Our Summary

Lipoabdominoplasty is a combined surgery involving both liposuction and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) to improve the body shape, especially in older patients or those with excess skin from significant weight loss. However, there has been some debate around the safety of this procedure, as combining the two surgeries could potentially cause damage to the blood vessels in the abdomen and increase the risk of complications.

In order to find out the risk associated with lipoabdominoplasty, researchers analyzed data from 17 studies involving 14,061 adult patients up until July 2018. They found that a small percentage of these patients experienced complications such as fluid buildup (seroma), bleeding into the skin (hematoma), wound infection, fat death (necrosis), blood clot in deep veins (deep venous thrombosis), or scar deformity.

However, their analysis showed that patients who underwent the combined lipoabdominoplasty procedure actually had fewer complications than those who had a traditional tummy tuck. They also found that the combined procedure resulted in a lower rate of hematoma and seroma.

In conclusion, lipoabdominoplasty can be a valuable procedure for improving body shape and does not seem to be associated with a higher risk of complications than a traditional tummy tuck.

FAQs

  1. What is lipoabdominoplasty and who is it most suitable for?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with lipoabdominoplasty?
  3. How does the risk of complications from lipoabdominoplasty compare to the risk from a traditional tummy tuck?

Doctor’s Tip

However, it is important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience performing lipoabdominoplasty to ensure the procedure is done safely and effectively. Additionally, following post-operative care instructions, such as wearing compression garments and avoiding strenuous activities, can help minimize the risk of complications and promote proper healing.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for lipoabdominoplasty include those who have excess abdominal fat and loose skin, particularly after significant weight loss or childbirth. It is important for patients to be in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and have stable weight in order to be considered good candidates for this procedure. Additionally, patients should be non-smokers, as smoking can increase the risk of complications and affect the healing process.

Overall, lipoabdominoplasty can be a safe and effective option for patients looking to improve their body shape and achieve a flatter, more toned abdomen. It is important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss individual goals, expectations, and potential risks associated with the procedure.

Timeline

Before the procedure:

  1. Consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss goals and expectations
  2. Pre-operative tests and evaluations to ensure candidacy for surgery
  3. Pre-operative instructions such as avoiding certain medications and fasting before surgery

During the procedure:

  1. Anesthesia is administered
  2. Liposuction is performed to remove excess fat
  3. Abdominoplasty is performed to remove excess skin and tighten the abdominal muscles
  4. Incisions are closed and bandages are applied

After the procedure:

  1. Recovery period with pain management and monitoring for complications
  2. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing progress
  3. Compression garments may be worn to reduce swelling and support the abdomen
  4. Gradual return to normal activities and exercise
  5. Long-term results with improved body shape and self-confidence.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about lipoabdominoplasty include:

  1. What specific risks are associated with lipoabdominoplasty compared to a traditional tummy tuck?
  2. How experienced are you in performing lipoabdominoplasty procedures?
  3. What steps will be taken to minimize the risk of complications during and after the surgery?
  4. How long is the recovery process for lipoabdominoplasty and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort?
  5. Are there any specific post-operative instructions or restrictions I should follow to ensure a successful outcome?
  6. Can you provide before and after photos of previous lipoabdominoplasty patients to give me an idea of the potential results?
  7. Are there any alternative procedures or treatments that may be more suitable for my individual case?
  8. What is the overall success rate of lipoabdominoplasty and what are the chances of needing revision surgery?
  9. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure and what are the potential risks associated with it?
  10. How much does lipoabdominoplasty typically cost and will it be covered by insurance in any way?

Reference

Authors: Xia Y, Zhao J, Cao DS. Journal: Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2019 Feb;43(1):167-174. doi: 10.1007/s00266-018-1270-3. Epub 2018 Dec 3. PMID: 30511162