Body Sculpting vs. Tummy Tuck Surgery

How Tummy Tuck Surgery Compares to Body-Sculpting Treatments

With so many new body sculpting treatments on the market, many people assume that tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) is a thing of the past. But while body sculpting, such as Liposuction, Coolsculpting, and “laser lipo” are very beneficial in removing fat, they do have limitations when it comes to toning and tightening loose skin and stretched muscles.

In this article Macomb County board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali discusses the differences between CoolSculpting, liposuction and tummy tucks.

Fat Freezing & Laser Treatments Compared to Tummy Tuck Surgery

While non-invasive body sculpting treatments like Coolsculpting are popular and effective for fat loss, these treatments do not remedy sagging skin or stretched abdominal muscles. For patients who still have muscle tone and tight skin, these non-invasive procedures may be sufficient alone, as the average body sculpting treatment reduces fat by about 25 percent.

But while body sculpting treatments like CoolSculpting and “laser lipo” kill stubborn fat cells by freezing or heating them, these treatments don’t affect underlying muscle separation or hanging skin issues.  Patients who need substantial fat reduction, or who have excessive skin or muscle sagging will be much happier with tummy tuck surgery results, which specifically addresses these concerns.

Liposuction Compared to Tummy Tucks Surgery

By comparison, Liposuction can reduce a more significant amount of fat than non-invasive sculpting methods such as Coolsculpting. But, Liposuction also only removes fat, and doesn’t tighten loose tummy muscles or flabby skin like tummy tuck surgery will. In fact, after liposuction flabby skin may even be more pronounced.

However, combining liposuction with a tummy tuck can provide stellar results – removing fat while also creating a tight toned abdominal area.

Advantages of Tummy Tuck Surgery

Tummy tuck surgery is considered the gold standard when it comes to body contouring. Tummy tuck results are long-lasting and stable, which means there is usually no refresher or maintenance procedure required.  (The exception is pregnancy, which can un-do the tummy tuck surgical process because it stretches the rectus muscles and skin.)

Tummy tuck surgery however is a more invasive medical procedure that carries slightly higher risks and longer downtime than CoolSculpting of liposuction. When considering tummy tuck surgery it is essential to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr, Ali who has performed hundreds of tummy tuck surgeries in Oakland and Macomb County.

Tummy tucks, also are able to repair and tighten stretched or damaged abdominal muscles, which neither CoolSculpting nor Liposuction can accomplish.

Macomb County Body Sculpting & Tummy Tuck Surgery

While most people look to new non-invasive technology procedures first – due to their affordability and reduced downtime – they should speak with Macomb County plastic surgeon Dr. Ali before making a decision. Unlike many other Macomb County medical offices and med spas, Dr. Ali offers all three types of body sculpting procedures, including CoolSculpting, Liposuction and Tummy Tuck Surgery. He will help you determine which treatment will deliver the best results based on your individual concerns and desired outcomes.

Macomb County Body Sculpting & Tummy Tuck Surgery Consultation: 248-335-7200