Deciding Between Liposuction or Tummy Tuck for a Well-Sculpted Midsection
A flatter and firmer midsection is one of the most common cosmetic goals. To achieve this, a tummy tuck, liposuction, or both may be recommended. Although both procedures may provide similar results, they are completely different procedures.
How Liposuction Works
Liposuction is ideal for excess pockets of fat that do not seem to go away despite weight loss efforts with diet and exercise. Apart from reducing the appearance of muffin tops and love handles, liposuction can also be done in other parts of the body where stubborn pockets of fat tend to hang out — the arms, chin, neck, thighs, legs, and chest (for men).
In some cases, when there’s enough excess fat, it may be transferred to the breasts or buttocks to make them appear larger and more shapely. Nevertheless, liposuction will not help you reduce the appearance of stretch marks, sagging skin, and loose abdominal muscles. These concerns are common after pregnancy or massive weight loss.
How a Tummy Tuck Works
If you want to correct sagging abdominal skin and weakened abdominal muscles, a tummy tuck (also known as abdominoplasty) is the answer. During a tummy tuck, an incision is made along the bikini line and excess, hanging skin is removed from the abdomen. Abdominal muscles that have been stretched or separated from childbirth or weight gain will be sutured together to re-strengthen the abdomen. The remaining skin is pulled tightly over the abdomen to create a flatter, more toned stomach.
Which Procedure is Right for You?
One of the main differences between liposuction and abdominoplasty is that liposuction targets excess fat while a tummy tuck targets loose skin. A tummy tuck is also a more intensive procedure since the deep tissues and muscles are restructured. If you are concerned about pockets of fat and are in otherwise good shape, liposuction is likely the best option for you. Liposuction is also beneficial if you are planning for other cosmetic procedures like a breast augmentation or Brazilian butt lift since both of these surgeries can be performed with a fat transfer.
Women who have undergone pregnancy and men or women who have had significant weight loss will need a tummy tuck to contour the stomach. Liposuction alone would only worsen the appearance of sagging skin and not give you the look you are hoping for.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about liposuction and tummy tucks, schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Kayastha, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Albany, NY. He will be happy to discuss your cosmetic goals and concerns with you to help you determine the best procedure or combination of procedures for your treatment.
Dr. Kayastha is a board certified plastic surgeon who serves Albany, NY and the entire Capital Region. Dr. Kayastha completed his undergraduate studies at Cornell University and graduated with distinction in all subjects. He then attended medical school at SUNY Buffalo. During his time in Buffalo he also completed a fellowship in surgical pathology at Roswell Park. Following medical school Dr. Kayastha gained a much sought after position in the Michigan State-Grand Rapids integrated plastic surgery residency. After finishing residency training Dr. Kayastha completed a one year fellowship in hand and microsurgery at the Buncke Clinic in San Francisco. To round out his training before starting private practice Dr. Kayastha spent an additional 6 months learning from some of the best cosmetic surgeons in San Francisco. Dr. Kayastha is Board Certified in Plastic Surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.