[Abdominal liposuction + abdominoplasty] Why results change when abdominoplasty is combined with liposuction

Hello, this is Dr. Choi Pyongrim from Lesarts Plastic Surgery.

After childbirth, many people consider abdominoplasty
due to a stretched abdomen and a contour
that no longer improves with dieting.

Among them, a common question is:
“I’ve already lost weight—do I really need liposuction as well?”

However, in actual clinical practice,
even patients who appear slim on the outside
often have uneven fat distribution in the abdomen
and areas of localized residual fat.

In other words, the reason abdominal liposuction
is combined with abdominoplasty
is not simply to remove more fat.

Rather, it helps facilitate the abdominoplasty procedure itself
and allows the newly created abdominal contour
to be refined more precisely after surgery.

[Limitations of abdominoplasty alone]

Abdominoplasty is a procedure
that tightens loose skin and a relaxed abdominal wall
to create a flatter abdomen.

However, clinically speaking,
skin excision alone is often insufficient
to achieve an ideal abdominal contour.

[Purpose of combining abdominal liposuction]

1. Reducing thickness caused by adhesions and residual fat in the anterior abdomen

By gently releasing overall adhesions
and evenly refining residual fat,
abdominal thickness can be reduced
while creating a more natural contour.

2. Correcting overall balance and proportion

By removing fat along the flanks and waistline,
liposuction enhances the lifting effect of abdominoplasty,
creating a synergistic result
that allows optimal proportions and silhouettes
to be seen from every angle.

3. Preventing contour irregularities and step-offs caused
by fat in the love-handle area

The love-handle area is particularly prone
to contour step-offs caused by residual fat
after abdominoplasty.

By combining liposuction,
the borders can be smoothly connected,
and if pronounced contour irregularities are anticipated,
additional fat grafting to the pelvic or hip area
can be used to further refine the line.

Ultimately, combining liposuction with abdominoplasty helps achieve:

– Release of adhesions throughout the abdomen
– Refinement of areas where lifting alone has limitations
– Overall proportional balance
– Prevention of fat-related contour irregularities

This approach improves not only immediate postoperative satisfaction
but also the long-term stability of abdominoplasty results.

[Actual patient case]

Female in her early 40s
Two children (vaginal deliveries)
Height: 159 cm / Weight: 66 kg / BMI: 26.3

Want: Concern about the lower abdomen folding visibly when wearing clothes

abdominal-liposuction-30000-before-front

Preoperative body assessment: abdominoplasty × abdominal liposuction

After childbirth, reduced skin elasticity in the abdomen
led to clearly visible sagging,
particularly in the lower abdominal area.

Thick fat accumulation was noted
along the flanks and love-handle regions,
resulting in a poorly defined abdominal contour overall.

During surgery,
abdominoplasty was performed to remove excess, sagging skin
while reinforcing the abdominal wall
to control laxity as much as possible.

At the same time, comprehensive abdominal liposuction
was carried out to release adhesions
and allow the anterior abdomen and waistline
to connect smoothly and naturally.

Before-and-after comparison of combined abdominoplasty and abdominal liposuction – Lesarts Plastic Surgery

Three months after surgery,
the sagging of the lower abdomen had improved,
making the central abdominal line more defined.

With a reduction in overall abdominal thickness,
the abdomen appeared flatter, firmer,
and more contoured overall.

Before-and-after differences of abdominoplasty combined with abdominal liposuction – Lesarts Plastic Surgery

Lesarts case of combined abdominal liposuction and abdominoplasty – recovery, pain, bruising, and scar status

From the side and back views,
the volume along the flanks and love-handle areas
has been refined,
allowing the curve between the abdomen and waist
to flow smoothly and naturally.

When planning abdominoplasty,
it is important to understand that
the skin, fat, and overall contour
do not exist independently.

A comprehensive approach that considers liposuction together
can lead to more satisfying and balanced results.

Determining whether surgery is necessary
and which method is appropriate
cannot be judged by a single photo
or body weight alone.

Above all,
a thorough consultation with a specialist
is essential to establish a surgical plan
tailored to your individual abdominal condition.

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More surgery before-and-after photos and selfies to see