Tummy tuck or Liposuction?
Some of the more common questions we receive at ACA revolve around the tummy, specifically procedures to help shape and sculpt it into a more attractive and pleasing configuration. Our Atlantic Coast Aesthetics Question of the Week comes from a follower in North Palm Beach. She says, “Good morning all. I have a scheduled doctor’s appointment in September, but I am not sure what I would need tummy tuck or liposculpture/liposuction. Please help. I am anxious to know what is a doctors point of view. Also which option would work best to eliminate the belly bulge?” Dr. Thomas Pane, our Chief Medical Officer and founder, wanted to address this question because it also let him discuss in more detail what the criteria are for tummy tucks versus other forms of belly-sculpting procedures as well as how to choose the right option for a particular kind of body.
Dr. Pane said that after reviewing the picture the patient included, it shows smooth, tight skin with a small bulge just under the belly button. Stretch marks and loose skin did not appear to be present. However, because the patient’s medical history, including pregnancy and diet, were not addressed, an in-person clinical examination would be needed to confirm what the picture showed. Since the skin does not appear to be loose, stretched out or sagging in this case, a tummy tuck would most likely not be necessary or appropriate going solely from the picture.
If the skin is as tight and firm as it appears in the photo and the bulge is arising from pinchable subcutaneous adipose deposits, or fat beneath the skin, then Dr. Pane said liposuction would clearly be the way to go. In some rare cases, certain people have a bulge to the abdominal wall caused by hereditary factors or other medical conditions. For these people, liposuction will not completely eliminate the belly bulge. Dr. Pane observed that in these situations, a mini-tummy tuck, where a small incision is made and the muscles of the abdomen are tightened surgically, would be the preferred option, especially if the patient wants the stomach to be as flat as possible.
The reason Dr. Pane does not recommend a mini-tummy tuck as a go-to procedure is because in most cases, it will not deliver the same results as a full tummy tuck. He prefers to reserve this type of procedure for people who have a quantity of loose, sagging skin on the abdomen and to do the abdominal tightening at the same time. Since both procedures do leave a scar, it is better to avoid the more invasive procedure unless it is absolutely necessary to help minimize the likelihood of a scar forming.
The primary concern with liposuction in this case is to beware of someone who tries to do too much liposuction on the area. Because of the apparent quality of the skin and the relatively small bulge, it is easy to remove too much fat or do so in a way that leaves irregularities on the surface of the skin that most patients would find unsightly. In this case, a small cannula for the liposuction in the hands of an experienced cosmetic surgeon is most likely to deliver the desired results, with the option of a mini-tummy tuck kept open if necessary.
Dr. Pane pointed out that it is always a good idea to get a range of opinions from surgeons who are skilled in a full range of fat removal and tummy tuck options. Often, providers who can only do one or the other comfortably will try to fit a patient into a procedure that won’t necessarily provide the desired outcome. Because of this, patients should never be afraid to ask about a surgeon’s experience and ask to see a portfolio of before and after pictures to get a feel for the surgeon’s ability to deliver the results the patient wants.
If you’ve had a burning question about anything to do with cosmetic surgery, Dr. Pane and the staff of ACA are always happy to help with real, honest information. Simply call us at (561) 422-4112, follow us on Twitter and Facebook or email us at https://acplasticsurg.com. Your question could be ACA’s next Question of the Week, answered in an upcoming Google Hangout by Dr. Pane live and on the air. This lets us help you with your question and also get the word out to others who may have the same question but don’t know where to turn for answers. Remember, the only bad question is the one you don’t ask!