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

There are several things you can do as a patient to minimize risks and maximize results. First of all, make sure you choose a surgeon who is Board Certified in Plastic Surgery. This will ensure you have an experienced and qualified surgeon performing the procedure. Secondly, if you are a smoker, you should quit at least 4 weeks before surgery to reduce the risk of healing problems. Next, make sure to take all of the prescribed medications as directed. Also, follow all pre and post -operative instructions from your surgeon. I recommend that patients try to walk around with help as soon as possible after surgery.

I also recommend that patients perform leg stretching exercises whenever they are lying still or are in bed. Walking and moving your legs helps reduce the risk of forming blood clots deep in the leg. If a patient does the above things, they will be enhancing their chances of having a great result with the tummy tuck.


2. How does abdominal liposuction differ from a "tummy tuck" and what are the advantages of a "tummy tuck" (compared to Liposuction)?

Abdominal liposuction is a procedure in which a cannula, or tube, is inserted into the layer of tissue containing fat. The fat cells are then removed through suction. This only removes fat from the abdomen. It does nothing to help improve the appearance of the skin or to improve the contour of the abdomen. In general, liposuction is best for someone who is young, who is only slightly overweight and who has not had children. A "tummy tuck", or abdominoplasty, is a much more involved procedure. It removes fat tissue, removes extra skin and contours the abdomen. It is accomplished by making an incision in the lower abdomen, removing excess skin and fat, and tightening the abdominal muscles. This operation is best for someone who has had children.


3. What are the disadvantages of a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck is a much more involved procedure. It involves a longer incision over the lower abdomen, inside the underwear area. Although all surgery has risks, the risks of bleeding, formation of blood clots in the legs and infection are slightly higher with a tummy tuck than with liposuction only. Despite this, a tummy tuck is considered a very safe procedure with a very high rate of patient satisfaction.


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

Liposuction is great for someone who is younger, who has not had children and who does not have an excessive amount of fat or skin. For someone who has had children and has excess skin and fat, liposuction alone will not produce a good result. In these cases, a tummy tuck will be necessary in order to remove the excess fat, skin and to recontour the abdominal muscles.


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

All surgery has its risks. Liposuction also has its risks. However, there may be some more risks with a tummy tuck only because it is a more involved procedure. The reason tummy tucks are done is because it treats patients who have excess skin, fat and loose abdominal muscles. This is common in women who have had children. Liposuction will not address the excess skin or loose abdominal muscles so commonly found in these patients. For this reason, a tummy tuck is the best option.


6. Are tummy tucks covered by insurance?

Tummy tucks, or abdominoplasty, are not covered by insurance. This is an involved procedure which results in a dramatic cosmetic improvement of the abdomen.