Tummy Tuck or Liposuction: Here’s the Skinny!

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close up of a woman's fit abdomen

Interested in a flatter stomach, but not quite sure how to achieve it? Well, we’ve narrowed it down to two popular cosmetic enhancements, a tummy tuck, and liposuction. While both procedures can help individuals achieve a toned and defined midsection, each is very different regarding the results they provide. So, to help you find out which method is best for you, we’ve brought the skinny on tummy tucks and liposuction.

Before We Dive In…
Let us mention that above all, a combination of diet and exercise is the best way to target this highly-talked-about problem area. It’s one of those topics that’s been drilled into your head—if you aren’t eating right or exercising often, then you are teeter-tottering the lines of being healthy and unhealthy. However, we know that’s not always the case. Sometimes, despite a well-balanced diet and weekly workout routine, excess skin and stubborn fat can still be present. In cases like this, there are cosmetic alternatives that can help achieve a more defined midsection. Let’s talk options!

What is A Tummy Tuck?

A Tummy Tuck, also known as, Abdominoplasty to the medical world, is the more invasive of the two procedures because it requires going under the knife to remove and tighten up excess skin and fat.

This procedure is most common for those with excess skin who have recently lost a significant amount of weight. Instant weight loss does not allow for the elasticity of the skin to adjust, leaving remnants of loose, sagging skin. Other patients are in search of a mommy makeover after experiencing excessive stretching of the skin in the tummy area followed by weight loss post-baby. A Mommy Makeover involves a combination of two or more procedures typically, including but not limited to breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction or fat grafting in efforts to provide mothers with a pre-baby body. In both instances, saggy skin is prevalent, leaving some individuals feeling self-conscious, but can also cause severe discomfort.

During a Tummy Tuck, an experienced surgeon will create an incision across the lower abdomen, often hip to hip, allowing him or her to remove excess skin and tighten that skin as well as abdominal muscles. In some cases, a Tummy Tuck is paired with Liposuction to provide additional contouring to the area in an effort achieve the desired shape.

A Tummy Tuck procedure results in an improved abdominal contour and a scar across the lower belly, usually hidden easily by underwear. Immediately after surgery, the scar will appear bright pink and is noticeable. With proper care (staying out of the sun and frequently using ointment/lotion), the scar will fade and be less visible over time.

What About Liposuction?

Liposuction, also known as Lipoplasty, is less invasive and commonly used in several places of the body other than just the abdomen, including hips, legs, arms, thighs, and back.

Liposuction produces the best results for patients who have healthy skin laxity and muscle tone with little to no excess skin or loose abdominal muscles. This procedure is ideal for removing localized fat tissue and is also far less invasive than a Tummy Tuck.

During liposuction, Dr. Rednam will target problem areas by using a suction device to remove fat deposits. The purpose is to reshape the area or areas of the patient’s body for a smoother, more defined appearance.

What’s YOUR Goal?

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as seeing results. And of course, that’s the end goal, but what does that mean for you? The return of a pre-baby body? A midsection clear of saggy skin? Or that radiating feeling you get when you look great in your skin? To dial in on what it is that you want, we recommend booking a one on one consultation with Dr. Rukmini Rednam, a board-certified plastic surgeon who will walk you through the entire process, from pre-operative, operative, and post operation.

The Bottom Line

Both a Tummy Tuck and Liposuction are great options for those looking for extra help after doing all they can to lose weight through healthy diet and exercise. If you have excess skin or loose abdominal muscles, a tummy tuck may be your best option. For those who are looking to improve isolated areas, liposuction is usually the best course of treatment.

Torn between which procedure might be best for you or have you decided? Contact renowned plastic surgeon, Dr. Rednam, to schedule your consultation. During a discussion with Dr. Rednam, she will evaluate your general health status, review pre-existing health conditions, examine your area of concern, and note measurements, skin quality, and overall appearance. She will also discuss treatment options and likely outcomes associated with your procedure. To book a consultation with Dr. Rednam, please call 713-791-0700.