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Liposuction or Tummy Tuck? Which is Best?

Countless women seek cosmetic procedures to address issues with their midsection. Many events in life can take a toll on this prominent part of the body, from a new baby to excessive weight loss, and a change in diet or exercise routine cannot always provide an adequate solution. Luckily, there are options for those who desire a flatter, smoother stomach, but how can you be sure which is right for you? A consultation with a skilled plastic surgeon is the best way to find out what the most appropriate course of action is, but in the meantime, take a moment to learn more about the differences between a tummy tuck and liposuction.

Liposuction – The Less Invasive Option

Liposuction is not strictly for the abdominal area, but it can be incredibly effective for removing excess fat from that area and reshaping the body. For those who are struggling with stubborn pockets of fat that cannot be eliminated through lifestyle changes, liposuction can effectively do the trick. However, while liposuction is excellent for empty these pockets of fat, it cannot tighten the skin or address stretch marks. It is most ideal for those who generally have good skin, muscle tone, excess skin, or loose abdominal muscles. Liposuction can also effectively improve the shape of an individual’s stomach, allowing them to look great in and out of clothes.

Although liposuction is a surgical procedure that requires a period of recovery, it is relatively shorter and easier when compared to a tummy tuck. Oftentimes, much of the bruising and swelling is gone within three weeks.

Tummy Tucks – Removing Excess Skin and Fat

To achieve the results they desire, some patients might require a tummy tuck. While it is more invasive than liposuction, a tummy tuck can accomplish what the liposuction cannot – it removes excess skin and tightens the abdominal muscles. If a patient has had children or lost a significant amount of weight, a tummy tuck procedure is often the better option.

A tummy tuck begins with a single incision across the lower abdomen, which allows the surgeon to remove excess skin and tighten loose muscles. The remaining skin is re-draped over the abdominal area, which results in a flat and tightened stomach. For patients whose primary concern is the presence of loose skin or stretched muscle tissue, instead of fat, a tummy tuck would be an ideal solution.

Unlike liposuction, which has a faster recovery time, it can take at least four months before the swelling is completely gone, though individuals with stronger abdominal muscles are generally able to recover at a faster rate. However, it is vital not to push your body too hard, so make sure you heed your plastic surgeon’s instructions after your procedure is complete.

Combining the Two Procedures Together

On their own, each of these procedures can produce amazing results, but some patients choose to have them performed together to address separate issues. Your plastic surgeon will discuss your aesthetic goals and help you determine if a combination of these procedures will help you achieve them. If you wish to both sculpt and shape your tummy as well as tighten the skin and abdominal muscles, then combining liposuction with a tummy tuck could be the perfect solution.

Ideal Candidates

Being in overall good health is one of the most critical requirements for any procedure. Ideal candidates for a tummy tuck should also have realistic expectations for the surgery, have loose skin in the abdominal area, and are within 15 to 20 pounds of their ideal weight or are not planning on losing more weight. Additionally, if you are planning on getting pregnant, you should wait to undergo a tummy tuck. Otherwise, you could end up having to undergo the procedure again to restore the results. Ideal candidates for liposuction should also have realistic expectations for what the procedure can achieve, in addition to having firm, elastic skin and good muscle tone.

Westfield Plastic Surgery

Whether you have unsightly excess skin on your abdominal area or simply wish to be rid of a little excess fat, at Burnett Plastic Surgery, our skilled Westfield plastic surgeon can help you achieve all of your body goals. Dr. Carlos Burnett is an experienced Board Certified Westfield plastic surgeon and has successfully helped countless patients obtain the look they desire.

Get started on becoming the best version of yourself today and call us at (908) 524-0063 to schedule a consultation with our plastic surgeon. Our $125 fee can be deducted from the cost of your procedure!

Carlos Burnett