Do I Need a Tummy Tuck or Liposuction?
Many patients may ask if a tummy tuck or if liposuction is the right cosmetic plastic surgery for them to give them a leaner, firmer stomach. A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper and lower abdomen. The procedure also can tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall to give a tighter and flatter look. Liposuction is a procedure that removes excess fat between the skin and muscle using a suction tube inserted through a small incision. Let’s look at which procedure might be right for you.
Do I need a tummy tuck?
You could be a good candidate for the tummy tuck if you are in overall good health and in relatively good shape but have a stubborn pocket of abdominal fat that needs tightening. Women who have loose abdominal skin following pregnancy are also good candidates for a tummy tuck. However, women who plan to have more children should wait until they have finished childbearing before having a tummy tuck.
Do I need liposuction?
If one desires a less comprehensive procedure to reshape and contour the body, liposuction is commonly used to remove those stubborn “love handles” that seem to be unable to respond to diet and exercise. However, liposuction can also be used to remove fat from the neck, arms, knees, buttocks, chin, and legs. Although there are several liposuction procedures, the basic method involves inserting a thin tube (cannula) through a small incision in the skin to suction out the excess fat.
What about recovery?
Full recovery from a tummy tuck requires limiting strenuous activity and exercise for at least six weeks. You should also take at least two weeks off work to allow for proper healing and recovery. Be sure to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions and attend all follow-up appointments.
Recovery from a liposuction procedure may take up to six weeks before the healing is complete and the bruising and swelling subside.
We’re always happy to help educate and reassure our patients. For more information on this topic and any other plastic surgery procedures we perform, schedule a consultation appointment today at Atlanta Plastic Surgery. We have offices in Atlanta, Lawrenceville, Northside/Sandy Springs, and Cumming/Forsyth area locations. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for additional plastic surgery tips, news, photos, and much more.
