Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck

Posted Wednesday, December 26, 2007 to PROCEDURES > Body

Posted by LynnF

While many of us have body imperfections that we'd like to improve upon, there is probably no greater trouble area than our stomachs when it comes to excess fat and lack of tone and definition. After years of healthy eating and exercise, many people are still left to suffer with those stubborn tummy bulges and loose skin.

But thanks to the wonders of plastic surgery, there are options for both men and women who are battling the bulge in their stomachs. There are two options that are quite popular today to tone the stomach and minimize the amount of excess skin: liposuction and tummy tucks (abdominoplasty). Though both are aimed at improving the looks of your abdomen, the two treatment procedures are quite different.

If you have a "fat pocket" in the lower abdomen, thighs, buttocks, upper arms or under the chin that simply won't get smaller no matter how much you exercise, you may consider liposuction. If you're suffering from stretch marks, skin laxity, or a jelly-like appearance of your abdominal skin, you may need to have a tummy tuck.

Liposuction may be for you if:

• Your actual body weight is close to your ideal weight, at least within 30%.
• You have excess subcutaneous fat that is resistant to diet and exercise.
• You want to remove fat pockets in the abdomen, arms, knees, thighs, chin, neck, hips, calves, and ankles.
• You  have good skin tone and elasticity without the existence of loose, saggy skin or stretch marks.

A tummy tuck may be for you if:

• You have been pregnant and have stretched and weakened abdominal muscles and stretch marks in the lower abdomen.
• You have a loose and sagging abdominal wall.

Risks of liposuction:

• Asymmetry
• Rippling
• Pigmentation changes
• Skin injury

Risks of tummy tuck:

• Scarring
• Skin loss
• Need for second operation

The cost involved with liposuction and tummy tucks also varies. Liposuction can cost $1,000-$10,000 depending on how much fat is removed and which areas of the body are targeted.

The cost involved with a tummy tuck can cost $4,000 to $8,000 depending on the problem and the complexity of the surgery.

For answers to all of your cosmetic surgery questions, please contact us online today or call us to set up your personal consultation with Dr. Rai at the Cosmetic Surgical Center, serving patients in Dallas, Texas and surrounding areas.

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