Tummy Tuck or Liposuction: Which Is Right for Me?

Woman in Roswell, GA considering body contouring surgery

If you’re dissatisfied with how your body looks and feels, you have many body contouring options. Liposuction and tummy tuck surgery lead the pack in Atlanta, providing men and women the toned bodies they’ve always dreamed of. But these two treatments aren’t the same; each has its own unique benefits. What are the differences between a tummy tuck and liposuction? And how do you know which one is right for you?

In this blog post, we’ll compare and contrast the perks of each procedure. By knowing what to expect, you can better understand the best way to reach your personal aesthetic goals.

Tummy Tuck Benefits

Tummy tuck surgery works best for flattening the midsection and removing unwanted, saggy skin. During treatment, a horizontal incision is made from hip to hip, giving your doctor access to the muscles and tissues underneath. Skin is pulled down and tightened, excess fat is removed, and damaged abdominal muscles are stitched and repaired. The result creates a smoother, flatter belly.

Tummy tuck surgery is an extensive procedure, so it also requires sizable recovery time. Most patients can return to work after about 2 weeks, and full results can be enjoyed around 6 weeks post-op.

Liposuction Benefits

Liposuction is a versatile body contouring treatment that sculpts the abdomen, waistline, flanks, thighs, and more. After administering a local anesthetic, the surgeon inserts a small tube (called a micro-cannula) to break up and suction out fatty tissue from the body. Treated areas will noticeably slim down as fat cells are permanently removed from the body. 

The procedure works best on those who are in generally good shape but have localized fat deposits. The results are immediate, and after a bit of rest, you can usually return to work 2 days after surgery.

Choosing What’s Right for You

Plastic surgery is always a very personal decision. No two patients are exactly alike, so choosing the right treatment depends on your specific needs. Overall, some general guidelines are:

  • Tummy tuck surgery may be best if you struggle with large rolls of loose, saggy skin resulting from pregnancy or weight loss. Tummy tuck surgery can more dramatically flatten the midsection and repair any “belly pooch” created by separated abdominal muscles.
  • Liposuction may be best if you have specific pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise, but you still have good skin elasticity. Treatment can smooth out bumps and bulges all over the body and the recovery time is significantly less.

As always, be sure to discuss your options with a board-certified plastic surgeon before deciding on a specific treatment. This is the best way to guarantee safe, satisfying results you can enjoy for years to come.

Our Marietta cosmetic surgery practice is convenient to Roswell and the greater Atlanta area, and you can contact us online for a tummy tuck surgery or liposuction consultation. You can also request an appointment by calling (770) 421-1242.

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