Abdominoplasty or Liposuction?

Weight fluctuations can be frustrating and hard on the body. Although having tried natural means of weight loss, such as diet and exercise, you may find that there are stubborn trouble areas. For many patients, this is when they choose to visit my office to learn more about body contouring procedures. The most commonly discussed are tummy tuck surgery and liposuction. Both procedures can help shape the body to a more slender shape, but each has its particular purposes.

Tummy tuck surgery is specifically performed to tighten the abdominal muscles and remove loose, hanging skin in the midsection, which can provide a flatter, better-contoured shape. If needed, liposuction is performed to the upper tummy area for better contour. Typically, long-lasting results may be expected when a healthy diet and exercise routine is followed. However, this procedure can only be performed on the abdominal area and is not a fat-removal surgery for any other part of the body.

If your main goal is to remove stubborn fat deposits from the midsection, arms, legs, or back, you may be more inclined to undergo lipoplasty. Through small incisions in the target area, a long tube called a cannula is used to break up fat and suction it out. Liposuction can reduce the appearance of bulges and provide a more contoured appearance. It is important to note that this surgery will not remove loose hanging skin. If you have lost elasticity in areas where excess fat was present, you may need to undergo a skin removing procedure to achieve your desired results.

Often, when patients experience a loss of elasticity in the abdominal muscles and wish to remove excess fat, a tummy tuck and liposuction may be performed simultaneously. Doing this can provide patients with a slender, more toned body contour. The best way to determine which procedure is appropriate for you is by visiting a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

I encourage you to schedule an appointment at my plastic surgery office by calling (480) 890-0600 or filling out the contact form. During your consultation with me, we can discuss your desired goals and decide upon the best surgical procedure for your needs.