A question that's often asked is "Is it possible to combine liposuction with a tummy tuck at the same time? Thanks to the introduction of newer technologies, it is now possible to have a number of cosmetic procedures carried out in one operative session, reducing the overall recovery time significantly.

One of the most widespread cosmetic surgery procedures is the tummy tuck. This procedure is one of the most popular in the western world today, with everyone from famous celebrities to unassuming soccer moms - and dads - having their midriffs tightened.

One common reason people opt for a tummy tuck is if they have had a dramatic weight loss. The problem with losing a lot of weight is oftentimes the skin has lost its elasticity and cannot catch up to the new, reduced body shape. What is left behind is unattractive, hanging, saggy skin.

Another common reason is the wonderful - but body-altering - experience of becoming a mother. Many women can't get used to their new, more rounded and less toned tummy area. Liposuction in combination with a tummy tuck after having children is often referred to as a "Mommy makeover".

Quite often it is worth incorporating liposuction to take away any excess fat in the tummy area during a tummy tuck procedure, as well as the removal of the extra skin. Doing this at the same time simply ensures that no extra procedures have to be carried out at a later date. With the advent of advanced techniques like Vaser lipo, surgeons have also been gifted with an extraordinary way of sculpting the body. The amount of fat you leave in the body, however, is as important as the amount you remove.

Vaser lipo is a particularly gentle form of liposuction because instead of relying on a larger cannula to manually break up the fat cells in the fat layer under the skin, it uses a smaller cannula to introduce ultrasound energy into the fat layer to break it up. Then the broken up fat is easily aspirated (suctioned) out of the body. Because ultrasound is selective in that it only targets and breaks up the fat, leaving the blood vessels and other structures intact - there is much less blood loss and bruising. This is why Vaser lipo is fast becoming the cosmetic surgeon's tool of choice for fat removal.

So as you can see, it is certainly possible to have a tummy tuck in combination with liposuction. The final decision on whether it is possible to have liposuction with a tummy tuck belongs to your cosmetic surgeon.