Tummy Tuck, Liposuction, Both, Or Neither? Making the Right Choice
Liposuction, sometimes called lipoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that is used to remove unwanted fat from specific areas of the body, often from the abdomen. Abdominoplasty, more commonly known as the “tummy tuck” procedure, is a cosmetic surgical procedure used to eliminate excess fat and/or sagging skin from the abdominal area. So, which procedure is better? And for whom?
First of all, it is important to clear up a common misconception that plagues both procedures-that this cosmetic surgery is a substitute for weight loss. Both of these procedures are designed to shape the body rather than take the place of diet or exercise. Coming to a cosmetic surgeon with the expectation that a tummy tuck or liposuction can take the place of a truly healthy weight loss regime will only result in disappointment. It will not work, and if a surgeon will agree to one of these procedures for this purpose, that surgeon is not one who can be trusted to do the job a reputable cosmetic surgeon prides him- or herself on.
With that out of the way, let’s take a look at who can benefit from tummy tuck, liposuction, or a combination of the two. Good candidates for abdominoplasty, the tummy tuck surgery, are of average weight but have a protruding abdomen. This can be the result of a large amount of weight loss; in these cases, diet and exercise sometimes cannot remove that excess fat or loose skin, even if you have reached a healthy weight and continue your weight loss regime. It can also result from the loss of abdominal control due to pregnancy or aging.
Good candidates for liposuction or lipoplasty are also of normal weight, and are in good physical and emotional health. You must also have firm, elastic skin. Liposuction targets localized areas of fat unresponsive to diet and exercise. Though the procedure reshapes the body’s silhouette, it is not an alternative to weight loss; realistic expectations of how this will help you should be kept in mind throughout. Lipoplasty can target areas beyond those helped by tummy tuck surgery, and is recommended for other areas of the body including below the chin and on the thighs.
If you are having trouble deciding which procedure might be best for you, consider your expectations. Though both procedures are designed to reshape the body, each has its advantages. Many surgeons recommend the tummy tuck surgery to women who have had multiple children as the best option in regaining a pre-pregnancy body shape. Liposuction is more often recommended to target small problem areas, rather than the abdomen as a whole.
In very few cases, both surgeries can benefit the patient. A tummy tuck, combined with liposuction under the chin, or on the legs, can result in a significant change in the body’s silhouette, which, hopefully, helps the patient to regain the pride in their image they had before. Often, though, the truth of the matter is that neither surgery is the answer. Both abdominoplasty and lipoplasty should only be performed on patients that are healthy in both body and mind.
If you are seeking a quick weight loss solution, see a nutritionist or your family doctor for weight loss help. Plan an exercise routine and begin eating healthier. Find a diet that works for you and stick to it. In conclusion, both the tummy tuck and liposuction are procedures that can benefit many patients. Before getting your heart set on one or the other or both, consult your physician and a c