Can You Have Liposuction if you already had a “Tummy Tuck”?

/colombian-liposculpture/Many individuals undergo a tummy tuck procedure to achieve a flat abdomen and enhanced contours. However, the results may not fully meet their expectations for some reason, leading them to seek further improvements. In this blog post, we delve into the case study of a 44-year-old female who, despite being satisfied with her initial tummy tuck results, desired additional refinement to her silhouette, particularly seeking more defined curves on her waist.

Following her abdominoplasty, the patient expressed concerns about the lack of curvature on her waistline, giving her a somewhat “square” appearance. Additionally, she noted the presence of excess fat deposits on her abdomen and flanks, along with dissatisfaction due to scarring from her previous surgery. These concerns prompted her to explore possibly undergoing liposuction to address these aesthetic issues.

In this case study, we’ll discuss the patient’s specific case and the potential benefits and considerations of combining liposuction with a tummy tuck procedure. It also highlights innovative techniques such as Colombian Liposculpture and Water Assisted Liposuction (WAL), which offer patients minimally invasive options with faster recovery times and impressive outcomes.

CASE STUDY

A 44-year-old woman seeks an evaluation following a “Tummy Tuck” procedure performed five years ago out of the country. Initially satisfied with the outcome, she notes her abdomen is flat but lacks curvature at her waist. Liposuction was conducted on her “love handles” during the abdominoplasty. When dressed, she feels her silhouette appears square and aims for more definition and femininity. Additionally, she has gained excess fat in her abdomen post-surgery and wishes to address this.

Furthermore, she expresses dissatisfaction with the residual scar on her lower abdomen, describing it as pigmented, indurated, and elevated. She sought out a solution for liposuction without general anesthesia due to the extended recovery period from her previous tummy tuck. Finding our clinic, she was determined to undergo the procedure without the need for general anesthesia.

The Concern: Addressing Fat and Curvature 

During the examination, it was observed that she had asymmetrical excess adipose tissue on her abdomen, a robust abdominal wall, and no palpable hernias. Excess fat deposits were also noted on her flanks, with limited curvature at her waist.

Additionally, there were fat deposits along her back, including behind her breasts, which she found distressing. Moderate skin laxity was observed behind her breasts, contributing to her discomfort with the visibility of excess fat when wearing a bra. The patient exhibited minimal visceral fat, with a BMI of 24.5, reflecting her muscular build. Following medical clearance, including blood tests and an EKG, which she passed with flying colors, it was confirmed that she maintained good health through a regimen of low glycemic diet and regular exercise, primarily focused on weightlifting 2 to 3 times per week. She does not require any medication.

The Solution: Colombian Liposculpture

I performed the Colombian Liposculpture procedure, which aims to reduce excess subcutaneous adipose tissue and enhance curvatures in the waist area, achieving a more feminine silhouette. This technique, a trademark procedure of ours, avoids the use of general anesthesia. Instead, we employ oral medications within the “NEUROLEPTOANESTHESIA” concept, inducing relaxation and sleep throughout the procedure. Local anesthesia is then administered to numb the targeted fat tissue, facilitating same-day discharge and expedited recovery.

Furthermore, I utilized a specialized form of liposuction known as Water Assisted Liposuction (WAL) from Germany, which minimizes post-recovery bruising and pain by gently aspirating fat while preserving underlying tissue integrity. This technique notably safeguards lymphatic structures, promoting accelerated lymphatic drainage and enhancing the efficacy of post-liposuction massages.

Areas such as the abdomen, flanks, mid-thoracic region, and behind the breasts underwent Body Jet Liposuction. In regions where skin laxity was evident, I employed Renuvion (J Plasma) to immediately enhance skin elasticity following liposuction, utilizing the same incisions.

To manage her post-abdominoplasty scar, I processed a portion of the removed fat to obtain Nano Fat enriched with regenerative cells. This approach aims to soften the scar and address pigmentation concerns. Additionally, some patients opt to utilize Nano Fat for facial rejuvenation along with liposuction.

Why didn’t our patient have her curvatures accentuated during her Tummy Tuck?

Various factors may contribute to differing outcomes among patients due to individual differences. One such factor is the type of anesthesia administered. General anesthesia can pose challenges in maneuvering the patient during the procedure, particularly transitioning them from side to side. With Colombian liposculpture, where general anesthesia is not utilized, patients can readily comply with positional commands, facilitating the attainment of desired outcomes. Additionally, some practitioners opt for concurrent light liposuction during tummy tuck procedures to streamline the process and mitigate potential complications, thereby minimizing procedural duration.

In conclusion, our patient underwent liposuction utilizing the Water Assisted Liposuction (WAL) technique alongside Colombian liposculpture methods. Notably, the procedure was conducted without the use of general anesthesia, facilitating a swift recovery. By the following day, she was functional and commenced lymphatic drainage massages. It’s worth noting that post-procedure discomfort, often attributed to the compression garment (Faja), is typically manageable without strong analgesics. While Tylenol may be prescribed for pain relief, narcotics like Tramadol or Percocet are seldom required due to the majority experiencing mild discomfort. Emphasizing safety as paramount, I limit liposuction procedures to one per day, recognizing that cosmetic interventions are not urgent medical matters.

Schedule a Consultation

Begin your Colombian Liposculpture™ journey by booking a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Carlos Mercado. Whether you prefer to call us at (407) 664-1073 or conveniently contact us online, take the first step towards transforming your body contours with this advanced and personalized approach. Let us guide you toward realizing the body you’ve always envisioned. If you’re located in or near Orlando, Florida, seize the opportunity to schedule your consultation for Colombian Liposculpture™ by visiting the Eterna M.D. Visit the Medical Rejuvenation Center website and fill out the contact form today.