While you may feel certain that you want to move forward with a customized body sculpting solution, it can be challenging to know exactly which cosmetic procedure will benefit you the most.
Two of the most popular and effective body contouring options performed by Dr. George Moynihan at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery in Chicago include abdominoplasty and liposuction. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of each choice and how you can make an informed decision that will help you achieve the slim, sculpted figure you desire.
What Can Liposuction Accomplish?
All over the world, liposuction is considered a versatile and effective solution for targeting stubborn localized fat. Many patients follow a strict diet and work out religiously at the gym but are still frustrated by pockets of fat that compromise the physique. Ideal candidates have good skin elasticity and are at a healthy weight but wish to remove bumps and bulges for a more streamlined silhouette.
To perform liposuction, your surgeon inserts a cannula (slender tube) through a small incision and then vacuums out unwanted fat, either discarding it or saving it for a fat transfer procedure. Liposuction is a precision-oriented fat-loss option that can be performed on its own or in combination with a tummy tuck, mommy makeover, thigh lift, arm lift, or body lift.
What Can a Tummy Tuck Achieve?
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a comprehensive surgical procedure to trim excess skin, tissue, and fat in the midsection while simultaneously addressing weakened or separated belly muscles, stretch marks, and the position of the navel. Patients who have experienced pregnancy and childbirth, massive weight loss, or the aging process typically make the best candidates for abdominoplasty. There are several different tummy tuck options, including the mini tummy tuck, extended tummy tuck, and reverse tummy tuck. The incision with full abdominoplasty is usually created above the groin, stretching from hip to hip, with scarring later well-hidden within the bikini line.
Factors That Can Influence Your Choice Between Abdominoplasty and Liposuction
The choice of a tummy tuck or liposuction is influenced by the location and intensity of your concerns. Liposuction is less invasive than abdominoplasty and can be performed in multiple areas of the body to tone and slim the physique. Abdominoplasty, on the other hand, focuses on sculpting the stomach by removing redundant skin folds and firming the underlying lax muscles. The position of the belly button can also be revised with a tummy tuck. Your budget, available recovery time, BMI (Body Mass Index), and plans for future pregnancies are other factors that can affect your decision to pursue either liposuction or abdominoplasty. Let’s take a look at some of these factors in more detail.
- BMI – A higher Body Mass Index can make you more vulnerable to certain surgical risks. In general, the BMI requirements for a tummy tuck are slightly more strict than they are for liposuction, so check with your doctor to see which procedure you are qualified for.
- Recovery – Patients concerned about lengthy downtime should be aware that liposuction usually involves a shorter recovery period than a tummy tuck. Most patients can resume light activities within around a week of their liposuction session, whereas abdominoplasty patients will need to take at least two weeks off and wait at least 4-6 weeks before resuming strenuous exercise.
- Pregnancy – Pregnancy and childbirth can significantly impact your cosmetic results after a surgical procedure. However, liposuction results will be less impacted by future pregnancies than tummy tuck results. Note that weight fluctuations will still impact your outcome regardless of whether you choose liposuction or abdominoplasty.
- Procedure costs – If cost is a factor in your decision, know that liposuction is usually less costly than abdominoplasty. However, a tummy tuck focuses on multiple issues, including skin removal, muscle tightening, and repositioning the belly button, making it cost-effective in terms of what it can accomplish.
The Benefits of Combining Liposuction and Abdominoplasty
For some patients, it’s a matter of “Yes, and” rather than “Either, or.” When performed together, liposuction and tummy tuck surgery work synergistically to reshape the lower body and provide you with a more sculpted, youthful-looking figure. Abdominoplasty trims excess skin, while liposuction eradicates excess fat, making it the perfect union between two phenomenal body contouring options. Liposuction and abdominoplasty can also both be paired with other procedures for even more outstanding advantages, including breast surgery and the comprehensive mommy makeover.
Choosing Your Body Sculpting Procedures With Confidence
At Gold Coast Plastic Surgery in Chicago, IL, our team of skilled, knowledgeable body contouring experts can help make your vision of a more shapely, sculpted body a reality by starting you off with a detailed consultation. During this initial meeting, Dr. Moynihan and his team will review your concerns, conduct a thorough physical evaluation and medical review, and begin curating the ideal treatment plan for meeting your goals. We strive to ensure patients are educated and informed about the benefits of each procedure so they can make the best decisions for themselves and feel confident moving forward with their chosen surgery. Call us today to get started!
