| Tummy Tuck or Liposuction - Which Cosmetic Surgery Is Right For Me? |
|
 |
By
Dr. Robert Backstein |
A common misconception amongst patients considering cosmetic surgery of the abdominal area is that the choice exists to have either a tummy tuck or liposuction and that either of these two procedures will produce similar results. In most cases, a patient is a far better candidate for either a tummy tuck or liposuction and the procedures are not interchangeable.
The decision as to which plastic surgery procedure is best must be made in conjunction with a qualified plastic surgeon but the following is a general guideline: Typically, patients whose abdominal area has loose excess skin, or significant stretch marks will need a tummy tuck and will not benefit from liposuction alone. This is because liposuction is a procedure that only removes fat. Skin is esentially unaffected. Therefore if there is substantial loose skin or stretch marks to start with, liposuction will not remove any of the extra skin or any of the stretch mark-bearing skin. Furthermore,
liposuction in these circumstances can actually worsen the problem by removing the "foundation" on which the skin rests, i.e. the underlying fat thereby leaving even looser skin than the patient started with.
Who is a Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck can benefit individuals with the following features of the abdominal area:
(1) excessive, loose, sagging skin
(2) stretch marks, such as after pregnancy
(3) excess fat on the abdomen
(4) a rounded tummy that would benefit from flattening
Who is a Candidate for Liposuction?
Liposuction is intended to treat localized fatty deposits that are out of proportion with your body as a whole. It should not be regarded as a weight loss technique but rather a body contouring procedure to remove fat collections that are resistant to exercise and dieting. Liposuction can be performed on many different body areas from the face to the arms, abdominal area, and legs. Liposuction is also an excellent approach to treating gynecomastia, a condition in which a man develops abnormally large breasts.
Although it can be performed in all age groups, liposuction results are best in younger individuals with firm and elastic skin. In cases with good skin elasticity, the overlying skin will not become excessive or loose
once liposuction has been performed. In patients whose skin has lost elasticity, other procedures such as a tummy tuck or thigh lift may be more appropriate.
Remember that this is only a guideline. The ultimate decision as to which procedure(s) is best for you should be made during a private consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon.