Posted November 11, 2016 in Liposuction, Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Men and women alike are concerned about the appearance of their stomach area. The abdomen is located at the center of the body, making it a focal point, and a protruding tummy can ruin the entire physique. Many people try diet and exercise to remedy the problem, but it is difficult to target the midsection, especially as we age.
Plastic surgery may come to mind when unraveling an optimal fix for ridding excess fat and skin that causes an enlarged abdominal area. Many people are unsure whether they would benefit from a tummy tuck, liposuction, or both. When it is appropriate to “tuck it in” or “suck it out”? The answer to that question will depend on the patient’s anatomy and goals.
The Liposuction Procedure
Liposuction involves the insertion of a microcannula through small, discreetly placed incisions, and this is hooked up to vacuum that suctions out the unwanted fat. Liposculpture, a special removal technique, is used to remove the fat while contouring the curves of the body.
The Tummy Tuck Procedure
A tummy tuck can remove excess skin from the abdomen and tighten the abdominal muscles. The procedure involves an incision low on the abdomen along the bikini line that extends from hipbone to hipbone. Another incision is made around the navel. Through the incisions, the muscles are sutured and tightened, excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is redraped over the newly contoured abdomen.
Which procedure do I need?
When deciding if you need a tummy tuck, liposuction, or both, you will need to examine your body and the severity of correction needed. Before choosing a procedure, a patient should consider the following
- Pregnancy: Women may notice dramatic changes to their bodies after childbirth. These may include weak abdominal muscles, loose skin, and excess fat. Tummy tuck surgery can be performed to tighten the abdomen and remove hanging skin, and liposuction can eliminate excess fat.
- Stretch marks: Weight fluctuations often leave a person with unflattering stretch marks, especially along the lower abdomen. A tummy tuck is an ideal solution for removing excess skin that has stretch marks on it.
- Massive weight loss: After losing an excessive amount of fat, the weight of the body is reduced and the body is slimmer, but major weight loss can also leave excess, hanging skin on the body. Tummy tuck surgery is often performed to remove excess skin following massive weight loss and to provide a firmer, smoother abdominal shape.
- Skin sagging and excess fat: If a person has excess skin and a significant amount of fat to be removed, they may need to undergo a tummy tuck with liposuction. A tummy tuck will remove and tighten sagging skin, while liposuction will suction out fat and accentuate more slender curves of the waist. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, combined liposuction and tummy tuck offers the best of both procedures.
- Multiple trouble areas: Tummy tuck surgery only targets the abdomen. If a person has other areas with unwanted fatty tissue, they can undergo liposuction. Multiple trouble areas can be addressed during one liposuction operation.
- Excess abdominal fat but no loose skin: If a person has excess fat in the abdomen but no presence of excess skin, they may be able to achieve their goals solely with liposuction.
To determine the best method for achieving the midsection you desire, schedule your consultation with Dr. Robert Rey today! He is an experienced plastic surgeon who can help you decide on the best procedure to create your slimmer, better-contoured abdomen. Contact us by calling (310) 205-3107 or by filling out our online contact form.