Sometimes, exercise and a clean diet aren’t enough to make even the strongest tummy flat. If you’ve been battling your mid-section for years and aren’t seeing the improvement you want, you’ve probably considered plastic surgery. When you’re debating between a tummy tuck and liposuction, there are a few things to consider when deciding what’s right for your body.
Liposuction
Liposuction is the removal of fat from the body. There is a variety of methods, but the basic technique involves a small cannula being inserted under the skin through a series of small incisions. The fat is broken up and then removed by suction. Liposuction is great for areas like the hips and lower stomach that have stubborn pockets of fat. Liposuction is best suited if you’re at or very close to your ideal body weight. It’s also best if you have strong abdominal muscles underneath so you have definition after the layer of fat is removed.
Liposuction isn’t a good option for people who are significantly overweight or obese. There’s only so much fat that can be removed during liposuction, and if there’s significant fat removal, the skin will be quite loose. Doctors don’t recommend getting liposuction as a way to lose weight because we can only remove six to eight pounds safely.
Liposuction is non-invasive. The incisions used to insert the cannula are quite small and scar minimally. There are newer liposuction techniques that don’t require anesthesia and can be performed with local anesthetics to reduce recovery time. The typical recovery is short; you’ll be able to return to work within a couple of days and resume your activity level in a week or so. It can take about six months to see the maximum results.
Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is performed when you want a large amount of skin is removed from the lower belly while tightening the skin on the upper stomach. Doctors will tighten the inner stomach so the abdomen is given a tighter, flatter appearance. A tummy tuck is the best cosmetic option when you have a large amount of skin you need removed, particularly after a significant weight loss. If you have overly relaxed stomach muscles after a pregnancy, a tummy tuck can help remove that “permanently pregnant” look.
Compared to liposuction, this is a much more extensive surgery. Incisions are quite large, stretching from one hip to the other, but they’re usually positioned low enough that most swimsuits cover the scar. There is cutting around the belly button, forcing it to be repositioned. The recovery time for a tummy tuck is more extensive. You can expect to take about a week off work (longer if you have a physically intense job) and about a month off from physical activity.
Cosmetic surgery is a viable option if your attempts to target trouble spots have been unsuccessful. With a healthy lifestyle, your cosmetic surgery can provide you long-term results that you’ll be proud to flaunt this bikini season. At Institute of Aesthetic Surgery, Dr. Roxanne Sylora specializes in breast and body procedures. She will work with you to determine the most effective treatment plan for your individual needs. Contact Institute of Aesthetic Surgery today to schedule your consultation.