Body Countouring Options – What’s Best For You?

Body contouring procedures can help the body look firmer and more toned by removing or destroying fat cells. While body contouring procedures can be done in different areas, one of the most sought-after results is a flatter and smoother abdomen. If you are looking for a procedure to help your stomach’s appearance, you may be debating between liposuction or a tummy tuck. While the right procedure for you depends on a variety of factors, it is important to understand the similarities and differences in the two procedures.

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction removes fat deposits that you cannot seem to get rid of through diet or exercise, commonly found on the hips, buttocks, thighs, or stomach. It is not recommended as a weight loss method; it uses a suction technique to remove fat from specific areas of the body. Liposuction can help improve contouring and reduce bulges; it works by ‘emptying’ the skin, which then molds itself to the new contours of the treated areas. It does not do much to tighten the skin, nor does it remove stretch marks or cellulite.

What is Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen. It can also (in most cases) restore weakened or separated muscles, creating a smoother and firmer abdominal profile. A tummy tuck can be combined with other body contouring procedures, such as liposuction, and can treat multiple areas at the same time. It does not correct stretch marks, but they may be removed or somewhat improved if they are located on the areas of excess skin that will be excised.

Which Procedure is Best for You?

Depending on your individual goals, it may be an option to use both procedures to complement each other -a tummy tuck can tighten skin and muscle while liposuction is good for sculpting and shaping.

One of the newer options for eliminating fat is CoolSculpting, which is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared option that uses controlled cooling to safely target and eliminate diet-and-exercise resistant fat. It removes up to 25% of the unwanted fat in a particular area, so multiple sessions may be needed. Good candidates for CoolSculpting are similar to liposuction patients – those that are near their ideal weight and in overall good health, but also have noticeable bulges in certain areas that they’d like to get rid of. Treatment areas can include the thighs, abdomen and flank, bra fat, back fat, below the buttocks, upper arms, or even under the chin and jawline.

If you think a tummy tuck or liposuction might be right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Robinson today or call our office at (219) 500-5766. His experience and expertise can help guide you on your body contouring journey and make sure you are pleased with your results!