Tummy Tuck with Liposuction

Conveniently located to serve the areas of New Bern, NC

A tummy tuck with liposuction is a surgical procedure that combines two of the most commonly performed body sculpting techniques to remove excess skin and stubborn pockets of fat around the abdomen. (1)

Even people who dedicate themselves to fitness and healthy eating may still struggle with stubborn fat, excess skin, or weakened abdominal muscles. These concerns can make it frustrating to achieve a toned, flat midsection. By combining abdominoplasty with targeted fat reduction, this procedure delivers exceptional, long-lasting results.

Dr. John Zannis and the staff at Zannis Plastic Surgery are among the most experienced body sculpting experts in the country. Dr. Zannis helps patients from across New Bern, North Carolina, and beyond restore confidence in their appearance through precision, artistry, and a patient-focused approach.

If you are considering a tummy tuck with liposuction, schedule your consultation by calling our office at (252) 633-1197.

About Tummy Tuck with Liposuction

A tummy tuck with liposuction is designed to reshape the abdomen by addressing three common concerns at once: stubborn fat, weakened muscles, and loose skin. Liposuction will usually be performed first, as it allows Dr. Zannis to carefully remove excess fat from the midsection and surrounding areas such as the flanks and waistline. As one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the world, liposuction sculpts the body and lays the groundwork for the next stage of contouring. (2)

Once liposuction is complete, a tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, will address separated abdominal muscles as well as redundant skin. Through an incision placed low on the abdomen, Dr. Zannis will repair the underlying muscle wall and remove excess skin to restore firmness and smoothness. (3)

Benefits

A tummy tuck with liposuction at Zannis Plastic Surgery can provide patients with numerous potential physical and emotional benefits. Patients who undergo this procedure with Dr. Zannis often benefit from:

  • A flatter and smoother abdominal profile
  • Elimination of excess, stretched, or sagging skin
  • Tightening of weakened or separated abdominal muscles
  • Reduction of stubborn fat deposits resistant to exercise
  • Improved waistline and overall body balance
  • Enhanced fit of clothing and improved confidence in appearance
  • Long-lasting results when paired with a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle
  • Opportunity to combine treatments for more comprehensive body contouring

Ideal Candidates

Candidates for a combined procedure often experience:

  • Loose or sagging abdominal skin
  • Stubborn fat deposits in the midsection or flanks
  • Weakened or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti)

All candidates should be at a stable body weight and be in good overall health, as well as have realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve.

Personal Consultation

During your personal consultation, Dr. Zannis will take time to understand your goals, review your medical history, and examine your abdomen. He will evaluate factors such as skin elasticity, fat distribution, and muscle tone to determine the best surgical approach for your goals.

The consultation is a great opportunity to ask questions, view before-and-after photos, and learn what to expect during each stage of the process. Dr. Zannis will also explain anesthesia options, incision placement, and the recovery timeline so you feel fully prepared. He will create a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your body type, lifestyle, and expectations while ensuring safety and natural-looking results.

To take the next step, call (252) 633-1197 and book your appointment.

Preparation

Proper preparation will help ensure a smooth surgical experience and optimal results. Dr. Zannis and his team will provide you with detailed preoperative instructions tailored to your specific needs. These typically include guidelines such as avoiding nicotine use, pausing medications or supplements that increase bleeding risk, and arranging transportation to and from the surgical facility.

We also advise preparing your home for recovery, ensuring that you have comfortable clothing, supplies, and support from friends or family during the first few days. Maintaining hydration, following nutritional recommendations, and getting adequate rest in the days leading up to surgery will also support a smooth treatment and recovery.

Procedure

A tummy tuck with liposuction is performed under anesthesia to ensure full comfort during the procedure. Dr. Zannis will begin with liposuction, inserting a thin cannula through small incisions placed in discreet areas. The cannula gently loosens and removes unwanted fat deposits from the abdomen, waistline, and flanks, creating smoother contours and refining the overall shape of the midsection.

After liposuction is complete, Dr. Zannis will proceed with the tummy tuck. This starts with a horizontal incision across the abdomen, typically within the bikini line. Through this incision, he can repair separated or weakened abdominal muscles, restoring a firmer foundation to the midsection. Dr. Zannis will carefully remove excess skin before meticulously closing the incision.

Recovery

After their tummy tuck with liposuction, patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort, which will gradually subside over the following weeks. We will provide a compression garment to minimize swelling, support healing tissues, and help maintain the new contours. Dr. Zannis and his team will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress, answer questions, and ensure that your healing is on track. Dr. Zannis will let you know when it is appropriate to return to everyday activities and more demanding tasks. Carefully adhering to the postoperative instructions you receive is key to achieving optimal results.

Results

Many of Dr. Zannis’ patients begin to notice improvements in their abdominal contour soon after surgery, with results becoming more visible as swelling decreases. The combined benefits of muscle tightening, skin removal, and fat reduction create a dramatic transformation that looks natural and balanced. With proper care and a stable weight, these results will be long-lasting and can provide significant boosts in confidence and quality of life.

Corresponding Treatments

Many patients enhance their tummy tuck with liposuction procedure by combining it with additional procedures, including:

Arm Lift

An arm lift is designed to target excess skin and fat from the upper arms to create a more toned contour. When paired with a tummy tuck, an arm lift can help achieve a more balanced and proportionate overall silhouette.

Thigh Lift

Thigh lifts target sagging skin and stubborn fat deposits in the thighs, complementing abdominal contouring. This combination can result in a smoother, more harmonious lower body.

Mommy Makeover

A mommy makeover combines several breast and body procedures for women seeking comprehensive rejuvenation after pregnancy. Including a tummy tuck in the makeover addresses abdominal laxity and restores the pre-pregnancy waistline.

Liposuction in Additional Areas

Liposuction can sculpt other areas such as the back, hips, or thighs, further refining body shape. Adding liposuction in these areas alongside a tummy tuck enhances the overall contour and definition of the torso.

Cost of Tummy Tucks with Liposuction in New Bern, North Carolina

The cost of a tummy tuck with liposuction will vary depending on the extent of surgery, anesthesia, and whether additional procedures are performed. After your consultation, Dr. Zannis will provide a detailed cost estimate tailored to your treatment plan. If you are interested, we can help you explore potential financing options offered to patients who qualify.

Schedule your consultation today to explore your treatment options by calling our New Bern office directly at (252) 633-1197.

FAQ

How long is the recovery after a tummy tuck with liposuction?

Most patients return to light activities within two weeks and resume full exercise by four to six weeks, depending on their healing progress. Dr. Zannis will let you know when you are ready to proceed with more strenuous activities.

Will a tummy tuck with liposuction remove stretch marks?

A tummy tuck can remove some of the stretch marks located on the lower abdomen, though those outside the treatment area will remain.

Are the results of a tummy tuck with liposuction permanent?

Fat cells removed with liposuction do not return. The results of a tummy tuck offer long-term stability, but the skin of the abdomen will continue to age naturally over time. Maintaining a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle are essential for preserving results, as weight fluctuations can change the appearance of the abdomen after surgery.

Can a tummy tuck with liposuction be combined with other surgeries?

Yes. Many patients combine tummy tuck with liposuction with breast procedures, arm lifts, or thigh lifts for more comprehensive body contouring. Mommy makeovers often include both tummy tucks and liposuction, depending on the patient’s goals.

Will there be visible scars from a tummy tuck with liposuction?

Incisions are carefully placed low on the abdomen so that scars can usually be hidden by undergarments or swimwear. With proper care, scars often fade significantly over time.

References

  1. Brauman D, van der Hulst RRWJ, van der Lei B. Liposuction Assisted Abdominoplasty. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2018;6(9):e1940. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000001940
  2. Bartow MJ, Raggio BS. Liposuction. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563135/
  3. Regan JP, Casaubon JT. Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck). PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431058/