A flatter, slimmer abdomen is at the top of many people’s aesthetic wish lists, and cosmetic medicine, fortunately, offers several different ways to achieve it. Liposuction, tummy tuck, and other plastic surgery procedures we perform here in Denver, CO, can all sculpt a firmer and shapelier midsection. But how can you decide which one is right for you?
This blog post will explore the possibilities and limitations of both tummy tuck and liposuction procedures and provide guidance around how you can determine the best approach.
When Is a Tummy Tuck the Best Option?
A tummy tuck is the best option when your main goal is to tighten stretched skin and muscles. Tummy tucks primarily address loose or lax skin and separated abdominal muscles that lead to a protruding abdomen. This condition is very common after pregnancy or weight loss.
Fat removal is not the main objective of a tummy tuck. However, much of the fat beneath loose lower abdominal skin is trimmed off along with the skin itself. In many cases, liposuction is selectively included to blend the newly slimmed abdomen with surrounding areas to create more attractive contours.
When Is Liposuction the Best Option?
Liposuction on its own is best when you have good skin elasticity and muscle tone but want to target pockets of stubborn abdominal fat or achieve better contouring in the area. The surgery is most effective when you do not have significantly stretched skin.
Many people choose liposuction when they are very near their ideal weight and want to slim problem areas that won’t shrink despite dedicated diet and exercise. People who opt for abdominal liposuction are often hoping to enhance or reveal the hard work they’ve already put in at the gym.
When Is it Best to Combine a Tummy Tuck With Liposuction?
Combining a tummy tuck with liposuction is a great approach when you have notable fat deposits on both your upper and lower abdomen along with skin laxity and stretched ab muscles.
You may also want to opt for this approach if you are also looking to slim down other areas of your body, such as the hips, thighs, or arms, as all of these areas can be slimmed during the same surgery to spare you extra costs and recovery time.
How Can I Be Sure I’m Making the Right Choice?
Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Vath, Dr. Wolfe, or Dr. Steinwald is essential. During a private consultation, your surgeon will carefully examine your body, discuss your goals, and offer expert recommendations for the most effective and least invasive plastic surgery solution available.
Curious about how you can best prepare for this initial consultation? Read our previous blog post.
To see examples of the results you can expect from each procedure, please visit our before-and-after photo galleries for tummy tuck and liposuction.
If you would like to learn more about your body contouring options at the Center for Cosmetic Surgery, please contact us online or call (303) 278-2600 (Golden) or(303) 951-2100 (Denver).
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