Liposuction or Tummy Tuck: How Do I Know Which Is More Appropriate?
Many patients visit our office looking to rejuvenate the stomach area. While most men and women seem to know that a tummy tuck and liposuction are the main surgical options for toning and sculpting the abdominal region, some patients are unsure about the differences between the procedures and what each surgery is designed to accomplish.
Liposuction uses a number of small incisions to excise fat from areas of the body that are resistant toward traditional means of weight loss, such as diet and exercise. These areas may include the love handles, hips, abdomen, outer thighs and even inner thighs. Ideal candidates for liposuction are typically already at or near their ideal weight and seeking to target trouble spots by removing a layer of excess fat from the specified region.
A tummy tuck takes a different approach for achieving a slimmer silhouette. Also known as abdominoplasty, tummy tuck surgery uses an incision that runs along the lower abdomen to remove an accumulation of redundant skin and tighten the underlying abdominal muscles for a flatter stomach and a more toned appearance. In addition, a tummy tuck can often be combined with liposuction to eliminate pockets of localized fat in the region if needed and/or desired. Ideal candidates will be men or women who are at or near their ideal weight and wish to rid themselves of excess abdominal skin, as well as women who have had one or more pregnancies and do not plan on having more children.
During your initial consultation, your plastic surgeon should review your medical history as well as perform a physical exam, informing you of the benefits of each body procedure and helping you make a well-educated decision. To learn more about liposuction or tummy tuck, or to schedule an appointment, please contact our office today.
Whether you are ready to schedule your consultation, or just have general questions, we are here for you! Ask our surgical coordinator, Normajean, today.
