When it comes to rejuvenating the abdominal area, Baltimore cosmetic surgery patients have several different options and while one technique is great for one person another one might be better for another. The most common procedures used to help restore a more shapely tummy include a tummy tuck, a mini-tummy tuck, and Coolsculpting.
Here are the differences among the three:
1. Tummy tuck - This procedure helps to remove the excess skin from the belly that commonly occurs after childbirth or a large amount of weight loss. Stretch marks below the belly button are also permanently removed. In addition, the abdominal muscles can stretch out after childbirth or a significant weight loss/gain adding to the protrusion of the belly area. A Maryland tummy tuck also allows tightening of the abdominal muscles to make a much more flatter abdomen. The recovery after a tummy tuck takes about 1 week from work and exercise.
2. Mini-tummy tuck - For those men and women with only a small protrusion of the abdomen below the belly button, a mini-tummy tuck is great. The incision for this type of tummy tuck is smaller compared to a standard tummy tuck, but less skin is removed. Also, the muscles cannot be tightened as much with a mini-tummy tuck. Childbirth is the most common cause of a lower abdominal bulge that is corrected with a mini-tummy tuck. The recovery for this procedure is about 5-7 days.
3. Liposuction - Ultrasound-assissted liposuction plus regular liposuction are outstanding for removing the excess fat of the abdomen and flanks. However, there isn't any skin removal so for those patients with excess hanging skin liposuction may be a helpful adjuct, but not good enough alone. As a Baltimore liposuction specialist, I frequently use liposuction with a tummy tuck to help contour the hips and flanks while removing the excess abdominal skin and flattening the belly. If a tummy tuck is not done at the same time, 2-3 liters of fat can actully be removed from the abdomen, hips, and flanks safely! After liposuction, expect a 4-5 day rcovery period.
4. Coolsculpting - Finally, for those men and women who have no laxity of the abdominal muscles and only small to moderate pockets of exercise-resistant fat in the abdomen and love handles Coolsculpting is the answer. This non-invasive procedure actually freezes the fat and allows the body to eliminate the excess fat naturally. Patients notice a 20-25% reduction in the amount of fat per area, and several treatments may be necessary to achieve the desired effects. Even more, there is no downtime and minimal, if any at all, discomfort after the procedure.
So, as you can see there are several options when it comes to contouring the abdominal area. It's important to visit with your local board certified Maryland cosmetic surgery specialist to see what is best for you. Have fun looking good in your new swimming suit this summer after your procedure!
