Abdominoplasty Surgery Alternatives

A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a major cosmetic plastic surgery that flattens your abdomen by removing extra fat and skin, while also tightening muscles in your abdominal wall. Tummy tucks require a surgeon to cut open the skin of your abdomen from hipbone to hipbone and although it can be camouflaged, the incision does leave a permanent scar. While this may sound like the perfect solution to that belly that just will not respond to diet or exercise, it is important to be informed about the drawbacks of the surgery and possible alternatives. Tummy tucks are a great way to remove unwanted fat that is resistant to exercise and diet, and to tighten abdominal muscles, although 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, including procedures that are not as complicated.

What Types of Alternative Surgery Are Available?

One such alternative procedure would be abdominal etching, which gives you a flatter, tighter stomach area with stronger muscle definition, but differs from abdominoplasty. Abdominal etching utilizes several small incisions made in the belly button so that the incisions are not highly visible. Another alternative to the tummy tuck is panniculectomy, which removes hanging fat and skin, normally after massive weight loss. Panniculectomy is different from abdominoplasty since there is no tightening of the muscles, only removal of excess skin and fat. Lipo-dissolve is still awaiting FDA approval, but may prove to be the ultimate fat removal procedure. Basically lipo-dissolve is a simple series of medicated injections that are administered to dissolve unwanted small areas of fat. Gastric-bypass 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 its normal route, decreasing the amount of food absorbed. Another procedure, called body lift, enhances the appearance of the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks and is performed to remove excess skin and fat after massive weight loss.

Alternatives with Tummy Tucks

While tummy tucks are not for everybody, the good news is that today’s tummy tucks can be personalized based on your needs. If you have scarring from previous abdominal surgery, you may want to think twice about having the procedure done because the scars could be prominent. If you are a woman who is planning a future pregnancy, you may also be a poor candidate for a tummy tuck because the vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during surgery can separate again during pregnancy. As you can see there are many alternatives to having a tummy tuck and they should certainly be considered before having this procedure done.