Whenever patients ask if they should get a tummy tuck or liposuction at our Houston-area practice, the answer is often, “yes.” That’s because the procedures complement each other and are often performed during the same surgery. Both can be performed as standalone procedures, but our plastic surgeons often combine liposuction with a tummy tuck.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of liposuction vs tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) and explain how each procedure helps you attain your ideal physique.
Addressing Stubborn Fat With Liposuction
Most people naturally store fat in certain areas of the body, especially the midsection. Even women and men who work out regularly and watch what they eat may find it difficult to get rid of these bulges. Excess belly fat and love handles are both examples of accumulated fat that liposuction can target. Even though nonsurgical treatments promise to reduce fat in these areas, they can’t match the results produced by liposuction.
Liposuction helps you achieve a firmer, toned midsection by carefully suctioning away targeted areas of excess fat through a thin, metal tube called a cannula. In addition to your abdomen, liposuction is commonly used to treat the upper arms, face and neck, thighs, and buttocks. This related blog post explores who makes an ideal liposuction candidate.
Removing Excess Skin With a Tummy Tuck
The primary goal of a tummy tuck is removing excess skin after pregnancy or significant weight loss. In many procedures involving women who have had children, a plastic surgeon can also repair and tighten abdominal muscles that become separated during pregnancy (a condition called diastasis recti). As you can see, a tummy tuck itself doesn’t reduce fat, which is fine if a patient is comfortable with their existing weight. But in most cases, surgeons perform liposuction with a tummy tuck to remove excess fat from the abdominal area. This approach also creates smooth, contoured results.
In fact, women who get a tummy tuck and liposuction after having children may also include cosmetic breast enhancement surgery as part of a comprehensive mommy makeover.
Customizing Your Body Contouring Treatment
At Houston Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeons understand that body contouring is never a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you’re considering liposuction, a tummy tuck, or a combination of both, we take the time to evaluate your specific goals, body type, and lifestyle to create a treatment plan tailored to you. By customizing your procedure, we ensure that your results are both natural-looking and aligned with your expectations, giving you the best possible outcome with minimal downtime.
What’s Next?
If you’re concerned about the appearance of your midsection and want to discuss your treatment options with our team, please request a consultation using the online form or call us at (281) 282-9555 to schedule an appointment at one of our Houston locations.
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