Liposuction Vs. Tummy Tuck

Many individuals find attaining a flat abdomen to be an ongoing challenge. While diet and exercise can make some improvements, those seeking to restore their pre-childbirth physique often require additional assistance.

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Choosing Between Liposuction and Tummy Tuck

For many people, achieving a flat abdomen is a continuing source of frustration. Diet and exercise can improve the silhouette to some degree, but if you are trying to regain the tummy you had before you had your children, you likely need some help. One question that Dr. Repta frequently asks is whether liposuction or a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is the best procedure to achieve that flat tummy. The answer is that some patients achieve their goal with liposuction while others need a tummy tuck. Some patients get a better result with a tummy tuck and liposuction. Liposuction vs. tummy tuck? It all depends on how much correction is needed.

Liposuction

As a tried and true fat reduction method, liposuction can remove the excess fat that is on the tummy as well as the flanks and the back. This method is less of a commitment in terms of recovery and works well for patients who have good muscle tone under excess fat and who are near their ideal weight. Liposuction can remove a considerable amount of fat which will make a dramatic difference.

The procedure is less invasive than a tummy tuck as it can be done under a local anesthetic, which has fewer risks than surgery with general anesthesia. The method used by Dr. Repta is called tumescent liposuction. It is very safe and comfortable for patients due to the anesthetic solution infused in the target area during the procedure. When considering liposuction vs tummy tuck, the condition of the underlying muscle tone will be the deciding factor.

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Tummy tuck

Patients who have had multiple pregnancies or who have achieved substantial weight loss will likely have a better result with a tummy tuck. This is because the stretched abdominal muscles will need to be repositioned and tightened to create the base for the flatter tummy. Otherwise, the relaxed muscles will always bulge out. A tummy tuck is also done when the abdominal muscles are taut leaving a hanging pouch of skin. This mini tummy tuck only removes the excess skin without addressing any underlying muscles.

Recovery from a mini tummy tuck is much easier, and the resulting scar is small and low. Patients who need a tummy tuck are those who have substantial sagging and excess skin and who do not have the skin elasticity needed for successful liposuction. An added benefit of a tummy tuck is the increased stability of the lower back due to the strengthening created by tightening the stretched abdominal muscles. Also, in most cases, the excess skin that is removed contains the majority of stretch marks.

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Liposuction with tummy tuck

Patients with skin laxity, stretched muscles, and excess fat in the abdomen will benefit from a combination tummy tuck with a liposuction procedure. This can safely be done in one surgery in most cases. This procedure is the most involved, but planned well, it does save recovery time. Patients with excess fat in the flanks and back are good candidates for a combined procedure. Deciding on liposuction vs tummy tuck isn’t necessary, as the best procedure will become obvious once Dr. Repta examines you to determine your skin elasticity, muscle laxity (if any), and the amount of excess fat to be removed. If you are pondering the question, make an appointment with Dr. Repta to discuss your goals and to get his recommendation on the best way to achieve them.

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If you would like to know more about your Scottsdale abdominoplasty options, request an online consultation. Or if you prefer, you are welcome to call the office at 855-377-3782 and one of our staff members will be happy to assist you.

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