The abdominal area commonly harbors at least one layer of extra fat, if not more, for a large percentage of the population. This region of the body easily accumulates fat and is extremely difficult to reduce fat from. Aging, weight fluctuations, and pregnancy can cause the skin to stretch and sag in this area as well. Fortunately, plastic surgery procedures have been developed to reverse these unpleasantries and reduce fat from the body. Both liposuction and tummy tuck surgery can dramatically improve the abdominal area, but people often wonder which procedure is best for them.

Liposuction

Liposuction, also known as “lipoplasty,” reduces fat from specific locations on the body using a thin hollow tube called a cannula. After a fluid is injected into the area, the cannula is inserted through small incisions and moved back and forth to detach excess fat from the body. A special suctioning device is then used to extract the unwanted fat cells.

Liposuction is a good option for patients who have:

• Excess localized fat
• Good skin elasticity
• Good abdominal muscle tone
• Not much excess skin

Tummy Tuck Surgery

The tummy tuck procedure, also known as “abdominoplasty,” can flatten a protruding midsection while also tightening the abdominal muscles and extracting excess skin and fat. A horizontal incision just above the pubic area is used to repair torn stomach muscles and remove excess fat and skin. If necessary, liposuction can be combined with tummy tuck surgery for patients with a large amount of excess fat and skin in the abdominal area.

Tummy tuck surgery is a good option for patients who have:

• Excess fat in the abdominal area
• Torn or stretched abdominal muscles
• Excess skin in the midsection
• A desire to remove stretch marks from skin on the lower abdomen

*Candidates for both liposuction and tummy tuck surgery should be within 30 percent of their ideal weight and not view either procedure as a form of weight loss.

If you are considering the tummy tuck or liposuction procedure in the Salt Lake City area, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rodney E. Schmelzer is highly qualified and can provide you with the results you desire. Please call (801) 743-0700 or fill out our online information form to schedule your consultation and start your way to a more slender, attractive midsection.