When you meet with your plastic surgeon to consider your body contouring options, you may discuss with them the differences between abdominoplasty and liposuction. For many women and men, combining the two can create an outcome that meets or exceeds their desired results.

Why Liposuction?

The most popular cosmetic surgery worldwide is liposuction. For almost four decades, it has delivered the results necessary for many patients to look their best. Reducing fat bulges by removing excess fat from target areas helps many patients achieve the figure they have been working hard to achieve. When diet and exercise fail to remove stubborn fat pads, liposuction is a suitable option to turn to.

Why a Tummy Tuck?

Also known as abdominoplasty, tummy tuck surgery reinforces the abdominal wall and removes excess skin and fat. This procedure is best suited for patients with extreme weight fluctuations or women who have a sagging abdomen due to having children. A tummy tuck looks to address abdominal muscles and skin that have been stretched to the point that they fail to return to their youthful and tight position. Abdominoplasty works wonders as a standalone procedure, but it may not be enough if the patient also has stubborn fat in this area.

Combining the Two

A notable benefit of combing liposuction with abdominoplasty is the removal of exercise-resistant fat while repairing muscle tissue and eliminating excess skin. These results can be accomplished in one operation, reducing risk in recovery and the amount of time in the operating room.

Furthermore, patients often decide to combine both methods to have only one recovery period. If these procedures were done on their own, they would each have a separate recovery phase; but with a dual operation, most patients recover in the same time as they would with only a tummy tuck.

Another advantage of combining the two procedures is you can eliminate the need for post-surgery drains with a layered closing technique. With this suturing approach, the patient won’t have to deal with messy drains during recovery.

Lastly, when you combine liposuction with a tummy tuck, you maximize your body contour results in a way that’s not possible with either operation alone. Loose skin and excess fat go hand-in-hand in most cases, so resolving both in one treatment is the most effective and efficient approach.

Choosing Your Plastic Surgeon

If you are presently considering improving your body through surgery, make sure you choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with ample experience with abdominoplasty. They should have a favorable reputation in your area and within the medical community.  It is essential to find a surgeon who performs proper evaluations with their patients to discuss their cosmetic goals.  Your surgeon should be skilled in plastic and reconstructive surgery and maintain an office environment that assists its patients through the entire process.

Call us today at (804) 325-4795 to schedule a consultation at our Aesthetic Center in Richmond.