Tummy tuck and liposuction are some of the most common surgical procedures I perform as an Albuquerque plastic surgeon. Many people ask how the extra skin and fat can be removed from their abdomen. Many people work hard to get in shape but still have to live with their unattractive abdomen. It may be extensive stretch marks, or the extra skin hanging over the lower abdomen, it may also be the muscle weakness allowing the bulging of the lower tummy, or it may be simply too much fatty excess. So, what can tummy tuck and liposuction do for your abdominal contour?
Before I recommend a surgical procedure, I would always question whether dieting and exercise have been tried to achieve as much weight loss as possible if the patients are indeed overweight. They do not need to be in the ideal body weight. However, it would certainly help in getting better results. Weight loss will also eliminate or reduce the need for liposuction of the abdomen. Unfortunately, it generally will not eliminate the need for tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty.
To capsulize, liposuction in general is for the fatty deposit of the abdomen whereas tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is mainly for the laxity of skin. Therefore, typically liposuction and tummy tuck are not interchangeable in most situations. Liposuction will reduce the fatty deposit but will not tighten skin. Tummy tuck, on the other hand, can tighten significantly both the skin and the rectus muscle to achieve a much flatter abdomen.
Some people, especially men, have significant fat inside the belly. You could feel the bulge under the muscle layer. This problem cannot be solved by either liposuction or tummy tuck. Good old fashioned diet and exercise is the first step for this situation. After this is done, tummy tuck can then improve the abdominal contour if there is still laxity of skin.
As usual, all surgical plans need to customized for each patient. Call our office to make an appointment for your personal consultation.
