Which Way to a Tighter Tummy — Liposuction or Tuck?

The stomach/abdomen area is the enemy of most people. Why? Because whether due to some pockets of unwanted fat, stretched skin and muscle from gain and loss of some serious pounds, or even just simple aging, there now resides a pooch where once there was nothing but a firm, taut stomach. As we age, having a little tummy pooch is almost universal. Where would the infomercial industry be without it?! If you’re up late watching some B movie you’ll be bombarded by infomercials touting the latest way to “get the stomach you’ve always dreamed of.”
Most of contraptions and exercise routines do nothing because fat is very difficult to target in this area of the body. You could do a 30-day hunger strike and maybe get it, but short of that… And if your skin is loose from pregnancy or weight loss, you’re not tightening that up with the Ab Roller (designed by an ex-Navy Seal!!!!).
Liposuction or a tummy tuck from Dr. Turk, however, can actually do something about your stomach area. And while their goals are similar — a leaner, tighter contour — their means are quite different. So which do you choose?
Liposuction
For the last few years, liposuction has been the most popular cosmetic surgery in the country. Liposuction targets excess pockets of fat such as love handles, spare tires, and muffin tops. People like liposuction because, while it is invasive, it doesn’t demand the recovery periods of full surgery. The ideal liposuction candidate should be within 10% of his or her ideal body weight and have tried both diet and exercise to get rid of stubborn areas of fat. Liposuction is best for patients who also still have good elasticity in their stomach skin.
Tummy tuck
A tummy tuck differs from liposuction in what it targets. A tummy tuck doesn’t help remove abdominal fat but rather improves the appearance of the midsection by removing loose, hanging abdominal skin and tightening the abdominal muscles for a well-contoured abdomen. This is particularly the case for women who have had children and others who have gained and lost large amounts of weight. The skin has been overstretched for too long and can’t return to its former degree of tautness.
Or, how about both?
These two procedures don’t have to be mutually exclusive. If you have issues with both pockets of unwanted fat and skin laxity in the abdominal area, Dr. Turk performs both liposuction and a tummy tuck as part of your body-contouring plan. Tummy tuck procedures often include some degree of liposuction because it is a more effective way to remove fat pockets.
Not for weight loss
It is important to note that both liposuction and a tummy tuck are not meant to be weight loss panaceas. Removing too much fat with liposuction can actually be dangerous. Patients need to be within 10% of their ideal body weight to qualify for these procedures with Dr. Turk.
So, don’t call the number on the screen of that ridiculous infomercial. Call Naples Cosmetic Surgery at 239-348-4357 to schedule your consultation.