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What’s the difference between Liposuction and Tummy Tuck?

Tummy Tuck or Liposuction? 

This is a hard question to figure out on your own. There is an amazing amount of information online to educate ourselves on cosmetic plastic surgery but it takes an experienced plastic surgeon to determine which procedure is the most appropriate for our particular situation.

What is the plastic surgeon evaluating?

Liposuction before and after photo shows the improved body contour after removing stubborn fatty tissue

Liposuction Patient – Before & After

There are many factors that your surgeon will evaluate to help find the best procedure for you. Our bodies are different and there isn’t one procedure for everyone. Women’s tummy areas are altered through pregnancies and weight changes. Your surgeon will examine your abdomen to determine how much loose skin there is, how much fatty tissue needs to be removed and what if the abdominal muscles need repair. Have your muscles been stretched with pregnancy? Is it just the lower abdominal muscles or have the upper muscles become stretched too?

Is Liposuction or Tummy Tuck best for me? 

Liposuction helps address stubborn fatty tissue and a tummy tuck helps remove stubborn fatty tissue along with removing excess skin and tightening abdominal muscles.  We encourage you to do research online to become more familiar with the procedures you are interested in but then schedule a consultation appointment and start the conversation about what’s best for you!

How do I choose the best surgeon?

Tummy Tuck before and after photos show a flatter tummy after skin removal, muscle tightening and fatty tissue removal

Tummy Tuck Patient – Before & After

Choosing the right surgeon for your liposuction or tummy tuck surgery is key. First, start by finding board certified plastic surgeons.  A quick way to find out if a doctor is board certified in plastic surgery is if they are a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons www.plasticsurgery.org.  Secondly, ask how many years they have been performing liposuction and tummy tuck surgeries.  Do they specialize in these body contouring  surgeries?  Do they perform these surgeries routinely?  Thirdly, look at before and after photos.  Does the surgeon’s approach to surgery and their aesthetic match yours?  Do you like the results? Lastly, meet with the surgeon for a consultation and make sure you feel comfortable with them and the personalized surgical plan they create for you.  It’s important for you to have a comfort level with the surgeon and staff because this is a relationship based on trust.

When should I do the surgery?

Both surgeries should be done when you are at a stable weight. Plan on being within about 15 lbs of a realistic and stable weight. Tummy tuck surgery should also be performed after you are done having children. It’s possible to have a pregnancy after a tummy tuck, however the results will be reversed and you could end up with extra skin and loose muscles again.  Choose a date for surgery when you have adequate time to recover and someone to help you after surgery.  Plan on having friends or family help take care of your children and don’t plan any strenuous activities or vacations until you are healed which usually takes about six weeks.

What’s my next step?

If you are considering liposuction or tummy tuck, seek out an experienced board certified plastic surgeon to explore your options.  Of course, there are other considerations when choosing surgery and we encourage you to contact us with any questions.  We individualize our recommendations on what we believe will be best for you.  Over the decades, our patients who choose liposuction and tummy tuck have been some of our happiest patients.  So ask yourself, what are you waiting for?

 

Dr. Alexander's Office

A top Plastic Surgeon, Dr. George Alexander, serving more happy patients in Las Vegas, the United States and Internationally.

Dr. Alexander & Co

1725 Village Center Circle, Suite 150
Las Vegas, Nevada USA | (702) 242-6776

"Dr. Alexander and his staff are all accommodating and friendly. Dr. Alexander takes time to really address your concerns and questions. He is an awesome doctor. We highly recommend him to anyone in need of cosmetic surgery.” five star rating

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