Liposuction versus Tummy Tuck Surgery
June 9, 2010 by admin
Filed under Cosmetic Procedures
Should you choose Liposuction or a “Tummy Tuck”? A lot will depend on the condition of your muscles and skin. If you have loose abdominal skin, you should probably avoid liposuction. Your skin may not improve with the procedure, in fact, for some, it can become worse.
In my NJ plastic surgery center, I see patients almost every day who come in for a liposuction, consultation but because of loose skin in the abdominal area, they are not a good candidate. When fat is removed, the skin over that area has to shrink, so if it lacks elasticity and tone it isn’t going to adapt to the new contours created by a liposuction procedure. A person can find themselves trading one problem (localized fat) for another (hanging or uneven skin).
If you have a ‘globular’ appearance to your abdomen as a result of abdominal fascia weakness, liposuction will not improve that condition. A tummy tuck is a better choice in this case because it addresses skin and abdominal wall laxity, as well as excess fat.
It has gotten more difficult for patients to sort out the claims recently because laser liposuction and other types of techniques are being offered as alternatives to tummy tucks and avoids the scars and the longer recovery. There is some evidence that the laser can tighten the skin a little bit, but not enough to replace tummy tucks for those who would be a candidates for this procedure anyway.
Deciding whether or not to have liposuction surgery is a big decision. I recommend meeting with several plastic surgeons, and having a good understanding of what your results are likely to be.
Last year alone there were more than 198,000 liposuction procedures performed – 19% more than the previous year. Ages of those patients were 13-19 — 3,179; ages 20-29 – 30,023; ages 30-39 – 64,578; age 40-plus – 79,231.
There has also been a steady increase in liposuction procedures for men. Although 89 % of liposuction procedures in 2009 were on women, 22,301 surgeries were done on men – up 18% from the previous year.
About Dr. Lombardi:
Dr. Lombardi is one of the best plastic surgeons in nj and the founding surgeon of The Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Center in Eatontown, New Jersey. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Dr. Lombardi has received highly specialized training in all aspects of cosmetic surgery including Breast Augmentation, Facial Rejuvenation, and Body Contouring procedures. He is trained in the latest cutting edge techniques of cosmetic surgery including laser surgery, Botox, Restylane, and all of the newest facial fillers.
In addition, Dr. Lombardi is the first plastic surgeon in Monmouth County to perform Thermage, the non-surgical Facelift.
To learn more about Dr. Lombardi, visit http://www.doctorsofcosmeticsurgery.com/
