not enough excess skin, then liposuction alone can be a good contouring procedure.
But keep in mind that liposuction alone is a tool to remove spot fat. It is not a major body contouring procedure after pregnancies and weight loss. So yes, in certain circumstances, you can have liposuction instead of a tummy tuck, depending upon your complete evaluation and diagnosis. Body contouring procedures can be life changing.
THOMAS TREVISANI, MD
BOARD-CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON
MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF AESTHETIC PLASTIC SURGERY
