Tummy Tucks (Abdominoplasty) and Liposuction remain two of the most popular surgical cosmetic procedures according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons' 2009 list of the Top Five Plastic Surgery Procedures, but you don't need a list to know that a lot of people want to firm up and contour their mid-section. Excessive weight gain or weight loss, aging, pregnancy, prior surgeries, and other factors can contribute to a mid-section with some excess skin and accumulated fat that diet and exercise just won't take away.
When you call a plastic surgeon for a consultation, you'll probably be asked “which procedure are you interested in?” Knowing which procedure to consider can be tricky. It's sometimes common for one to squeeze a roll of excess flab and say "I need a Tummy Tuck" - but what if all they need is a little liposuction? This quick summary of the most common body procedures may help answer the question:
"I'm not happy with my abdominal area, what do I need?"
A Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty is used to surgically tighten the abdominal muscles and to remove sagging, loose skin and excess fat. "Tummy Tuck Surgery" requires a long incision from hip to hip that curves around the lower abdomen and an incision around the belly button. Abdominoplasty is a major procedure with a considerable recovery time, is often performed under general anesthesia and can take anywhere from two to five hours to perform. The average price for a "Tummy Tuck" can cost $6000 - $8000. For patients with specific goals or needs, a Tummy Tuck may be combined with liposuction or other body-lift procedures.
The "Mini Tummy Tuck" is less invasive procedure for those with a small roll of loose skin and some abdominal muscle bulge. The "Mini Tummy Tuck" or Partial Abdominoplasty is localized to the lower abdomen and involves less muscle repair and skin removal. This requires a considerably smaller incision and normally does not require an incision around the belly button. During a Mini Tummy Tuck, the abdominal muscles are surgically tightened and excess skin is removed, but is done on a smaller scale while leaving the belly button in place. A Partial Abdominoplasty (Mini Tummy Tuck) requires one to two hours in surgery and averages around $4000.
Liposuction is the most common method for removing unwanted fat. Liposuction involves the inserting a small, wand-like instrument called a cannula through tiny incisions made by the surgeon. The cannula is used to break up and suction out unwanted fat deposits from beneath the skin. The most common form of Liposuction, called Tumescent Liposuction involves the injection of large amounts of sterile, anesthetic fluid into the treated area to anesthetize the area, constrict blood vessels and help swell and firm the fat deposits, making them easier to remove. For larger treatments areas like the abdomen, the average price for liposuction can cost $4000 - $8000. Local or IV sedation is commonly used depending on the procedure.
Laser-Assisted Liposuction (also called Laser Lipo or Laser Liposuction) such as SmartLipo and Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction, use bursts of laser energy or sound waves respectively to liquefy and break down fat cells before they are removed.
Other Options
If the problem is weak abdominal muscles and a patient does not have loose skin and excess fat, a plastic surgeon may be able to perform an Endoscopic Tummy Tuck. An Endoscopic Tummy Tuck is performed through very small incisions placed above the pubic area or in the belly button, using small surgical instruments and a camera called an endoscope. The muscles are tightened and sutured through the incisions without the need for larger incisions. When the problem only involves loose skin, a plastic surgeon can perform a Panniculectomy or "Skin Only Tummy Tuck" where only the hanging skin is removed. Since there is no tightening or suturing of the underlying abdominal muscles, the recovery time is much shorter.
As always the right way to determine which procedure is right “for you”, is to consult with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. They will be able to examine your skin, excess fat and muscle and make the best recommendation for an abdominoplasty or liposuction procedure.
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These procedures are no substitute for true weight loss and obese patients may be asked to continue or increase their regimen of diet and exercise and to consult with a bariatric surgeon regarding weight loss surgery procedures such as LapBand surgery and Gastric Bypass when appropriate.*average costs can vary considerably above or below this number depending on factors such as the individual provider, associated expenses and fees and the city where the procedure is performed