Liposuction during Abdominoplasty
Not all abdominoplasty surgeries are performed in the same way. Like all plastic surgery procedures, they should be customised to suit an individual’s concerns, body shape, fat distribution, skin condition and surgery objectives. After assessing the patient, Dr Rubinstein often adds customised liposuction during abdominoplasty procedures. This allows him to make a more altered overall body shape and fewer bulges for patients who request a flatter-looking abdominal area.
Liposuction is an surgical body shaping technique used to get abdominoplasty patients get an altered result over a larger area of the abdomen. Liposuction-only abdominal area treatments or apronectomy techniques rarely suit the majority of patients who have excess abdominal fat and loose skin.
But excess and stretched skin are very common after having children or losing weight.
There are several surgical approaches that can be combined to help you get results from an abdominoplasty surgery or belt lipectomy procedure, including adding liposuction during abdominoplasty procedures.
The Australian Government has reinstated a Medicare Item Number for an abdominoplasty for some post-pregnancy patients suffering from Diastasis Recti (Split Abdominal Muscles) if you are eligible and meet the new criteria. Read the 30175 Medicare Item Number factsheet.
If you qualify for the 30175 Medicare item number you may also get a subsidy from your Health Fund. There will still be a significant out-of-pocket GAP as Abdominoplasty surgery is NOT FREE.
Considering Abdominoplasty Surgery? Download the Abdominoplasty Guide!
Why Do Patients Seek Liposuction with Abdominoplasty?
We asked Dr Craig Rubinstein to tell us more about liposuction during abdominoplasty surgery procedures and why it might be performed in a body procedure. He explained that patients may seek liposuction due to:
- Redundant folds of skin
- Persistent excess fat deposits
- Post-pregnancy (family is complete) or post-menopausal
- Uneven fat distribution
- Being overweight or having bariatric surgery
- Suffering conditions such as:
- diastasis recti
- abdominal hernias
- extended stretched skin
Procedures: Abdominoplasty with Liposuction
Abdominoplasty with liposuction is suitable for women who:
- have lost weight
- finished having children
- Have excess skin
- have unevenly distributed fat deposits around their abdomen and mons pubis area
This procedure can reduce loose skin folds or abdominal-area skin that descends over the belt line.
The conditions that lead women to seek abdominoplasty may often have also resulted in:
- lower back pain
- mild urinary incontinence
- other discomforts during exercise, intimacy or other activities where core abdominal area strength is required
Ask us about diastasis recti or abdominal hernia conditions that we often see in women seeking abdominoplasty procedures, and why no amount of exercising can repair torn abs or take away loose skin.
What is Suction-Assisted Liposuction During an Abdominoplasty?
Have you wondered what suction-assisted liposuction is and if you could have this added during your abdominoplasty?
“Most patients with excess or unevenly distributed fat deposits and loose skin on the abdominal area of their torso, could have liposuction added,” notes Dr Rubinstein. “But not all surgeons go to this length to advise their patients get this result.”
“An abdominoplasty is primarily a surgical incision method. But added suction-assisted liposuction during the abdominoplasty surgery session is a body shaping technique I use when I recognise a patient is likely to want a reshape of that area of the torso, not simply the lower abdomen and belly button area but often the upper abdomen area and even the mons pubis area.”
“So liposuction during an abdominoplasty can be used to reduce uneven fat distribution in several areas around the abdomen, including above the navel and below the navel towards the pubis area, which often becomes more visible after having children or gaining and losing weight.”
Procedure Overview of Liposuction During Abdominoplasty Surgery (Abdominoplasty)
Suction-assisted liposuction during abdominoplasty is a plastic surgery combination of procedures. It aids in reducing loose skin. This procedure also aids in repairing diastasis recti after pregnancy, treating torn abdominal muscles and helping regain core strength to reduce back pain.
“It’s important that patients are aware that weight stability – along with a healthy BMI (Body Mass Index) – are both crucial for getting results,” notes Dr Craig in a recent discussion.
Sometimes, the abdominoplasty procedure helps women regain core strength, allowing them to exercise again without excess skin around their abdomen. But if the patient still has a lot of weight instability – the surgery may not be a good option.
Reasons for Abdominoplasty with Liposuction Shaping:
- Altered Abdominal area
- Reduced loose skin
- Abdominal muscles repaired
All surgery has risks, and Dr Craig Rubinstein discuss these with you during your consultation. Plus, surgery results can differ substantially from patient to patient.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Read more here.
Combined liposuction during abdominoplasty surgery could be a suitable procedure for women who:
- Have had one or more pregnancies
- Had vaginal or c-section deliveries
- Lost weight through diet and/or exercise and now have stretched skin
- Lost weight through Bariatric surgery (e.g., lap band surgery)
- Have loose skin or unevenly distributed adipose cells in different areas of the belly, hips, mons pubis area
- Not all patients are suitable candidates and you’ll need to understand the surgery process, costs, risks and downtime required before you consent to a procedure.
*Note that results vary significantly from patient to patient and that individual factors, BMI/weight changes and skin health will greatly impact your results.
Combined Plastic or Cosmetic Surgical Procedures
Some patients may want to combine additional procedures to their suction-assisted abdominoplasty.
For female surgical patients, abdominoplasty could be part of a total “combined surgery after pregnancy” surgery plan. This combines other procedures such as a breast reduction and breast lift, an upper arm lift, and/or facial rejuvenation procedures depending on the person’s goals.
Some men with Excess breast tissue may choose to combine male breast reduction (Gynaecomastia surgery and additional liposuction with their abdominoplasty surgeries.
Surgical Risks to Consider
You’ll receive a list at your consultation and be given recommendations for reducing your risks. These include:
- being at a stable weight
- eating a healthy, nutritious diet
- getting adequate rest before and after your surgery
- not doing too much too soon
- never smoking
Some risks of Abdominoplasty Surgery:
- General Anaesthesia risks
- Bleeding (Haematoma)
- Infection or wound complications
- Pain or discomfort and difficulty sleeping during recovery periods
- Fluid build-up (Seroma)
- Scarring
- Asymmetry
- Deep Venous Thrombosis
You’ll also have a scar across your lower abdomen area.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Read more here.
Please Contact Dr Rubinstein’s office to book a consultation or enquire about further information regarding plastic surgery procedures.
About Dr Craig Rubinstein
MED0001124843
Dr Craig Rubinstein FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) is an experienced Melbourne Specialist Plastic Surgeon for breast and abdominoplasty surgery.
Dr Rubinstein offers women personalised abdominoplasty surgery and all forms of cosmetic breast surgery.
BOOK A CONSULTATION (03) 8849 1400
Next Steps in Your Surgical Journey
Want more information about your Procedure?
- Visit the FAQs to learn more about your intended procedure.
- For more information about pricing visit our cost page.
- You can also call our Reception from 9 to 5 pm Monday to Friday on (03) 8849 1400
About Your First Consultation
- Dr Rubinstein’s Consultation fee is $300.
- A referral from your GP or specialist is essential.
- A referral helps when claiming Medicare or Private Health Insurance coverage.
- Please contact reception at Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery to book your consultation.
What to Bring to Your Consultation
- You are more than welcome to bring a friend or relative to help discuss the information and your choices.
- Ensure you also take a lot of notes and thoroughly examine the documents provided.