Getting rid of fat in the abdomen is often the hardest when it comes to losing weight as that is where stubborn fat tends to settle, especially for women. From physical changes as we age, weight fluctuations, and childbirth, excess fat and skin can accumulate around our stomach. Excess fat, skin or drastic weight loss is why people tend to consider a tummy tuck surgery or abdominoplasty.

Many new mothers also consider a tummy tuck, as it helps get rid of post-pregnancy woes such as excess skin, the tummy pouch and C-section scars. 

Understandably, getting a tummy tuck is a big decision and it’s always important to do ample research before deciding on the surgery. Hopefully, this guide will help you in your decision-making process. 

Can tummy tucks help me lose weight?

While some individuals may lose a few pounds from this procedure, a tummy tuck should be seen as a way to sculpt and shape the body. 

Ideally, you should only consider a tummy tuck when you are close to your desired weight from a minimum of six to twelve months from your goal weight or are already at your ideal weight. This is a crucial step as gaining or losing too much additional weight can undo the contoured shape you have achieved from the tummy tuck; the main worry is too much excess skin laxity after a huge amount of weight loss after the procedure. Your weight fluctuations can also stretch the abdominal tissues that may require a revision procedure to restore the initial results.

If you’re looking to get rid of stubborn fat, perhaps liposuction would be a better option. You may even undergo a combination of liposuction and abdominoplasty for the best results.

What abdominoplasty scar can I expect post-surgery?

Depending on the type of tummy tuck done, you might have a different scar from another individual depending on the location and size of the abdominoplasty. For example, a traditional tummy tuck will have a scar from hip-to-hip that is hidden under the bikini line. If you only need a small amount of skin removed, a mini tummy tuck will have a smaller scar. The scar will also be permanent and will be visible for about 12 weeks before fading off nicely. 

C-section scar after pregnancy

If you’ve just undergone a C-section, your plastic surgeon can work with you in performing a tummy tuck that tightens your abdominal muscles, removes the excess skin and creates a new, cleaner scar. 

You’ll require help at home

A tummy tuck is an outpatient day surgery, which means you’ll get to go home right after the tummy tuck is done. However, you will need some time for recovery. As your wound is situated in an area that might limit movement, you will need help for about a week to prepare food and keep the house clean. 

Some patients will need some assistance to sit up or grab anything far for the first couple of days for the full tummy tuck, although many of the patients will feel it is an easier recovery as compared to the C-section. Mini-tummy tuck patients are usually very mobile even the next day after the surgery. Heavy lifting should also be avoided for the first month or so, so mothers with young children should consider this as well; carrying your young child after the first 5 days is usually not an issue. 

Is it normal for my stomach to feel tight after a tummy tuck?

As a result of your stomach muscles being tightened, excess skin removed and skin pulled tautly, you’ll be bent over for a few days. It is more psychological than an actual physical need to, and I usually advise patients to keep their back as straight as possible after the 3rd day post surgery, to avoid backaches.

You might have difficulty reaching for things and it will impact the way you rest. Plan on sleeping in a recliner, with a wedge pillow or with a bunch of pillows that allow you to prop up your legs until you are able to lie flat comfortably. 

How long after a tummy tuck will I see results?

A tummy tuck wound takes 12 days to heal on the superficial surface, but the deeper tissue will take 4 to 6 weeks to heal. You may feel fatigued, swollen, sore and some pain during the first few days. It is crucial to focus on rest and healing for up to six weeks. As the swelling can linger over four to six months, it can take up to a year to see the full results of your surgery. Results will be most obvious when the swelling has subsided. 

It is also important to remember to wear the compression garment provided to you religiously for the first 4 to 6 weeks, as this will help greatly in facilitating the healing process. 

What is the best type of tummy tuck?

There are various types of abdominoplasty, such as:

• The mini-abdominoplasty
• The full abdominoplasty
• Lipo-abdominoplasty
• Belt lipectomy and lower body/buttock lift

Based on your needs and concerns, your plastic surgeon will recommend a type of abdominoplasty suited to you. 

For example, for post-pregnancy mothers with not a lot of skin excess/laxity or a very large bulge, a mini-abdominoplasty or mini tummy tuck is often recommended. This is because it creates a much shorter scar and provides good results. The scar formed from this type of tummy tuck would be well hidden where a caesarean scar might be. It also helps eliminate the problem of sagging skin, simple umbilical defects and splaying of the abdominal rectus muscles. [1]

To find out more about abdominoplasty, click here. 

Choosing the right plastic surgeon is important

A tummy tuck procedure is not cheap, so doing your research on a certified surgeon is important as it may affect your results. In Singapore, only plastic surgeons are allowed to perform this procedure. They must be accredited by the Ministry of Health Singapore (MOH) and have at least 6 years of experience specialising in general surgery — this ensures that they are capable of handling complications during and after surgery. If possible, during your consultation, request pictures from other tummy tuck procedures done by the surgeon to have a better idea of his skills. 

The right surgeon would also be able to advise you on whether you’re suitable for abdominoplasty based on the characteristics of your body and your needs. For example, those planning to conceive or have unstable weight are advised against this procedure. If so, they would also be able to provide you with alternative options that would be safer for you.

At Allure, Dr Samuel Ho performs the tummy tuck as a day surgery, without needing to stay in the hospital for a few days. Patients are required to wear a compression garment for optimal results and follow Dr Ho’s advice post-surgery that entails the alteration of abdominal muscles for the best results. 

If you’re looking at considering a tummy tuck, it would be good to check in with a doctor on your suitability. When discussing your options, it is important to inform your doctor of your lifestyle and any kind of medical history you have for an accurate evaluation.

1. Friedman, J. D., Gordon, S., Kaufman, M., & Menn, Z. K. (2015). Expanded role and usefulness of the mini-abdominoplasty. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 136(4S), 98-99.

Getting beach body ready in Singapore isn’t very time-specific to the summertime as this little island is generally sunny all year round. However, with restrictions in place, it would be an especially good time to hit the beach for some rest and relaxation. But before that, consider getting a tummy tuck so that you can look your best.

Perhaps you’re planning a nice evening out, dipping your feet in the sand, and posing with your best friends in your new bikini for the gram. Here are some tips to get your body feeling and looking beach body ready for the summer.

Work your core

A strong core isn’t just about perfect abs or a toned stomach! Often referred to as the centre or bridge of the body, the core is important for balance and posture. Core strength helps you move better and avoid injuries. Well-defined abs are just a bonus!

Many exercises work for core training, such as crunches, sit-ups and planks. Apart from your core, planks help strengthen your glutes (a.k.a. your butt) and hamstrings. [1] If you are doing your exercises correctly, 8-15 repetitions are all that you need to target your abs and get results. Importantly, keep your back straight and butt level with the rest of your body during the plank to get the most out of it.

Don’t forget the booty

A good buttock is important not just for how it looks — but also the fact that strong glute muscles can protect your lower back during squats and weightlifting exercises.

Some of our favourite butt exercises include lunges, squats and step-ups. If you’re up for a bigger challenge, throw a resistance band into the mix!

Go snack-less... or try to snack less

If you’re hoping to lose some weight, there’s no escaping the no-snack rule. Or, really, the less-snack rule, because dieticians say some snacking can be a part of a healthy diet.

The catch? Choosing the right snacks. Those high in protein, fat or fibre tend to feel more filling, keeping your hunger satiated longer. [2] Think carrots, apple bites, or yoghurt. Look out for foods high in nutrition and try ditching the chips for a period of time.

Consider a tummy tuck

A healthy diet and a good fitness regime are really the two non-secrets to achieving our ideal, strong bodies. If you already have those nailed like a champ, but still find yourself short of your desired beach-ready body, you may want to give body contouring procedures a shot.

Different from weight loss, body contouring entails fat (and excess skin) removal. Tummy tuck surgery, in particular, target the removal of lax skin and fat around your abdomen, improving your tummy contour, building your core muscle strength, and correcting any herniation.

But how does it work? A tummy tuck (formally called an abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure that requires general anaesthesia. The surgeon separates the patient’s skin and fat from the muscles before the splayed muscles are pulled and stitched together for a more defined and controlled contour.

There are different types of tummy tucks, and the type of procedure you undergo depends on your specific needs and concerns, mainly:

• The mini-abdominoplasty
• The full abdominoplasty
• Lipo-abdominoplasty
• Belt lipectomy and lower body/buttock lift

For example, post-pregnancy mothers usually benefit most from the mini-abdominoplasty or a mini tummy tuck. Your plastic surgeon will recommend what would be best for you. 

What you can expect from your tummy tuck procedure is a smoother, firmer and more sculpted stomach. Potentially, it could also fix marks that your past weight fluctuations could’ve left on that area, such as stretch marks.

Strong mind for a strong body

Ultimately, more than just looking good, you should be feeling strong, proud, and happy with your body. No matter if your goal is a perfectly flat tummy or just clocking in thirty squats a day, it is always a good time to refresh and recharge.

Just remember that even as you work on your 2024 beach body, don’t forget to give yourself a break (and a whole lot of love) amidst the crazy year we’ve been having!

1. Lee, J., Jeong, K. H., Lee, H., Shin, J. Y., Choi, J. L., Kang, S. B., & Lee, B. H. (2016). Comparison of three different surface plank exercises on core muscle activity. Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science, 5(1), 29-33.
2. Hervik, A. K., & Svihus, B. (2019). The Role of Fiber in Energy Balance. Journal of nutrition and metabolism, 2019, 4983657. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/4983657

At some point in our life, we’ve had stubborn pockets of fat that we wished would’ve grown somewhere else — it could have benefitted us more in the booty than our mid-waist. Fortunately, plastic surgery has made this possible and it is called fat grafting or fat transfer. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about fat grafting in 2024.

Fat grafting is the process of surgically transferring fat from one area of the body to another. This helps to replace lost volume, and improve or augment where the fat is injected.

This can be done in different areas such as:

• Various areas around the face:
  • Around the eyes
  • The forehead
  • Nasolabial lines
  • The chin
  • The cheeks
  • The temples
• The breasts
• The buttock

As the material transferred is natural and from your own body, there is no risk of rejection and a lower risk of infection. The risk of wound infection is relatively low at a rate of about 1-5% only. [1]

What can I expect when I go for fat grafting?

Your first consultation will involve a comprehensive review with your plastic surgeon. During this time, it is important for you to address both your needs and concerns, so that they may best tailor the treatment to you. Your plastic surgeon will also explain what to expect during the procedure and will recommend the ideal area from which to harvest the fat. 

For example, if you intend to do a facial fat graft, Dr Samuel Ho from Allure will evaluate your face and bone structure to discuss the changes you desire, such as where to strategically inject the fat to accentuate parts of your face. 

The fat grafting procedure can take from 1 to 5 hours, depending on which areas of your body the fat is being harvested and grafted. 

Facial fat grafting

Initially, modified minimally-invasive liposuction is carried out, which is the harvesting of fat from the tummy or thighs through pinhole incisions. This is then carefully processed using a strict protocol for grafting to areas of the face such as the cheeks, lips, forehead or temporal areas. 

For fat grafting around the eyes or periorbital fat grafting, a micro fat grafting technique is used. Micro-needle incisions are used to meticulously inject the processed fat around the eyes [2] to correct a sunken appearance, wrinkles, prominent tear trough or lid-cheek lines or dark eye circles. This can be done as a standalone procedure or in combination with a blepharoplasty to achieve a youthful appearance.

Patients are given moderate sedation and will be asleep throughout the procedure.

Breast fat grafting 

Fat grafting can be used to augment the size and symmetry of your breasts. Similar to facial fat grafting, the fat used is first harvested from the patient’s tummy, thighs or buttocks. 

The fat is processed under strict protocols and injected into the breasts. [3] Staged procedures may be required to achieve the desired outcome. This is usually performed 3 months apart. 

What is recovery like?

After the procedure, you will be allowed to go home to rest. There are no visible scars and full recovery is expected in 1 to 2 months. 

Major swelling and bruising should subside between the first and second week and will continue to improve within the next two months. 

Is a fat grafting procedure permanent?

The fat transfer results are permanent. However, not all the fat that has been transferred will survive. The fat that survives the transfer will remain permanently and behave just like the other fat in your body. 

Would I be suitable for a fat grafting procedure?

To be suitable for a fat grafting procedure, certain prerequisites have to be met. One of these is that there should be an ample amount of fat in the harvest site for a successful procedure. This would also be dependent on where you want to transplant the fat to.

Summary

Transferring fat is definitely an option to consider if you want a more permanent form of correction than what is provided by temporary fillers. It can contour the body, fill bodily depressions and rejuvenate your appearance. Always remember to consult your plastic surgeon for a proper assessment and to communicate both your needs and concerns. 

1. Kim, S. K., Choi, J. A., Kim, M. H., Kim, M. S., & Lee, K. C. (2015). Treatment of the Mycobacterium chelonae Infection after Fat Injection. Archives of plastic surgery, 42(1), 68–72. https://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2015.42.1.68
2. Sezgin, B., & Özmen, S. (2018). Fat grafting to the face with adjunctive microneedling: a simple technique with high patient satisfaction. Turkish journal of medical sciences, 48(3), 592–601. https://doi.org/10.3906/sag-1711-42
3. Zielins, E. R., Brett, E. A., Longaker, M. T., & Wan, D. C. (2016). Autologous fat grafting: the science behind the surgery. Aesthetic surgery journal, 36(4), 488-496.

What are Mesolipo Injections?

According to the WHO World Health Statistics Report 2012, 1 out of every 6 adults is obese globally. [1] People have come up with mesolipo injections to deal with having too much fat; but why has it been banned?

Mesolipo injections, also known as fat dissolving injections, are a non-invasive procedure that involves injecting fat-dissolving substances to specific areas of the face or body to get rid of fat cells. However, Mesolipo Injections, although sounding like a cure-all for our stubborn fat, come with their own set of risks and complications.

They are banned from countries like Brazil and even Singapore. Some Mesolipo injections have been recorded to cause side effects from nausea to skin infections and even arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeat).

In 2015, the Ministry of Health ruled that Mesolipo injections had little scientific merit and lacked proper randomised controlled trials. Another issue was that the dosage and protocols of these chemical cocktails are not fixed, and so the results vary greatly in terms of efficacy and side effects. 

What’s in Mesolipo Injections?

As the mixture varies, some of these Mesolipo injections may include:

• Enzymes 
• Vitamins 
• Minerals
• Herbal extracts
• Hormones
• Prescription medicines such as antibiotics

What could happen after Mesolipo Injections?

Some of the possible side effects are:

• Nerve damage
• Blood vessel damage
• Irregular skin contours
• Burns
• Infections
• Nausea
• Arrhythmia

Arguably, although there is evidence that these injections can work, they are not without significant concerns that could do more damage than good. Because of this uncertainty and lack of regulation on standard formulas, they’ve been banned in Singapore.

Are there any alternatives to Mesolipo Injections?

Fortunately, we are at the advent where there are safer alternatives to getting rid of fat. 

Buccal Fat Removal (Cheek Reduction Surgery)

If you’re looking to get a v-shaped face and rid yourself of chubby cheeks, a buccal fat removal could be ideal. Dr Samuel Ho performs this day surgery procedure in 30-60 minutes, under local anaesthesia and sedation.

Buccal fat removal is a permanent fat removal procedure, where a small incision is made at the area between the gums and the cheeks and the buccal fat pad is removed. [2] The oral wound heals in a week, but the swelling will take a few weeks to a month to fully resolve from the surgery. 

Liposuction Surgery

Liposuction is the surgical removal of fat through small puncture holes in target areas. There are various forms of liposuction, such a Power-assisted Liposuction, Ultrasound-assisted Liposuction (VASER), Waterjet Liposuction and Laser-assisted Liposuction. 

The harvested fat can also be purified and grafted into other areas to enhance the contours of the body. Dr Samuel Ho uses a S.A.F.E liposuction technique — a low-risk liposuction technique that makes it safer and can even be performed in repeat cases.

Summary

We hope this article helped provide better insight into Mesolipo injections in Singapore and approved alternative methods for fat removal. However, these procedures have their own side effects, considerations and downtimes. If in doubt, book a consultation with your plastic surgeon so that they may tailor a treatment best suited to your needs and concerns.

1. Thomas, M. K., D'Silva, J. A., & Borole, A. J. (2018). Injection Lipolysis: A Systematic Review of Literature and Our Experience with a Combination of Phosphatidylcholine and Deoxycholate over a Period of 14 Years in 1269 Patients of Indian and South East Asian Origin. Journal of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery, 11(4), 222–228. https://doi.org/10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_117_18
2. Moura, L. B., Spin, J. R., Spin-Neto, R., & Pereira-Filho, V. A. (2018). Buccal fat pad removal to improve facial aesthetics: an established technique?. Medicina oral, patologia oral y cirugia bucal, 23(4), e478–e484. https://doi.org/10.4317/medoral.22449

What is a Mummy Makeover?

Having children is an exciting and fulfilling experience for women. However, pregnancy can sometimes leave certain undesirable after-effects that no amount of nutrition plans or personal trainers can fix. These most often manifest themselves as sagging breasts and a loose tummy. Well, a Mummy Makeover can solve all that.

The Mummy Makeover was designed as a set of postpartum strategies that help women with their post-pregnancy body issues — reversing some of the undesirable effects of pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding through surgical means.

In this article, we’ll walk you through what to expect for a Mummy Makeover and hopefully help you in your decision-making process.

Am I suitable for a Mummy Makeover?

Generally, you are suitable for a Mummy Makeover surgery if you are in good health, have realistic expectations and are at your ideal body weight. There are, however, some other important points to consider before undergoing a Mummy Makeover:

Do you plan to have more children?

Ideally, it is recommended that you undergo a Mummy Makeover when you no longer plan to have more children. Most procedures do not affect future pregnancies. However, you risk undoing the results of your surgeries if you do have a subsequent pregnancy as it will stretch the skin on your abdomen and breasts again. 

How long has it been?

Giving birth can put a lot of strain on your body, so it is important that you give it a chance to heal first before undergoing any surgical procedures. The plastic surgeon would recommend that you wait at least three to six months before undergoing your Mummy Makeover, so as to allow the body shape to recover before undergoing any corrective procedure.

Have you finished breastfeeding?

As breastfeeding alters the shape of your breasts, it would be best to undergo surgery only after you have stopped breastfeeding and your breasts have settled into a more permanent shape and size. 

What can I expect during my first consultation?

During your first consultation, it would be good to prepare a list of questions you may have for your doctor and ideas on what procedures or areas of concern you would like to focus on. 

In particular, which are the areas of greatest concern, for eg. breasts, tummy, thighs etc. For each area, you should also highlight what are the undesirable aspects bothering you most, such as skin laxity, excess fat, drooping and so on.

Your doctor will then inquire about your medical history and carry out assessments to ensure that you are fit for surgery. A physical examination then follows to discuss the procedures that you would like to have based on your areas of concern and the outcomes that you can expect.

Your doctor will give you a detailed explanation on what to expect post-operation, such as what you should prepare for during your recovery, how long it will take for the scars to heal, and when you can expect to see results. The consultation should also be clear on the surgical goals and what can be achieved and what can not.

What is a Mummy Makeover made up of?

Breast Augmentation or Breast lift

When a woman gets pregnant, her breasts increase in size. This size increase accelerates towards the last trimester and during breastfeeding, and the skin will stretch to accommodate the enlarged glands and milk. After pregnancy, you might experience your breasts as flatter, saggier or smaller than they had been. [1] According to Rinker's study, an average of 85% of women experience adverse changes to their breast shape after pregnancy. [2]

A Breast Augmentation is a viable option if you would like to have fuller-looking breasts. This can be done by surgically implanting silicone (cohesive-gel) or saline implants. There are also various sizes and shapes to choose from, so it’s best to have a detailed discussion with your surgeon to help you in your decision. 

Another option would be to undergo a breast lift or mastopexy. This procedure can be done with an augmentation with an implant if required. The plastic surgeon raises and reshapes your breasts, repositions the nipple-areolar complex and removes the excess skin around the breast. 

Liposuction

It’s a normal occurrence for us to develop new deposits of stubborn fat because of pregnancy hormones. This may lead to the unwanted post-pregnancy “muffin tops” and “love handles”. Liposuction is a procedure where these fat deposits are surgically removed through small puncture holes in the areas of concern. This allows us to remove fat quickly and safely and create pleasing contours for your body shape.

There are various forms of liposuction, such as Power-assisted Liposuction, Ultrasound-assisted Liposuction (VASER), Waterjet Liposuction and Laser-assisted Liposuction.

Women tend to develop extra fat on hips and thighs during pregnancy as well, which can also be removed with liposuction.

Tummy Tuck

Often, a liposuction is done before a Tummy Tuck. Although liposuction can remove fat, it cannot firm a tummy or repair stretched muscles. A Tummy Tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is the only way to address the issue of damaged abdominal muscles.

To accommodate the growing baby, our stomach expands and this causes our skin to stretch and possibly, our abdominal muscles to move far apart from the midline. The surgeon will remove excess fat, stretched skin and correct the splayed abdominal muscles by stitching the torn tissue between the sections of the abdominal muscles for it to heal properly.

Abdominal laxity correction

Similar to the aforementioned procedure, an abdominal laxity correction procedure helps correct the bulge around our lower abdomen. The procedure for correction involves suturing of the splayed rectus abdominis muscles (diastasis recti) or the placement of permanent barbed sutures to plicate the abdominal muscles together. [3]

Labiaplasty

Childbirth could also lead to stretched labia skin, causing it to be large or asymmetrical. It may be unsightly but also cause great discomfort due to chafing. A labiaplasty can correct this issue by removing the excess skin from the labia minora. 

An alternative would be the use of fat grafting to the labia majora, where the patient’s fat is removed, purified and injected into the labia to replenish its lost volume. 

A minimally invasive labiaplasty can be done with hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers injected into the labia. However, it is important to note that it is not a permanent solution and will have to be repeated every year or so.

Summary of Mummy Makeover

Getting your pre-pregnancy body - and confidence - back is definitely possible, but will take careful consideration and time. It is important to understand that results are not instantaneous and that you plan your surgery when you can commit to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Getting a Mummy Makeover is definitely a tough decision, especially when you have to get into the details of what exactly you would like to have done. Fortunately, you don’t have to make this decision alone. Consult a trusted plastic surgeon for a proper examination and advice on a treatment plan tailored to your desires and concerns. 

1. Motosko, C. C., Bieber, A. K., Pomeranz, M. K., Stein, J. A., & Martires, K. J. (2017). Physiologic changes of pregnancy: A review of the literature. International journal of women's dermatology, 3(4), 219-224.
2. Rinker, B., Veneracion, M., & Walsh, C. P. (2010). Breast ptosis: causes and cure. Annals of plastic surgery, 64(5), 579-584.
3. Nahabedian M. Y. (2018). Management Strategies for Diastasis Recti. Seminars in plastic surgery, 32(3), 147–154. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0038-1661380.

Living with stubborn fats throughout your life or after pregnancy can affect your everyday life. When no amount of exercising, fat burning creams and other home remedies seem to help, perhaps a liposuction and a tummy tuck in Singapore are options that may solve your troubles. 

What is a Tummy Tuck?

You might have already heard about tummy tuck procedures but you might not yet know what the details of this procedure are. A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is both a functional as well as a cosmetic surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fats at the abdomen. Through this procedure, the abdominal muscles are tightened and any hernias, such as an umbilical hernia, are corrected, the fat in the tummy is removed and the skin in the abdomen is tightened and repositioned to give you a more toned look.

If you have excess fat or skin around the area of your belly button or have a weak lower abdominal wall, a tummy tuck might be more suitable for you as compared to liposuction.

Reasons to Undergo a Tummy Tuck in Singapore

There are several reasons why a tummy tuck is something to go for or has been recommended to you. Be it genetics, stubborn fat or any variety of aesthetic reasons, they could be hindering your health and daily routine. 

Some reasons you might have extra skin around your abdomen:

• Post-pregnancy
• Ageing
• Significant changes in weight
• Abdominal surgery such as a C-section
• Natural body type

Up to 60% of women experience sagging in their abdominal area after pregnancy. [1]

Tummy tucks can help to remove loose and excess skin and fat as well as tighten weak fascia (bands of connective tissue). The procedure can also help to remove stretch marks and excess skin in the lower abdomen but it will not be able to remove any stretch marks outside the lower abdomen area. [2] C-section scar removal can also be incorporated into tummy tuck surgery.

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes fat from specific areas of the body through a suction method. These areas can be from the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms or neck. Fats removed from a liposuction procedure can also be re-injected into the body for a nice contour.

It is important to consult with a plastic surgeon regarding your eligibility to go for liposuction. Allure’s plastic surgeon, Dr Samuel Ho would be able to confirm your eligibility once you have gone through a consultation with him. 

Why Go For Tummy Tuck and Liposuction Together?

Tummy tucks are often coupled with liposuction and it’s not surprising why. When large amounts of fat are removed through liposuction, excess skin is left behind and this can be a little unsightly. 

Tummy tucks and liposuction are two different procedures. A tummy tuck is more invasive and involves many aspects of correction, while liposuction is basically a contouring procedure [3]; both are performed under general anaesthesia.

Opting to do these two procedures together will help you to achieve significant results that address both the problems of stubborn fat and excess skin. It will also help to achieve better body contouring results and can be difficult to achieve if done separately for some patients. Also, in some cases, excess fat and loose skin can occur together making this surgical combination even more appealing. 

Preparations for a Tummy Tuck

Before your procedure, you will first have a consultation with Dr Ho where he will review your medical history, do a physical examination and discuss your expectations. This is where you can have an honest conversation with him about what you would like to achieve as well as confirm if you are a candidate for the surgery. 

Before having a tummy tuck procedure in Singapore, you might also need to:

• Stop smoking: Smoking decreases the blood flow in the skin and can slow the healing process. Smoking can also be a factor in tissue damage. You might be recommended to stop smoking before surgery and during the recovery period.
• Avoid some medications: Some medications like aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements can increase bleeding. 
• Maintain a steady weight: It is ideal to maintain a stable weight for around 6 to 12 months before going through a tummy tuck. If you’re severely overweight, you might be recommended to lose weight before the procedure as significant weight loss after the surgery can change the results of the procedure.
• Take medication before to prevent complications: Before you go through a tummy tuck, you may need to take some medications that reduce the incidence of bruising. 
• Arrange for help during recovery: When leaving the hospital and recovering at home, it is best to have someone with you to drive you home after the surgery as well as to stay with you.

Preparations for Liposuction in Singapore

Preparation for liposuction looks a little different from a tummy tuck as it’s a less invasive surgery. 

Some things you might need to prepare:

• Food and medication: Your plastic surgeon will help you to review what medications you are currently taking as well as the medical conditions you might have that requires you to take them. Some medications such as blood thinners of NSAIDs are some that you will be recommended to stop taking as these might complicate the surgery.
• Arrange for help during recovery: Depending on how much fat needs to be removed, you might have to stay overnight at the hospital but if it’s a small amount, it might be done in an office setting. Either way, it is recommended to make arrangements with someone to drive you home and to stay with you for the first night after the procedure if you are staying at the hospital.

Post-Care for Tummy Tuck and Liposuction

As a tummy tuck is more invasive than liposuction, it is to be expected that you would need a longer recovery period for the former than the latter. 

How post-care for a tummy tuck will look like:

• You’ll need to wear a supportive abdominal garment for around 6 weeks to 3 months after the procedure to help prevent fluid build-up and abdominal support while healing
• You will usually have a drain to promote fluid drainage
• For the first six weeks, you will also have to be extra careful when moving around to avoid straining your incision line 
• You will also need to schedule regular follow-up visits to check on your healing progress

How post-care for liposuction will look like:

• Some pain, swelling and bruising is to be expected after the procedure – some medication may be prescribed to help with this
• You might be attached to drains to promote fluid drainage
• You will be required to wear tight compression garments to help reduce swelling
• You may need to wait for a few weeks before resuming activities such as exercise

It is recommended for you to seek the advice of a professional plastic surgeon before deciding on a tummy tuck in Singapore or a combination of these two procedures. These procedures are not to be decided on lightly and it is important to think about some of the long-term goals you might have – these can be communicated with Dr Ho to discuss how he may fit in a tummy tuck and/or a liposuction procedure for you.

1. Sperstad, J. B., Tennfjord, M. K., Hilde, G., Ellström-Engh, M., & Bø, K. (2016). Diastasis recti abdominis during pregnancy and 12 months after childbirth: prevalence, risk factors and report of lumbopelvic pain. British journal of sports medicine, 50(17), 1092–1096. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2016-096065
2. Branford, O. (2018). Abdominoplasty procedure. Journal of Aesthetic Nursing, 7(10), 542-545.
3. Wu, S., Coombs, D. M., & Gurunian, R. (2020). Liposuction: Concepts, safety, and techniques in body-contouring surgery. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, 87(6), 367-375.