1. How can one minimize the risk of complications associated with a tummy tuck?

All surgery has the risk of complications. Tummy tuck in particular has certain increased risks, such as the risk of DVT(deep vein thrombosis), and PE(pulmonay embolism). In my practice, a full tummy tuck is performed in the hospital with an overnight stay. The hospital can provide certain safety features that are difficult to provide at home. My patients are given special garments designed to minimize DVT and PE, they walk the halls with a physical therapist on the afternoon of surgery, they have a pulmonary therapist instruct them on lung exercises, and many other techniques. My personal feeling is that by having control of the first post op day and aggressively using these safety techniques, the risks can be somewhat minimized.


2. How does abdominal liposuction differ from a "tummy tuck"?

Liposuction does one thing- reduces the fatty bulges- and does this very well. An abdominoplasty also removes a large amount of redundant skin and fat, surgically repairs the separation of the abdominal rectus muscles if present. If a woman has a history of pregnancy and has extra skin and muscle separation, liposuction alone will most likely not give a good result. Your plastic surgeon can determine which procedure will achieve the results that you desire.


3. What are the advantages of a tummy tuck (compared to liposuction)?

An abdominoplasy or tummy tuck can remove loose skin and tighten separated abdominal muscles, especially useful in women who have had children (this is half of a mommy makeover- the other half is breast lift with implants if desired). Liposuction will simply remove the fatty bulges. Your plastic surgeon can help you decide after a consultation which would give the best result.


4. What are the disadvantages of a tummy tuck?

The main disadvantage is the scar, which is placed in the bikini line low on the abdominal wall. The risks are also higher than with a liposuction and these must be understood and accepted if you want this procedure. However, in the correct candidate, a tummy tuck can restore a woman' s body to its pre-pregnancy shape and has an extremely high satisfaction rate.


5. When is liposuction sufficient and when is a tummy tuck necessary?

The optimal candidate for liposuction are women with minimal skin laxity and tight abdominal muscles, yet still have stubborn fatty bulges that are resistant to diet and exercise. If the skin is loose and the muscles need to be tightened, a tummy tuck will usually give a better improvement.


6. If liposuction is safer, what are the reasons for doing a tummy tuck?

Just because the risks are slightly higher for a tummy tuck it doesn' t mean that a patient will get a good result by choosing liposuction. If the skin is loose and the abdominal muscles are separated, liposuction will not address these issues and the result will be disappointing. An honest plastic surgeon will explain the pros and cons and will refuse to do an incorrect procedure on the wrong patient.


7. Are tummy tucks covered by insurance?

In my 20 years of experience, tummy tuck is never covered by insurance except in the rare patient with a massive weight loss- over 100 pounds- and has medical issues from abdominal tissues hanging down, sometimes to the level of the knees. Otherwise, this procedure is considered cosmetic and elective and will not be covered.