Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) – Alternatives

Although tummy tuck is a good way to remove unwanted fat that is resistant to exercise and diet and tighten abdominal muscles, it is not always the best option. There are other procedures that accommodate those whose have had major weight loss or weight loss surgery and have excess skin, as well as procedures that are not as invasive.

Abdominal Etching

Abdominal etching gives you a flatter, tighter stomach area, with stronger muscle definition, but differs from abdominoplasty. Abdominal etching entails several small incisions made in the belly button so that the incisions are not highly visible. A cannula is used to remove excess fat and skin, which is different from the cannula used for liposuction. During liposuction, the small incisions are made across the area to be treated with the procedure. The cannula is scraped across the underside of the skin breaking loose the fat cells. These cells are then aspirated (sucked with a vacuum) out through the incisions made in the skin.

Panniculectomy

A panniculectomy removes hanging fat and skin, normally after massive weight loss. Panniculectomy is different from abdominoplasty where there is no tightening of the muscles, only removal of excess skin and fat.

Lipo-Dissolve

Lipo-dissolve is awaiting FDA approval, but it may prove to be the ultimate fat removal procedure. A simple series of medicated injections are administered to dissolve unwanted small areas of fat.

Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric bypass surgery involves creating a small stomach pouch by stapling a portion of the stomach, which curbs food intake. Part of the small intestine is then attached to the stomach pouch so that food can bypass the normal route, decreasing the amount of food nutrients absorbed.

Body Lift

The body lift enhances the appearance of the abdomen, thighs, and butt, and is performed to remove excess skin and fat after massive weight loss.

Tumescent Liposuction

Tumescent liposuction involves one or more small incisions which allow for less invasive micro-cannulas and a more gradual, targeted, and metered treatment and removal of fat, enabling the surgeon to contour the area more effectively. Tumescent liposuction normally leaves less scaring than regular liposuction, and as such, provides for faster recovery time and less swelling and bruising after surgery.

Learn About Other Elective Enhancement Procedures

Visit the sister websites in our network to learn about other enhancement procedures. For cosmetic dentistry, minimal prep veneers, such as Lumineers, are a good option for those with cracked or stained teeth. Also, to correct for nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, LASIK surgery is a good option. Presbyopia can also now be corrected with a range of elective procedures. For other types of plastic surgery, learn about facelift surgeons or breast surgery risks in our other portals.

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