Deciding Between a Tummy Tuck and Liposuction for a Flatter Midsection

Friday, August 15th, 2014

A flatter, firmer, and well-toned midsection is of the most common cosmetic goals of men and women who visit us here at our Highlands plastic surgery clinic. Majority of these patients have done their homework and have looked for information online regarding procedures that can possibly help them achieve such goals. During the initial consultation, these patients would often ask about which body-contouring procedures are ideal for them — should they go for liposuction or decide on a tummy tuck instead?

Although both procedures have the same end goal, they actually target a different set of cosmetic concerns. If you find yourself in the same boat as the aforementioned patients, read on below!

When to Decide on Liposuction

By and large, liposuction is ideal for concerns that has to do with localized pockets of excess fat such as the dreaded love handles and spare tires. The procedure can be done not only in the abdominal area but also in other areas of the body such as the neck, hips, upper arms, buttocks, and thighs.

The procedure is ideal for men and women who want to improve the appearance of their abdominal areas and have done both diet and exercise to get rid of the stubborn pockets of fat. In addition, liposuction works best if the patient is within their ideal body weight and have good skin turgor (the ability of the skin to change its shape and return to normal).

It should be noted, however, that liposuction doesn’t eliminate loose, sagging skin and doesn’t strengthen weakened abdominal muscles which often occurs following pregnancy and childbirth.

When to Decide on a Tummy Tuck

As mentioned earlier, liposuction won’t help you deal with sagging skin and weakened abdominal muscles. This is where a tummy tuck can prove to be beneficial.

Although there may be a variation in the surgical techniques used in a tummy tuck, the procedure is usually performed with a horizontal incision in the lower abdomen just above the pubic area. This makes it easier to be camouflaged when wearing bikinis and low-rise jeans. The excess skin is trimmed away and the abdominal muscles are tightened and repaired.

Combining a Tummy Tuck and Liposuction

If your cosmetic concerns has to do with excess fat, sagging skin, and weakened abdominal muscles, combining both a tummy tuck and liposuction can possibly be your best course of treatment.

Ultimately, it should be noted that both liposuction and a tummy tuck are not weight loss tools but rather body-contouring procedures that will help reshape a certain part of your body in proportion to other parts.

Do you want to learn more about body contouring procedures here at our practice? We are located at 209 Hospital Drive, Suite 202, Highlands, NC. Call us at 828-526-3783 or fill out this contact form today to schedule an initial consultation. We look forward to your visit!