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Tummy Tuck Versus Body Contouring: Which Is Right For You After Weight Loss Surgery?

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If you have struggled with your weight for a long time and have finally managed to lose your extra weight, you could still be unhappy with your newly floppy skin. Although your surgeon may have warned you about the physical impact that is common after rapid weight loss, actually seeing it can be unpleasant. Therefore, when you are at a healthy, stable weight,  it will be helpful to learn about two surgical options that can help you love your body again: a tummy tuck and body contouring.

#1 Why Choose A Tummy Tuck?

If you carried much of your weight in your stomach and abdominal area, it only makes sense that you will have the floppy skin in those areas as well. A tummy tuck is available as both a full and partial procedure and much of the procedure is similar for. However, the amount of extra skin and the condition of the underlying muscles will impact which version is best for your needs. In addition, it is also possible for the surgeon to remove sagging tissue from the top of your abdomen by making an extra incision to expand the surgery.

Specifically, a partial tummy tuck is a good choice for small amounts of extra skin and requires a smaller incision, low on the abdomen, while the full version is best for larger amounts of tissue. Regardless, they are done by making an abdominal incision and lifting the skin away, while the muscles are examined. At that point, any muscles that have separated or show signs of damage will be repaired and the skin will be put back down. The sagging skin is removed and the area will be sewn.       

#2 When Is Body Contouring The Right Choice?

If your weight loss came from all over your body and was not primarily found on your abdominal area, you could almost surely benefit from body contouring. Although the results can be permanent if you continue to maintain a healthy weight, some individuals need additional procedures to maintain their look in future years.

Body contouring can include several different procedures, including:

  • Breast lift
  • Tummy tuck
  • Liposuction 
  • Buttock augmentation  
  • Facelift                      

As with the tummy tuck, the surgeon will first need to make an incision into the abdominal area and removes the sagging tissue that is still there. You can have similar procedures done to trim the droopy skin of your arms, thighs, buttocks, waist , abdomen, and hips. A facelift will  remove unwanted wrinkles and if your rear end is flatter than you like after your weight loss, a buttock augmentation is a viable choice. Finally, liposuction can be performed on virtually any part of your body and can be provided at the same time as a tummy tuck in order to get a completely flat stomach. 

In conclusion, plastic surgery is often the best choice to remove excess skin that remains after rapid weight loss, as is common with weight surgery. As a result, it is essential to understand the differences between body contouring and tummy tucks. Visit Laufer Institute of Plastic Surgery for more information.


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