Spring is arriving soon, and this is often the time when many individuals consider options to get their bodies into the best shape possible as they start heading to the beach. Two of the most popular surgical cosmetic enhancement procedures, liposuction and abdominoplasty (commonly referred to as “tummy tuck” surgery), offer excellent opportunities to improve body contours and address aesthetic concerns affecting the midsection. With that in mind, it is important to know that they are very different procedures, and one can be more ideal than the other depending on the individual patient’s needs, goals, and expectations.
Let’s explore some of the distinctions between these effective body contouring treatment options:
Liposuction
If you are experiencing a collection of excess fat in the abdominal area that has proven resistant to diet and exercise routines, liposuction may be an ideal treatment. Liposuction can be particularly useful at removing isolated fat pockets that have developed in the abdomen, flanks, and lower back. It can often be performed utilizing very small incisions, resulting in improved abdominal contours while producing minimal residual scarring. If the aesthetic concerns are being caused by a buildup of excess fat, liposuction may be the best option; however, if the concerns are caused by excess skin and/or loose musculature in the abdomen, liposuction alone will not be effective. This is the most prominent distinction between the benefits that can be obtained with liposuction vs. tummy tuck surgery.
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck Surgery)
Tummy tuck surgery also offers the ability to recontour the abdomen, but it works in a different way and is designed to address different conditions when compared with liposuction. If your abdominal concerns are being caused by loose, inelastic skin and/or lax abdominal muscles, a tummy tuck may be the best treatment to improve these conditions. Tummy tuck surgery often removes both excess skin and fat, then pulls the remaining skin taut to provide a smoother and flatter look with enhanced contours. This procedure also tightens the abdominal muscles and even repairs stretched or torn muscles, if necessary. Tummy tuck surgery can be very advantageous for women who are experiencing those concerns following pregnancy, as well as individuals who have lost large amounts of weight and are now affected by loose skin in the abdominal region. Abdominoplasty requires a hip-to-hip incision just above the pubic area, as well as another incision near the navel. While this surgery will result in noticeable scarring, the scars should fade to some extent over time and can often be well-concealed under clothing (even swimwear). Ultimately, a tummy tuck can remove excess skin and fat from the lower abdominal area, tighten core muscles that have become lax, and help define one’s figure.
Lipoabdominoplasty
Many patients have aesthetic abdominal concerns that are caused by excess fat and excess skin. In these cases, a combination of liposuction and tummy tuck surgery may be recommended. This procedure, known as “lipoabdominoplasty,” can provide comprehensive abdominal rejuvenation by utilizing both techniques to provide the best possible contouring results.
During your initial consultation, one of our experienced plastic surgeons will evaluate your needs, talk with you about your goals, and determine whether liposuction, abdominoplasty, or lipoabdominoplasty is what’s necessary to meet your expectations. These procedures are completely customized for each patient to provide the ideal outcome and exceptional new body contours!
For additional information, or to schedule a consultation here at Florida Plastic Surgery Group, please contact our office today.
