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Our bodies go through many changes, especially after pregnancy, weight loss, and aging.
Often, this result is unwanted fatty deposits and excess skin that does not seem to respond to diet or exercise. Fed up, many people turn to body contouring procedures, such as liposuction and tummy tuck surgery, to finally correct those insecurities.
While both of these treatments do wonders for the shapeliness of your contours, it can be confusing to know which procedure is right for you.
Tummy Tuck Vs. Liposuction: Which Is Right?
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, removes stubborn abdominal fat deposits and excess skin and tightens the abdominal muscles for a tauter, slimmer, and more toned appearance.
The procedure is ideal for patients who desire a flatter stomach, tight abdominal muscles, and a beautifully sculpted waistline.
On the other hand, liposuction is performed to eliminate localized pockets of fat in almost any part of the body, including the abdomen, back, thighs, hips, arms, or chin.
It is a great tool for sculpting and shaping the body for a more desirable figure.
Which Surgical Procedure Is Easier?
Liposuction is less invasive than the tummy tuck procedure, meaning patients can expect a shorter and easier recovery. While liposuction can remove the excess abdominal fat and reshape your body, it doesn’t do as much — if anything — to tighten the skin. Therefore, the best candidates should have good muscle tone and firm skin.
Which Should I Choose Between Tummy Tuck Surgery and Liposuction?
There are several key variables that can help you determine which procedure is better suited for your needs. These include:
Skin Laxity
If there is noticeable skin sagging or stretch marks around the midsection area, a situation that is commonly seen after significant weight loss or pregnancy, a tummy tuck will provide the best results.
Muscle Laxity
Following pregnancy, the once tight abdominal wall can become loose, leading to a bulging stomach pooch. Abdominal muscles may even separate entirely — a condition known as diastasis recti.
Complete muscle repair is only possible through a tummy tuck.
Localized Fatty Deposits
Having excess pockets of fat which are resistant to diet and exercise can be frustrating. If you have good quality skin and no abdominal wall laxity, liposuction alone can be used to eliminate the excess subcutaneous fat for a more enhanced body contour.
Additionally, many patients choose to combine both a tummy tuck and liposuction as part of a Mommy Makeover procedure. Both procedures are customizable with various techniques that are specifically tailored to your unique needs.
Further, they are extremely effective body contouring procedures that offer an efficient way to get superior results.
What Do the Results Say?
If you are still confused about which surgery is right for you, check out our photo gallery to see how these procedures have helped our previous patients. This will give you a better idea of what kind of results are possible. Visit our liposuction before and after gallery and our tummy tuck before and after gallery.
Interested in Body Contouring in Tampa, FL?
Ultimately, scheduling a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon can help you determine which procedure is best suited for your needs. Your surgeon will review your medical history, evaluate your concerns and recommend the best treatment plan based on your unique needs and individual anatomy.
Contact us today at 813-400-1465 or fill our online form to schedule a consultation and learn which procedure might benefit you.