Both tummy tucks and liposuction enhance the appearance of the midsection by removing fat pockets and creating a smoother contour. However, the surgical process, recovery, and results vary between these two treatments. Which one is right for you? This blog covers both surgeries and their benefits, helping you determine which procedure will yield the best results.
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What Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat and loose skin from the abdominal area. The procedure is suitable for men and women who have experienced changes to the midsection due to weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or the aging process.
Dr. Jennifer Boll offers a traditional tummy tuck, which requires a hip-to-hip incision along the bikini line, for the most dramatic improvement. She also performs a mini tummy tuck for patients who have minimal fat below the belly button and minimal skin laxity. Both procedures offer long-lasting results if the patient maintains a healthy lifestyle after surgery.
Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
The advantages of a tummy tuck include:
- Dramatic Results: The results of a tummy tuck are dramatic and long-lasting. Patients develop more confidence in their appearance with an enhanced body contour and better fit to clothing.
- Skin Correction: A tummy tuck removes excess skin from the midsection, which is a common complaint among patients who have experienced weight fluctuations or skin laxity as part of the aging process.
- Muscle Tightening: A tummy tuck is the only procedure that repairs and tightens abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) that become separated through pregnancy and weight changes.
- Customized Treatment: Dr. Boll customizes her abdominoplasty procedures to the specific needs and goals of each patient to ensure natural, beautiful results.
What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction, or liposculpture, uses a narrow tube called a cannula to remove excess fat cells from the abdominal area, allowing for effective targeting of fat pockets without disrupting the surrounding skin and tissue. Dr. Boll performs this treatment using tiny incisions that result in little to no visible scarring.
Like a tummy tuck, liposuction offers long-lasting results for patients who adhere to a healthy lifestyle after treatment. It is best for patients who have small, isolated areas of fat and good skin tone. Dr. Boll can combine liposuction with other procedures, such as a tummy tuck, to enhance a patient’s results.
Benefits of Liposuction
Liposuction offers numerous benefits for the right patient, such as:
- Shorter Recovery Time: Smaller incisions and the possibility of performing this procedure using local anesthesia often result in shorter, more comfortable recoveries. While downtime varies based on the specifics of your procedure, many patients return to regular activities within a week or two.
- Less Scarring: The narrow cannula used for fat removal during liposuction allows for tiny incisions that result in minimal visible scarring. Dr. Boll also takes care to place incisions in inconspicuous areas to minimize noticeable scarring.
- Targeted Fat Removal: Liposuction targets small areas of fat that settle in undesirable areas. Dr. Boll can use liposuction on nearly any area of the body, allowing her to customize your treatment for optimal body contouring results.
Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck: Which Is Right for You?
The proper procedure for you depends on numerous factors, including your specific concerns, skin tone, and aesthetic goals. Patients with good skin tone and small, isolated areas of fat will likely see an excellent outcome with liposuction. Those who have more excess fat and sagging skin are typically better candidates for a tummy tuck. Dr. Boll can also combine these treatments in a single procedure to ensure optimal body contouring results.
Learn More About Body Contouring in Phoenix, AZ
Dr. Boll is a double board-certified plastic surgeon and body contouring expert who helps men and women achieve their aesthetic goals. Her customized treatments yield natural and beautiful results for her patients. If you would like to learn more about tummy tucks, liposuction, or other body sculpting treatments, call our Phoenix office at (480) 833-5200 or complete our online contact form today.