Can liposuction be combined with a tummy tuck?

In selected patients, a limited skin excision can be performed, which can then be combined with direct liposuction of the abdomen (this is usually not advised in a traditional abdominoplasty as it can significantly compromise the blood supply and increase risks of wound development). The umbilicus is not cut out but only relocated and the abdominal wall is tightened before completing the procedure. Although the scar length is shorter, the final result is usually not as tight and so most candidates for a tummy tuck elect to undergo the traditional abdominoplasty. In most situations, however, liposuction is best performed in a staged or at a separate time from a tummy tuck.

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Can other procedures be performed with liposuction?

Patients often have multiple procedures at the same time. The most common include breast augmentation or breast lifts. This saves both time and money since costs are often reduced when multiple procedures are combined.

What type of anesthesia is used?

Liposuction is usually performed with either sedation (since there is already anesthesia in the tumescent solution) or general anesthesia. The procedure is performed as an outpatient so you can go home the same day (or stay overnight if you choose) - the entire visit can vary between three to six hours from the initial registration to your discharge. The office of Dr. M Kayser is strategically located at 20905 East 12 Mile Road, suite 300, which is directly across from the fully accredited St. John Hospital Outpatient Surgery Center just off the I-696 and I-94 loop in the Roseville and St. Clair Shores area – a suburban community northeast of the city of Detroit, Michigan.

What can I expect after surgery?

Most patients in my practice feel that liposuction was less traumatic than they expected and many patients stop taking their narcotic pain medication 1-2 days after surgery. The procedure is out-patient, which means you can go home the same day. The incisions are usually left open to drain (which helps with swelling) and patients can shower the very next day. Patients wear a support garment for about 4-6 weeks, after which, there are no restrictions at all.

Follow up is very important and patients are encouraged to return to the office within the week, two weeks, six weeks, six months and a year. This allows Dr. M Kayser to not only address any concerns that a patient may have but also make sure that both short and long term progress has been up to his high standards.

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