Liposuction or Tummy Tuck- Which One is Right for Me?
Dr. Paul Angelchik is a Phoenix plastic surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Angelchik is well-trained and experienced in all forms of plastic surgery, namely breast enhancement and facial rejuvenation. He has been serving patients for over 20 years. Dr. Angelchik brings his surgical experience, expertise, and quality care to patients in and around Phoenix, Arizona.
It’s natural for fat to accumulate around the abdominal area, no matter what body type you may have. When this stubborn fat won’t go away with regular diet and exercise, there are other options. At Paul Angelchik, MD, we offer liposuction and tummy tuck procedures that help to get rid of unwanted, excess fat. The question is, how do you know which one is right for you?
Liposuction
Liposuction is a common procedure that is used to remove excess fat from the body. In the case of removing stubborn fat from the abdominal area, liposuction can effectively complete this task in just one procedure. It may also be used on other areas of the body, such as the thighs, hips, arms, back, buttocks, and more.
Compared to a tummy tuck, the recovery time for a liposuction procedure is often shorter and less painful. Most patients will experience a recovery time of about two weeks before resuming most normal activities, and Dr. Angelchik will monitor this process closely to ensure you are healing well.
While this procedure is great for removing unwanted fat, it is important to remember that it does not tighten the skin. Liposuction is best suited for patients who have good skin elasticity, and it is not intended to be a weight loss procedure. Renuvion® internal skin tightening can be added to a liposuction procedure in selected candidates to enhance skin tone and elasticity.
Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that focuses on removing excess skin and fat from the abdominal area while also tightening the muscles. This procedure is great for those who have lost a significant amount of weight or who have given birth.
One of the downsides to a tummy tuck is that it does leave a scar. However, Dr. Angelchik is an experienced plastic surgeon and will ensure that the incision is carefully made and placed in the most discrete area possible. Additionally, a tummy tuck is a more invasive procedure compared to liposuction. But the benefit of an abdominoplasty is that it will tighten the muscle and remove excess skin, while liposuction only removes unwanted fat.
A tummy tuck can take weeks to recover from, and Dr. Angelchik will help guide you through this process. Exercise will be helpful to your recovery, but do not strain yourself. Normal exercise can be resumed 6 weeks after surgery. Finally, after about a year, your scar will be far less noticeable.
Combine the Procedures
For some patients, the best option may be to combine these two procedures together. A lipoabdominoplasty procedure involves both liposuction and a tummy tuck, allowing the body to be sculpted into its desired form. Dr. Angelchik is one of the only plastic surgeons in the Phoenix, Mesa, and Glendale, AZ area to perform the Saldanha Lipoabdominoplasty procedure. This method allows for more blood flow and lower risk of complications following the lipoabdominoplasty procedure.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re interested in getting a flatter, more sculpted abdomen, Dr. Angelchik can help determine which one of these procedures is best for you. To schedule a consultation, call 602-932-0178 or request your appointment online.
