With recent advances in medical technology, and depending on your body type and goals, it is easier than ever for women and men in Midland, MI to get the toned, flat stomach they always wanted. The abdominal area is a common, ongoing struggle for many individuals. Weight loss or gain, pregnancies, or getting older are all factors that can hinder individuals from having the midsection they always wanted. While diet and exercise can sometimes be effective methods for getting rid of stubborn belly fat, tummy tuck surgery is on the rise in popularity, providing more men and women extra “help” with their abdominal area.
Midland, MI-based double board-certified reconstructive and plastic surgeon Dr. David Yonick has been recognized as a top cosmetic surgeon, providing outstanding results for his patients. If you have further questions about tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, or would like to schedule a consultation, contact Yonick Plastic Surgery today. In the meantime, read on to learn more about this body contouring and fat removal surgery.
How does a tummy tuck work?
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to smooth out and tighten the abdomen’s appearance. During tummy tuck surgery, an incision is made in the lower abdomen area, typically under the bikini line, to remove excess skin and tighten the underlying abdominal muscles if needed. It is often performed in conjunction with liposuction to remove pockets of unwanted fat and reshape the area. Depending on a patient’s aesthetic needs, a mini tummy tuck or traditional tummy tuck can be performed. An extended tummy tuck is reserved for patients needing a significant amount of skin and fatty tissue removed in their lower abdominal area. All tummy tuck procedures have one goal: to eliminate loose skin and excess fat, so patients have a more toned, smoother, and flatter midsection area.
How much fat can be removed with tummy tuck surgery?
Liposuction is an effective method for removing stubborn pockets of fat that have become unresponsive to diet and exercise, helping men and women achieve a more sculpted, toned physique. One of the most common questions Dr. Yonick hears during tummy tuck consultations is, “How much fat can I lose?” Liposuction is a body contouring technique, typically combined with tummy tuck surgery, to provide subtle improvements by removing pockets of unwanted fat from the targeted area. It is not a weight-loss tool.
In general, it is best to remove no more than 10 – 12 lbs. of fat or fluid during a single fat removal surgery. However, there are general guidelines to follow, and it is essential to note that removing the maximum amount of fat won’t necessarily yield the best possible results. In some cases, removing a smaller amount of fat can achieve a patient’s desired results, be more natural-looking, and maintain optimal safety levels.
Is there a risk of removing too much stubborn belly fat?
The main goal of tummy tuck surgery is removing excess, loose skin and fat to leave a patient with a more toned, attractive-looking midsection area. Reshaping the stomach area with abdominoplasty may include liposuction using a thin tube, called a cannula, to loosen unwanted fat cells and suction out the dislodged deposits. If too much fat is removed, patients can have an increased risk of lumps or hollow dimpling in the skin, leading to an unattractive outcome. However, the more critical factor in removing too much fat during liposuction is the increased risk of a patient’s safety and avoiding unnecessary surgical complications. Tummy tuck surgery and liposuction are often done together to provide optimal results and should be performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Yonick.
Liposuction is a fat removal surgery and a good fit for patients looking to remove small fatty deposits, commonly found on the hips, buttocks, thighs, or stomach area. It is frequently combined with tummy tuck surgery to provide patients with a flatter, more proportioned midsection area. At Yonick Plastic Surgery in Midland, MI, double board-certified reconstructive and plastic surgeon Dr. David Yonick personalizes each tummy tuck surgery to give his patients the desired results they deserve. To find out if you will need liposuction for your tummy tuck surgery, contact our office today and book a consultation with Dr. Yonick.