The abdominal area is often one of the biggest insecurities for both men and women. Whether you have just had a baby, rapidly gained or lost a significant amount of weight, or you just aren’t happy with what you’re seeing in the mirror, everyone has a different reason for being unhappy with their stomachs. Many people who struggle with these insecurities are faced with a hard decision: continue to live life unsatisfied with their appearance, or get a procedure to fix their problem area. Abdominoplasty, also known as a Tummy Tuck, and Liposuction, are two of the most common procedures used to eliminate belly fat and give patients the look they desire. Choosing which one of these procedures is right for you is important to achieve your desired outcome. Here is some helpful insight to help you choose whether a Tummy Tuck or Liposuction is right for you.
Liposuction is an extremely common procedure, mostly because it is less invasive than other procedures. Liposuction is performed by using a thin tube, known as a cannula, to remove excess fat via small incisions. While the stomach is typically the most common area for people to receive Liposuction, the procedure can also be performed to target other trouble areas, like arms, thighs, etc. The ideal Liposuction candidate is typically of normal weight, with good skin elasticity. Liposuction tends to look better on younger patients, as their skin is more elastic than that of an older person, however adult patients of any age can have Liposuction. Liposuction is used to remove stubborn pockets of fat, although it does not typically help tighten the skin, which is why it is important to have younger, more elastic skin. A liposuction procedure does require a certain amount of recovery time, but patients are usually able to return to their normal activity after about a week or so. Strenuous activity should be avoided for about a month following a liposuction procedure, but patients will be able to walk around as soon as possible after the procedure.
A Tummy Tuck is a common procedure for people who want to achieve more than Liposuction can provide. While Tummy Tucks tend to be slightly more invasive than Liposuction, the procedure is able to tighten the abdominal muscles, which is something that cannot be achieved through Liposuction. Tummy Tucks are extremely popular among women who have given birth and are having trouble losing the excess belly fat. In these cases, a Tummy Tuck is often referred to as a “Mommy Tuck.” Getting a Tummy Tuck can be a huge confidence booster for many new mothers, and oftentimes the procedure can help them look even better than before they were pregnant. Breast Augmentations are another common procedure among new mothers, as having a baby can dramatically affect the appearance of your breasts. Many Scottsdale plastic surgeons who do breast augmentation also specialize in Liposuction and Tummy Tucks, making it a win-win situation for people who are interested in getting more than one procedure.
The decision to get a Tummy Tuck or Liposuction can be a difficult one, but hopefully with this insight you will be able to make a more confident decision.