The abdominal area is often one of the first places that men and women want to improve when they are considering body sculpting procedures. We may recommend liposuction or a tummy tuck to tone the area.
Stubborn Fat in the Abdominal Area
If you are trying to lose weight and tone up your body, you may have noticed that the first few pounds go rather quickly, but then you hit a plateau. The initial weight loss stage is when you lose excess fat around your organs. The plateau indicates that you are building muscle mass and reducing subcutaneous fat. This type of fat takes much longer to reduce because it is the failsafe of survival. You can reduce the fat, but it may take several months or years. The fat may appear as bulges and bumps in the abdominal area.
Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck
Liposuction and tummy tuck surgery remove the stubborn subcutaneous fat, so you achieve the body that you envision sooner rather than later. A tummy tuck has the additional benefits of removing loose skin and tightening the underlying abdominal muscles with sutures. Liposuction has a shorter recovery period of about two weeks, whereas your body may need six months to one year to completely heal after a tummy tuck. In some cases, liposuction is performed in conjunction with a tummy tuck to address small areas of fat that do not need to be surgically removed. Liposuction does not help with sagging skin or laxity, and it cannot help with any muscular issues.
The Cost of Liposuction vs. a Tummy Tuck
The cost of these two procedures varies significantly based on the specific needs and anatomy of the individual. On average, abdominal liposuction costs between $4,000 and $8,000. The cost may be slightly higher if the surgeon sculpts the fat to create contours that mimic muscle. A tummy tuck averages $11,000 to $12,000.
The Best Time to Have Liposuction or a Tummy Tuck
Considering the recovery time and cost of these procedures, we recommend that you be at or near your ideal weight for at least 12 months before considering abdominal fat reduction with liposuction or tummy tuck surgery. Women should also wait until they no longer plan to have children. This helps to ensure that you do not need a revision abdominal procedure in the future.
Keeping Your Midsection in Shape
After abdominal liposuction or tummy tuck surgery, you can still gain new fat in the area, and the procedures do not stop the aging process. Continue to eat right and exercise to keep your midsection looking toned and tight.
Are You Ready for a Toned Midsection? Contact Buinewicz Cosmetic Surgery & MedSpa. Find out if liposuction or a tummy tuck is the best option for the midsection that you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
