Combining Tummy Tuck and Liposuction for a Flatter Abdomen

You’ve been dedicated to your fitness routine and mindful eating habits, yet that stubborn abdominal area refuses to cooperate. If this sounds familiar, you’re experiencing what countless men and women face: the frustrating reality that sometimes diet and exercise aren’t enough to achieve the midsection you desire. The good news is that modern plastic surgery offers sophisticated solutions to help you finally reach your body contouring goals.

At Terrasse Aesthetic Surgery, we frequently see patients who benefit from combining abdominoplasty (tummy tuck surgery) with liposuction to achieve comprehensive abdominal rejuvenation. This powerful combination simultaneously addresses multiple concerns, creating results neither procedure could accomplish alone.

Choose One of America’s Best Tummy Tuck Surgeons

Dr. Anthony Terrasse has been recognized as one of “America’s Best Plastic Surgeons 2025” for tummy tuck surgery by Newsweek and Statista, a distinction that reflects his decades of expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. This prestigious award is based on comprehensive research, including peer recommendations and patient satisfaction, highlighting Dr. Terrasse’s standing among the nation’s top plastic surgeons.

Understanding the Dynamic Duo: How These Procedures Complement Each Other

Think of your abdominal area as having three distinct layers that affect its appearance: skin, fat and muscle. A tummy tuck primarily addresses the skin and abdominal muscles, while liposuction targets stubborn fat deposits. When performed together, these procedures can transform your entire midsection by creating natural-looking curves and definition.

During a tummy tuck, Dr. Terrasse removes excess skin and tightens the underlying abdominal muscles that may have separated due to pregnancy or weight fluctuations. This creates a firmer, flatter foundation. Adding liposuction to the equation allows for precise fat removal and enhanced contouring, sculpting areas that a tummy tuck alone wouldn’t address, such as the flanks, upper abdomen and waistline. For patients seeking the most advanced approach for smaller areas such as the area under the jawline, Dr. Terrasse also offers Smartlipo, a laser-assisted liposuction technique that liquefies fat before removal and stimulates collagen production for improved skin tightening.

Results That Transform More Than Your Appearance

While the physical transformation is remarkable (imagine a flatter, more toned abdomen with improved waistline definition), many patients who combine these procedures tell us the emotional and lifestyle benefits surprised them most. Clothes shopping becomes fun again, confidence soars and activities that once felt uncomfortable become enjoyable. We’ve had patients share stories about finally feeling comfortable at the beach or being able to tuck in their shirts without self-consciousness.

The results from combining tummy tuck with liposuction are long-lasting when you maintain a stable weight. The fat cells removed during liposuction or Smartlipo are gone permanently, and the muscle repair from your tummy tuck provides lasting structure. However, significant weight fluctuations can affect your results, making a healthy lifestyle essential for preserving your investment.

Who Benefits Most From This Combined Approach?

The ideal candidate for combined tummy tuck and liposuction typically has multiple abdominal concerns that require different solutions.

Excess Abdominal Skin

If you have skin that hangs or creates folds, particularly after significant weight loss or pregnancy, you know how frustrating it can be. This loose skin won’t respond to exercise and can only be addressed through surgical removal. Many of our patients tell us they’ve tried every core workout imaginable only to realize that no amount of planking or crunches will tighten loose skin.

Stubborn Fat Deposits

Those persistent pockets of fat in areas like the love handles, upper abdomen or lower belly that won’t budge despite your best efforts at the gym? They often have a genetic component and resist traditional weight loss methods. Some people are simply predisposed to storing fat in certain areas, and that’s where liposuction or Smartlipo can make all the difference.

Weakened or Separated Abdominal Muscles

Separated muscles, known as diastasis recti, create a protruding belly appearance even when you’re at a healthy weight. This condition is especially common after pregnancy but can also affect men and women who haven’t had children. When those muscles separate, they need surgical repair to restore core strength and a flat appearance.

Good Overall Health and Realistic Expectations

The best candidates are non-smokers who are close to their ideal weight and committed to maintaining their results through a healthy lifestyle. It’s also important to understand that while these procedures can dramatically improve your contours, they’re not substitutes for weight loss or a healthy lifestyle.

The Surgical Experience

Understanding the surgical process helps alleviate anxiety and allows you to prepare mentally and physically for your transformation. During your consultation, Dr. Terrasse will create a customized surgical plan based on your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals. He’ll discuss whether traditional liposuction or Smartlipo would better suit your needs.

On surgery day, you’ll receive general anesthesia for your comfort. Dr. Terrasse typically begins with the liposuction portion, which might include the flanks, upper abdomen and any other zones where excess fat detracts from your ideal contour.

Next comes the tummy tuck portion. Dr. Terrasse makes a horizontal incision along the lower abdomen, strategically placed where underwear or swimwear can easily conceal it. Through this incision, he removes excess skin, repairs separated muscles with permanent sutures and repositions the remaining skin for a smooth appearance. If necessary, he may also reposition the belly button for the most natural-looking result.

The combination typically takes three to five hours, depending on the extent of correction needed. You’ll spend some time in recovery and when muscle repair is performed, you’ll stay overnight for safety before heading home the same day with a trusted friend or family member. Most patients are surprised by how smooth the process feels, especially with our team’s attentive care throughout.

Recovery: Your Journey to a New Silhouette

Recovery from combined tummy tuck and liposuction requires patience and dedication to Dr. Terrasse’s post-operative instructions. The first week involves the most significant healing, during which you’ll wear a compression garment to minimize swelling and support your new contours.

You can expect some discomfort initially, but most patients find it manageable with prescribed medications. Walking regularly is crucial to promote circulation, though you’ll want to skip your usual gym routine for a while. Many patients return to desk jobs within two weeks, though those with more physical occupations may need additional time off.

By week three, you’ll start seeing exciting changes as swelling decreases. This is when many patients begin to feel like themselves again, just with more slender contours. Light exercise typically resumes around week four, with full workouts cleared by week six to eight. Throughout this period, wearing your compression garment as directed and attending follow-up appointments helps optimize your results.

Let’s Give Your Core the Comeback Story It Deserves

Your core has been through a lot — maybe pregnancy, weight changes or just the effects of time and genetics. Now it’s ready for its comeback moment. 

Contact Terrasse Aesthetic Surgery at 847-234-2400 to schedule your consultation and discover how combining tummy tuck and liposuction can help you achieve the sleek, contoured midsection you’ve been working toward.