Which would be best for me: liposuction or tummy tuck?

One of the more common choices our clients face is the question of whether liposuction or tummy tuck is right for them. At Atlantic Coast Aesthetics, we know there is no “one size fits all” answer, because the perfect solution for one person may be completely wrong for the next patient. This week’s ACA Question of the Week gave Dr. Pane the opportunity to address this common question, and explain the ins, outs and potential benefits and problems that each carries with it. The question is, “Which is right for me: liposuction or tummy tuck?”

Dr. Pane started by noting that these two procedures are not the same, because they address different problems. Liposuction is the removal of subcutaneous fat, while abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, procedures are intended to modify loose, hanging skin and/or skin damaged by stretch marks and other problems. While the two procedures may be used in conjunction, this is not generally the preferred methodology simply because of the potential for interference with healing of the abdominoplasty wound when liposuction is applied to the front of the abdomen. Therefore, lipo in cases where abdominoplasty is also performed is typically restricted to the sides.

He also pointed out that the patient’s overall objectives make a difference in which procedure(s) are performed, and in what order. Where simple sculpting of the abdominal or other areas are desired, liposuction is the go-to method. In situations where the patient’s skin has been damaged or lost its elasticity and tightness, abdominoplasty is needed. Just because one or the other is performed does not automatically mean the other will be. Some patients need just the tummy tuck, others need just lipo and other cases call for both, depending upon the aesthetic goals in question and how much work is needed to achieve them.

Dr. Pane observed that neither of these procedures is intended or should be used as a bariatric, or weight loss, treatment. They are both meant for situations where either subcutaneous fat deposits have developed but the patient is at a stable weight or where drastic weight loss has occurred and then plateaued, resulting in sagging or stretching of the abdominal skin, such as with gastric sleeve or other types of surgery indicated specifically for weight loss. While both do help sculpt the abdominal area to a more pleasing shape, they do not replace diet, exercise and bariatric surgery for weight loss purposes by themselves.

It is hard to be certain for a given patient which procedure or combination of procedures is best, and in which order they should be performed, without at the very least seeing a picture of the problem area. Likewise, a picture is a poor substitute for in-personal clinical examination of the area and a complete evaluation of the patient’s medical history. This is because some patients may respond better or more poorly to a given treatment based on things like personal and family medical history, habitual behaviors and environmental factors that may influence, speed up or retard the healing process.

Despite this, Dr. Pane says that a “typical” case where the skin is very loose would usually result in him recommending abdominoplasty first. Where the skin is tight or borderline, liposuction would usually be the go-to treatment. In both these cases, either of these procedures might deliver the results the patient needs without moving on to the secondary surgery. Because every patient’s body is different and unique, how this applies to a specific individual is something that can really only be properly evaluated by a certified, experienced surgeon in a clinical setting, where the areas in question can be examined in detail.

Just like any other type of surgery, cosmetic surgery does carry some risks and limitations on what it can and cannot do for a given patient. Understanding these risks and the aftercare practices necessary to help reduce or eliminate postoperative complications is crucial to achieving the optimal outcome. Having an experienced physician like Dr. Pane, who carries double-board certification in cosmetic and general surgery, perform the procedure can also slant the odds heavily in the patient’s favor.

If you have a question about cosmetic surgery, we at Atlantic Coast Aesthetics welcome the chance to discuss your concerns, interests and case. Your question might even become our next ACA Question of the Week, answered by Dr. Pane in person on an upcoming Google Hangout! Simply email us at https://acplasticsurg.com, call us at 561-422-4116 or send us your question on Facebook. There’s only one bad question, and that’s the one you don’t ask!

RealSelf Patient Reviews of Thomas A. Pane, MD