Tummy Tuck Procedure vs. Liposuction

January 13, 2014

Every year, body-contouring procedures seem to be gaining popularity, and it makes sense. According to recent scientific studies, making use of these operations after major weight loss can help bariatric patients keep the weight off in the long term. These procedures also offer a lot of great options for women who have had children and want to get their pre-pregnancy bodies back, particularly in the abdominal area. Maybe you find yourself in one of these situations, or maybe you simply want to make a change to feel your best. If you’re like many of our prospective body-contouring patients, you might be wondering: am I a better candidate for a tummy tuck, or will liposuction achieve the results I’m looking for?

The tummy tuck procedure vs. liposuction debate comes down to different factors, but the main concern comes down to which type of excess tissue it is that needs to be removed. If we’re looking at the effects of dramatic weight loss, time, or pregnancy on the body, it’s most likely that the patient is unable to achieve the flat tummy they want due to excessive stretched skin that has lost firmness and elasticity. In this situation, I would recommend a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck procedure is good option for men and women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by loose abdominal skin and in some cases, additional small fat deposits, neither of which respond to diet or exercise. It’s a surgical procedure that removes the excess skin and tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall, making it the more invasive between the two options and the only one that works for unwanted skin. It’s a really effective approach to achieve a tight tummy, but the one downside is that it can result in a pretty significant scar, in some cases extending from hip to hip.

For other patients where pregnancy or drastic weight loss are not contributing factors, sometimes a less invasive approach can be the best route. I’m sure a lot of us know what it’s like when we’ve committed to a healthy lifestyle, when we’re eating the right foods and staying active, but we still find that we have those stubborn pockets of excess fat that just don’t go away. They just don’t! These are the cases where I’d recommend liposuction. If the patient’s skin is still firm and elastic, liposuction is the best way to remove unwanted fat and create a natural contoured body shape with very small scars that are strategically placed to be hidden from view.

In some cases, these procedures can even be performed together and are complimentary to one another. It really depends on your goals and what works best with your body. The best way to know for sure? Come in and see us for a free consultation!

• posted by Dr. Frank Lista, MD, FRCSC