The mid-section bulge, the kangaroo pouch, are just a couple of the dreaded nicknames associated with extra fat causing a protruding belly. If you have suffered from the insecurity and lack of confidence that added weight can cause, you may have considered plastic surgery as an option to flatten your abdomen and recapture that youthful silhouette. When it comes to cosmetic stomach surgery, liposuction and a tummy tuck both offer to alter the size and appearance of the midsection creating a flatter, tighter and smaller stomach area. 

Liposuction is a type of body contouring cosmetic surgery that uses a small tube, known as a cannula, that is connected to a suction pump and then inserted through a tiny incision near the targeted areas. Liposuction removes stubborn pockets of fat in localized areas. Stomach liposuction can only remove subcutaneous fat. Visceral fat is firmly embedded inside the abdominal cavity and cannot be suctioned out. Subcutaneous fat is the jiggly, pinchable fat located just underneath the skin. Liposuction is best for small areas of fat especially because it allows the surgery to be performed with a local anesthetic at the target area versus general anesthesia with a tummy tuck. 

Referred to often as a mommy makeover, a tummy tuck procedure, medically known as abdominoplasty, removes excess fat and skin. The removal of skin is the main difference between liposuction and a tummy tuck. Tummy tucks target loose skin and diastasis, a condition that occurs when abdominal muscles do not properly reshape after naturally separating during pregnancy. Diastasis can lead to a rounded or enlarged appearing midsection in some cases due to these weak abdominal muscles. In addition to skin removal, tummy tucks differ from liposuction as these surgeries involve restoring or repairing the weakened or separated muscles. Tummy tuck procedures are more invasive, sometimes even removing and repositioning the belly button to remove more fat, risks and complications are greater than with liposuction. Some of these risks include changes in sensation, fluid accumulation and tissue necrosis. 

Liposuction is a straightforward procedure that carries little risk or recovery downtime. A tummy tuck is considered a more serious operation and requires weeks of recovery. At David W. Allison, MD we carefully evaluate each patient to determine how to best achieve your desired results. For more information on plastic surgery stomach area procedures, schedule a consultation with one of our highly skilled plastic surgeons at David W. Allison, MD. Plastic surgery requires personalized detail from your first visit to your post-operative recovery. All our staff at David W. Allison, MD to guide you through the best options available, tummy tuck vs liposuction, to help you feel happy and confident in your own skin. Call 703-754-8228 or book online WEBSITE.