Summer weather means barbecues, beach time, and pool parties. But if you have a little extra 
weight or skin around your midsection, the thought of being around other people in a swimsuit or other revealing summer clothing can cause embarrassment or anxiety.
Despite our best efforts, sometimes our stomachs and waistline just don’t respond to diet and exercise, especially if you’ve lost weight or had children. Fortunately, you can get a little help from cosmetic surgery procedures such as a tummy tuck or liposuction. The best procedure for you depends on the specific concerns you wish to address and your goals for the procedure.
What is liposuction and what are its benefits?
Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that targets and removes unwanted fat from specific areas of the body. Liposuction is often performed on areas such as the belly, thighs, and buttocks.
Liposuction is a simple procedure that can help people who are already at a healthy weight, but have specific areas they would like to be more toned or smoothed. Liposuction is not intended as a weight-loss method; for the best results, you’ll want to be at or close to your ideal weight, and looking for a little extra help with treating a specific area.
Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure and is typically performed on patients who are still awake. The healing period after liposuction lasts only a few weeks, so you can soon get back to your normal routine and enjoy your slimmer figure!
How about a tummy tuck? What are the benefits of an abdominoplasty?
A tummy tuck, technically known as an abdominoplasty, is similar to liposuction in that it removes unwanted fat. It also tightens the abdominal muscles and gets rid of loose skin. Tummy tucks are great for those who want to tone fatty areas, improve the appearance of stretch marks, or tighten loose skin that may be left over from previous weight gain or pregnancy.
A tummy tuck is a little more involved than liposuction because some skin is actually removed. At GLOW Surgical Arts, we use a less invasive method that combines liposuction with skin excision. The procedure leaves behind a thin scar, but it can usually be covered up, even by a bikini.
If you are planning on getting pregnant or losing more weight, you should wait before having an abdominoplasty. If you get pregnant after your procedure, your skin will stretch out again, and this may reverse some of the effects of your surgery.
Which one should I choose?
Liposuction is a very effective procedure if you have specific areas of excess fat you wish to get rid of. If, however, you also have loose skin or stretch marks, ask your doctor if a tummy tuck is best for targeting these areas. An experienced cosmetic surgeon can help you determine which procedure best suits your needs, and will help you get the smoother, trimmer figure you’re looking for.
GLOW Surgical Arts offers cosmetic surgery and minimally invasive procedures to help you look and feel your best. Request a free consultation online, or call GLOW Surgical Arts at (650) 241-2209.
