Am I A Good Candidate For A Tummy Tuck?

One of the most common aesthetic desires for both men and women is a flat, sculpted stomach. For most men and women, the biggest issue is the excess fat that clings to the abdomen and upper back area. Many people can exercise regularly and eat extremely healthy and still there's that stubborn 10-15 lbs they can't seem to shake. As a result of this, tummy tucks have become one of the most commonly sought-after plastic surgery procedures in the US.

If you're thinking about getting a tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty), the first thing you should do is make sure that the procedure is right for you. Today we'll examine what makes a patient a good candidate for a tummy tuck, as well as cases in which your surgeon may recommend liposuction over a tummy tuck.

What is a tummy tuck?

In short, a tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat and skin from the abdomen area. Tummy tucks and liposuction are two different surgical procedures that both seek to achieve a flatter and smoother abdominal area, however they have some key differences.

How A Tummy Tuck Works

In addition to removing excess fat from the abdomen, a tummy tuck also removes extra or sagging skin in the region. Pregnancy or substantial fluctuations in a person's weight can cause the skin around the stomach to stretch and remain stretched. A tummy tuck is used to create a flat and contoured midsection.

How Liposuction Works

Liposuction may be the best choice if you are simply looking to remove small pockets or areas of excess fat. These "pockets" are most frequently found on the thighs, buttocks, hips or stomach area. Liposuction removes this surplus fat from one or more smaller, specific area improving shape and smoothness of your body. Your surgeon is unlikely to recommend liposuction if you are extremely overweight or obese as it is designed to remove just small areas of fat.

Am I a candidate for a tummy tuck?

Your doctor may consider you a great candidate for a tummy tuck if you are wanting to remove excess fat as well as tighten any sagging skin around the abdomen area from pregnancy or rapid changes in your weight. Candidates for tummy tucks are usually above the age of 40 because, at this age, the skin's elasticity is significantly reduced.

Is a tummy tuck more invasive than liposuction?

In short, yes, a tummy tuck is usually more invasive than liposuction. Since the procedure involves both skin and fat removal coupled with muscle tightening, it is a lengthier and more complex procedure. Liposuction is typically less invasive and more targeted, but it can only be used for the removal of smaller portions of fat.

What is the recovery for a tummy tuck?

Tummy tucks usually require nearly two weeks to recover. At that time patients can return to work, but should continue avoiding any strenuous activities for about a month.

Speak to your doctor about which procedure is best for your desired results. If you are deciding between liposuction and a tummy tuck, call Vado Plastic Surgery in Orlando or schedule your consultation online.