Reclaim Your Figure With Body Contouring
The hourglass conveniently depicts the ideal body shape for women (i.e., a small waist with a proportionate bust and hips). However, if we look at this symbolism a little more closely, we’ll notice that it doesn’t quite reflect the truth. As the sands of time pass through the hourglass from top to bottom, the hourglass itself remains the same. But for the average female, the passing of time can bring many things: fluctuations in weight, multiple pregnancies, and a slowing metabolism – all of which can cause the middle section of our “hourglass” to expand. Even the most rigorous diet and exercise routine may not be enough to get rid of stretched skin or stubborn fat deposits. Depending on a few factors, a tummy tuck, liposuction, or a combination of the two procedures can effectively help create or restore the ideal hourglass shape. The question is, which procedure is right for you?
Recovery Time and Pain
There are several things to consider when deciding between liposuction and tummy tuck surgery. First of all, a tummy tuck is a more invasive plastic surgery procedure. Recovery time is longer, pain after surgery is more extensive, and it costs more than liposuction. The procedure itself is also more complicated, which means there are more risks involved. If it is not possible for you to be away from work or routine activities for one to two weeks, or if particular health issues increase your risks, the tummy tuck procedure may not be right for you. Liposuction may be a more viable alternative.
Excess Skin
Typically, if a patient has a lot of excess skin, liposuction will not be enough to significantly improve the appearance of the abdomen. The fat in the area will be suctioned out through small incisions, but the skin itself will be left intact. In some cases, the abdomen can look even worse after liposuction simply because there is no longer any fat to “fill out” the loose skin. With a tummy tuck, the excess skin is completely cut away and removed. If you have excess or stretched skin, the tummy tuck procedure is most likely a better option than liposuction alone.
Strong, Elastic Skin
For patients who have strong, elastic skin, liposuction is usually sufficient to provide the hourglass effect the patient is looking for. If not, tummy tuck surgery can be performed at the same time or at a later date in order to get the best results.
Loose Abdominal Muscles
Tummy tuck surgery also involves tightening the abdominal muscles. Women who have had multiple pregnancies are usually good candidates for this procedure because their abdominal muscles have likely lost their original shape from being repeatedly stretched.
Scarring
Tummy tuck surgery involves a long incision from hipbone to hipbone, which will result in a visible scar. While it is possible for your surgeon to place the incision in an inconspicuous place (where it can be hidden beneath a bikini), this may not be possible on every patient. If scarring is a main concern, liposuction may be a better option.
If you would like to learn more about liposuction or tummy tuck surgery and see which procedure is right for you, schedule your consultation today! Call our Tampa location at (813) 579-1659 or our Miami location at (305) 705-6152. You may also contact us by filling out our online contact form.