Alternatives to Tummy Tuck Procedures

A tummy tuck procedure (abdominoplasty) is designed to remove excess, flabby, loose skin around the abdominal area following dramatic weight loss. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), there were 111,986 tummy tuck procedures performed in 2013 in the United States. This represents a 2 percent increase from 2012, in which 106,628 such procedures were performed.

Given the popularity of tummy tuck procedures, prospective patients may feel as though it is the option to provide them with a more desirable body contour. However, the surgeons at Jefferson Plastic Surgery caution that patients consider not only their overall goals, but if other cosmetic alternatives to a tummy tuck procedure might better suit their needs.

Liposuction

A liposuction procedure is designed to remove excess fat from specific areas of the body. A series of small incisions are made at the area of the body to be targeted for fat removal. A thin metal tube, called a cannula, is then inserted through these incisions and the excess fat is then gently vacuumed out of the body. In some cases, ultrasound or low level lasers may be used in conjunction with the liposuction itself in order to melt the fat, making it easier to remove.

While a liposuction procedure can be done in conjunction with a tummy tuck procedure, a liposuction procedure by itself will only remove excess fat. It will not tighten up any loose skin that may be left behind after a liposuction procedure.

Laser Skin Tightening

Laser skin tightening works by using low level lasers to firm, tone, and smooth the skin on various parts of the body, including the abdomen. The laser stimulates the body’s own natural production of collagen, which is a protein essential for filling out the skin over the skeletal structure. As the body ages, it loses collagen, which may result in excess saggy skin.

The advantage to laser skin tightening is that the skin is not heated up enough to cause damage. Patients may feel warmth at the area being targeted by the laser, but no pain. The major disadvantage is that the treatment is best for cases of very mild excess skin due to the natural aging process. It will not reach the deeper tissues or abdominal muscles that may also need tightening. Patients who have a large amount of excess skin will not get the results they want from just laser skin tightening.

Tummy Tuck Procedure

In a tummy tuck procedure, an incision is made across the pelvic region from one hipbone to the other. The skin and underlying tissue muscles are then pulled tight and reattached, after which the excess skin is removed.

The biggest advantage to a tummy tuck procedure is that it can help patients with loose abdominal skin achieve a slimmer and sleeker contour to the body. For those patients who have excess skin and loose muscles following dramatic weight loss, a tummy tuck is the procedure most likely to provide them with the results they seek. Contact Jefferson Plastic Surgery to schedule a tummy tuck consultation.