Stomach fat can be difficult to get rid of, even with a routine exercise regime and balanced diet. When stubborn belly fat simply will not go away, many individuals look to their plastic surgeon for assistance. Liposuction and tummy tucks are extremely effective at giving individuals the flatter, toned stomach they desire.

Heredity, multiple pregnancies, prior surgery, and significant fluctuations in weight can cause your belly to protrude or sag. Even at an ideal weight and following a routine exercise regimen, many individuals are simply not happy with the appearance of their abdomen. Localized fat deposits can cause your body to look disproportionate and can affect the way your clothes fit and how you feel about your appearance. These fat deposits can be almost impossible to get rid of without some sort of fat removal procedure.

Choosing between liposuction and a tummy tuck will often depend heavily on the amount of loose skin the patient has in the abdomen region. Lose skin most often results from excessive weight loss and pregnancy. Only a tummy tuck will get rid of this excess skin. Liposuction may actually exacerbate the situation rather than improve it. Liposuction should be performed on patients that only need fat loss, not tightening of the skin.

Liposuction: When patients undergo this procedure, the surgeon inserts a cannula through small, inconspicuous incisions in the skin. At the other end of the tube is a vacuum-pressure unit that suctions off the fat. This method is very effective for removing excess belly fat and results in very little scarring. Because this procedure requires only small incisions, it is relatively painless and the recovery time is very quick. Many patients will only require liposuction, rather than a tummy tuck, to achieve the results they desire. With less scarring, less complications and faster recovery times, abdominal liposuction is the preferred choice for many patients.

Tummy Tuck: A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure in which the surgeon removes excess fat and skin, and in some cases restores weakened or separated muscles. Loose or wrinkled skin and stretch marks are eliminated during this procedure. The result is a smoother, firmer abdominal profile that often enhances body image and confidence. A tummy tuck may allow individuals to feel more attractive in a swimsuit and fit better into their clothes.

Muscles in the abdomen may separate during pregnancy or simply on their own. No amount of sit-ups or stomach crunches will help this situation. As the muscles relax, they separate and the stomach will bulge. A tummy tuck allows the surgeon to repair this muscle damage, reducing stomach protrusion and creating a flatter abdomen.

Patients may experience scarring after this surgery. The incision site is usually hidden by the waistband of your underwear and undetectable when wearing clothing. It may fade some over time. There are some risks when undergoing any type of surgery. Possible complications and risks should be thoroughly discussed before agreeing to any type of surgery.

Your plastic surgeon will examine your abdomen region and make recommendations for either a tummy tuck or liposuction. The chosen procedure will depend on your body type as well as your desired results.