Florence Mussat, M.D.
680 N Lake Shore Dr. #1030 Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 751-9000

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Tag: liposuction

Should You Add Liposuction to Your Tummy Tuck?

Are you struggling with your middle section sporting a permanent belly pooch, loose skin, and an extra layer of fat? Are you finding that, despite your healthy diet and consistent exercise routine, that your lean, sexy stomach is as elusive as ever?

Well, it’s not your fault. Excess skin, stretched muscles due to pregnancy, stubborn fat, or both are conditions that many of us encounter. You might be a good candidate for a tummy tuck, or liposuction, or a combination of these. Combining the two procedures, known as lipoabdominoplasty, might the best choice if your goal is to tighten your abdominal area as well as remove excess fat.

Liposuction uses suction to remove isolated pockets of stubborn subcutaneous fat in those pesky love handles, belly fat, and back rolls. What it doesn’t address is excess skin or muscle laxity that may follow pregnancy or weight loss.

On the other hand, a tummy tuck removes excess skin and tightens loose or separated abdominal muscles, resulting in a smooth, toned physique. For those areas of stubborn fat surrounding the abdomen, on its own, a tummy tuck may not be the most effective option.

Liposuction, combined with other procedures, is safe and growing in popularity. For example, for the mommy makeovers procedure Dr. Florence Mussat offers, she may combine liposuction with a tummy tuck. Doing this in one procedure removes excess fat and reduces abdominal stretching, returning your body to its former, more desirable, sexy shape.

How Does Liposuction Complement a Tummy Tuck in Chicago, IL?

At the start of your tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Mussat first performs liposuction throughout the abdominal area to eliminate excess fat. A tiny tube, known as a cannula, is inserted through small incisions in the abdomen, and fat cells are removed with an aspirator.

Once the fat has been removed, the tummy tuck is then performed, removing excess tissue and skin, and tightening the abdominal muscles, resulting in a flatter, firmer abdominal profile.

What Are the Benefits of Adding Liposuction to Your Tummy Tuck?

The most significant benefit of adding liposuction to your tummy tuck is that exercise- and diet-resistant fat can be removed during the same procedure where loose skin is tightened, and stretched muscles are repaired.

Scheduling only one surgery with just one recovery period and less overall downtime is an excellent benefit for someone with a busy schedule.

Finally, when your tummy tuck is combined with liposuction, body contouring results are maximized. Removing excess fat and stretched loose skin at the same time is often the most efficient and effective approach in getting ready for that new bathing suit!

How Do You Decide to Add Liposuction to Your Tummy Tuck?

You can combine these two procedures following a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Florence Mussat, in Chicago, IL. She would be happy to help you make this decision and to plan for the procedure itself. Schedule a personal consultation online or by calling (312) 751-9000 today!

Your Liposuction Consultation Checklist

When it comes to building a better body, diet and exercise are your first line of defense. However, some people may continue to experience problem spots in their arms or stomach, no matter how many calories they burn or desserts they forego. If you are one of these people, then liposuction and other body sculpting procedures like a Tummy Tuck may be right for you. Body sculpting procedures can solve problem areas that have bothered you for years, with permanent results. Doctor Florence Mussat in Chicago, IL, has years of experience performing plastic surgery on the face, breast, and body. 

What to Bring to Your Consultation

When you arrive for your consultation with Doctor Florence Mussat, bring a copy of your full medical records. Be sure to mention any allergies and current medications you are taking to ensure your safety during the procedure. You may be asked to undress, so it is advised that you wear loose clothing that is easy to remove.

Don’t be afraid to bring in a picture of your ideal arms, stomach, or thighs. Additionally, if there is a look you really don’t want, don’t hesitate to bring in a picture of that as well. Any information you share about your goals can help Dr. Mussat and her team create a body you love.

The 6 Essential Questions to Ask 

When you arrive for your liposuction consultation, remember to ask your surgeon these six essential questions to achieve the best results:

1. Are you Board Certified?

When you are undergoing an invasive procedure like liposuction, it’s essential to make sure that the surgeon performing the operation is qualified. Doctor Florence Mussat is a Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, with over 15 years of experience in private practice. Additionally, she also works as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

2. Am I a good candidate?

The ideal candidate for liposuction surgery is at or near their ideal weight. Liposuction is a form of body sculpting, designed to eliminate small pockets of fat, rather than reduce overall. An important factor in determining whether you will have good results is the elasticity of your skin. You can conduct a “skin pinch test” by gathering the skin on your hand with your index and thumb. Your skin is elastic enough if it immediately springs back to its original shape when you release your hold.

3. Can I Combine Liposuction With Other Surgeries?

Liposuction can be combined with a tummy tuck or Mommy Makeover to eliminate excess skin and create a more toned appearance. In a Mommy Makeover, Dr. Florence Mussat performs both an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and a breast lift to reverse the adverse effects that pregnancy may have taken on your body. If you are concerned about your arms or thighs, an Arm Lift or Thigh Lift will help you achieve your goals better than liposuction alone. If you feel an area of your body is too thin, you can move fat from one area to another with a Fat Transfer.

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