Laparoscopic Tummy Tuck

A laparoscopic tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the upper, lower, or both sections of your abdomen. It also tightens the muscles of your abdomen and improves the shape of your contour. The procedure is done under general anesthesia.

During the operation, an incision will be made in your lower abdomen to remove the extra skin and fat from this area. The excess skin is then pulled together while any excess tissue is removed, creating a smaller-looking waistline with more defined abdominal muscles. The scars are hidden within the folds of your skin so they won’t be visible when wearing clothes. In this post, we review the aspects of Laparoscopic Tummy Tuck, tummy tuck complications years later, abdominoplasty vs tummy tuck, and What is the best procedure to remove belly fat?

This type of surgery can be combined with liposuction to further sculpt an individual’s abdominal contour. This can help you achieve an overall slimmer profile while giving you back a flat tummy after childbirth or weight loss.

Laparoscopic Tummy Tuck

Your abdomen and tummy area can go through significant changes throughout your life. In many cases, these changes can leave you dissatisfied with the shape and appearance of your abdominal area. Even more frustrating is that diet and exercise alone might not be enough to restore your tummy to a tighter appearance. If this sounds like you, a tummy tuck may be the perfect option for you. Dr. Gabbay’s tummy tuck procedures remove the surplus fat and tighten the muscles along the abdominal wall. The results provide the appearance of a flatter, smoother stomach.

The abdomen is an area of the body where fat easily accumulates in both women and men. Skin laxity in the abdominal region can come about from several factors, including:

• Natural aging
• Pregnancy
• Stress
• Diet
• Hormonal imbalance
• Genetics
• Significant weight fluctuations

All these factors contribute to the appearance of a flabby stomach. In many cases, no amount of exercise or dieting will resolve this problem. But a tummy tuck can help you get back a tighter abdomen with a single surgery.

WHAT CAN A TUMMY TUCK DO?

Some of the specific results patients see after a tummy tuck include:

• Removal of excess skin
• Tightened muscles
• Removal of stubborn pockets of abdominal fat
• Reshaped abdomen
• Defined waist
• Flattened belly

At Gabbay Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, we offer the latest in advanced technology to remove excess fat or skin from the abdomen. In some cases, you may achieve optimal results when combining a tummy tuck with liposuction for total abdominal rejuvenation. Dr. Gabbay’s skillful precision and years of experience ensure that his tummy tuck patients will find a boost in self-confidence and excitement about their appearance.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF ABDOMINOPLASTY

We provide many options and choices for you when considering tummy tuck surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Gabbay will help you find the tummy tuck that best suits your goals.

FULL TUMMY TUCK

A full tummy tuck procedure can deliver the most significant results. It involves a horizontal incision in the area between the pubic hairline and the navel. Dr. Gabby then repairs any weakened muscles while removing excess fat and tissue.

This procedure is best for patients with lax muscles or significant excess skin. Patients who have been pregnant or experienced substantial weight loss may benefit from this procedure the most.

A complete tummy tuck can take 2 to 5 hours, depending on the extent of work required. Patients typically are fully anesthetized for this procedure to ensure comfort throughout.

MINI TUMMY TUCK

The mini tummy tuck is for patients with a smaller amount of excess skin or fatty deposits. Although the recovery period is shorter, the mini-abdominoplasty procedure only treats the lower abdomen. It does not address or correct issues of the upper abdomen.

During a partial abdominoplasty, the technique Dr. Gabbay uses is similar to a full tummy tuck but on a reduced scale. The abdominal skin is separated only between the incision line and the navel. This skin flap is stretched down, the excess skin is removed, and the flap is stitched back into place.

STANDARD TUMMY TUCK VS. MINI TUMMY TUCK

A standard tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat from the abdominal regions below the belly button. A partial (mini) abdominoplasty tightens only the skin in the lower abdominal area (below the belly button).

Dr. Gabbay typically performs abdominoplasty under general anesthesia. However, patients receiving an abbreviated abdominoplasty may elect to have only local anesthetic and (IV) sedation.

ENDOSCOPIC ABDOMINOPLASTY

An endoscopic abdominoplasty does not address the issue of loose abdominal skin. It is best suited for patients:

• Relatively tight abdominal skin
• Weakened muscles of the lower abdomen
• Excess abdominal fat

An endoscopic abdominoplasty is performed with the help of a small camera attached to surgical instruments. Dr. Gabbay inserts these through a small incision. The abdominal muscles are tightened and sutured through the incision. Dr. Gabbay may also remove fat with liposuction at this point in the procedure.

TUMMY TUCK RECOVERY AND DOWNTIME

Following your surgery, your incisions are stitched closed and bandaged with a firm, elastic band to promote proper healing. Generally, a tummy tuck is an outpatient procedure. So after 2-3 hours of rest in our recovery room, you will be free to return home. However, you will need someone to drive you home.

During your initial recovery, you will need someone to assist you for a few days. On your end, it will be vital to avoid any physical strain and instead focus on healing.

You will receive complete instructions on how to make sure your recovery goes smoothly. These include tips on how to best position yourself while sitting or lying down. You will also be given pain medication to help ease any discomfort. You may experience a degree of numbness in the abdominal area.

After surgery, you will have to limit strenuous physical activity for at least six weeks. The exact length of the recovery period will depend upon your body’s unique capacity to heal. Typically, most patients take up to one month off from work to ensure proper recovery.

Once you fully heal, you should see excellent results that will be with you for years! To ensure long-lasting results, it will be important to have a balanced diet and regular exercise.

IS A TUMMY TUCK RIGHT FOR YOU?

The best candidates for a tummy tuck are patients who are in good overall health but are unhappy with stubborn fat. We do not recommend abdominoplasty for:

• People who intend to lose a significant amount of weight
• Men or women with unrealistic goals or expectations
• Women who plan to become pregnant in the future
• Individuals with scarring from previous abdominal surgery

The first step is to come in for your complimentary consultation. Dr. Gabbay will listen to your goals and help you decide on what procedures will best achieve them. He will provide complete information on our available procedures and answer any of your questions.

If Dr. Gabbay believes you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck, he will discuss your surgery in more detail. As with any surgical procedure, abdominoplasty does carry with it some degree of risk. Be open and honest when informing Dr. Gabbay about any past surgical procedures and current medications you are taking to increase the safety of the surgery.

Endoscopic Tummy Tuck Before And After

At Core Plastic Surgery, Grady Core, M.D., F.A.C.S., a board-certified plastic surgeon, performs abdominoplasty on men and women living in Birmingham, Mountain Brook, and the surrounding communities who want a flatter, more contoured abdomen.

WHAT IS A TUMMY TUCK?

Abdominoplasty is a procedure that has undergone significant changes over the last few years. Recent innovations have made the procedure less invasive for some qualified candidates. Abdominoplasty is especially helpful for men who have obtained excess weight or skin in their midsection, as well as for women who have undergone multiple pregnancies with relaxed muscles and stretched skin. It is also helpful now for patients who only have mild skin relaxation and/or muscle relaxation. Abdominoplasty patients can expect a flatter, more contoured and more visually satisfying mid-section area.

BENEFITS OF TUMMY TUCK

Tummy tucks create a flatter, more contoured abdomen following a significant weight loss or pregnancy by removing excess fat and sagging skin. Other benefits include:

• Increase in self-confidence
• Tighter and flatter abdomen
• Less self-consciousness about appearance
• Ability to participate in more activities

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR TUMMY TUCK?

Anyone who has excess skin and fat in the abdominal region, as well as stretched abdominal muscles that are unaffected by a healthy lifestyle, may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY TUMMY TUCK?

During the consultation, Dr. Core evaluates your abdomen to ensure this is the best option to achieve your desired look. He also provides you with detailed preoperative instructions to follow leading up to your tummy tuck, since the preparation varies from patient to patient.

WHAT IS INVOLVED WITH MY TUMMY TUCK?

The abdominoplasty procedure varies with each patient depending on the extent of the improvements to be made. There are several methods for abdominoplasty:

For patients with good quality skin and no abdominal wall laxity or a small to moderate amount of excess subcutaneous fat, liposuction is an option.

Dr. Core’s primary method of dealing with excess subcutaneous fat is through a technique called ultrasonic assisted lipoplasty, also termed lipo selection. This is where a solid probe that is quite thin is placed under the skin, and ultrasonic energy is emitted into the subcutaneous fat. This is specific for fat cells and causes the fat cells to rupture, leaving other surrounding structures intact. The aspert is then removed gently with a low powered suction. This is in contrast to traditional liposuction, where high-powered suction is used to remove fat.

For those patients who have minimal excess skin laxity of the lower abdomen and/or minimal laxity of the abdominal muscles, a mini abdominoplasty is an option.

Recovery from a mini abdominoplasty is fairly rapid, with the patient returning to full activity in approximately two weeks.

A mini abdominoplasty involves a small transverse incision just above the pubic area measuring approximately six to eight inches in length. A small amount of skinis taken out, and the abdominal area is liposuctioned. A small amount of undermining is done below the umbilicus and the muscles re-tightened with several sutures in the lower abdominal midline. A drain is usually placed for eight to 10 days in order to prevent the buildup of tissue fluid in the pocket.

Endoscopic abdominoplasty is only for those patients who have no skin problem and who have only muscle laxity. A small incision, approximately one-inch long is made just above the hair-bearing portion of the pubic area and in the umbilicus. The skin envelope is then elevated to reveal underlying musculature, which is then repaired under direct endoscopic vision.

Dr. Core is one of the original inventors of endoscopic abdominoplasty and has been practicing this technique since 1993.

The skin is then allowed to retract into place. A drain is also used for this procedure, and recovery requires two weeks due to the fact that muscle is, of course, what causes the soreness after abdominoplasty. However, this is an excellent option for those people who have excellent skin and only suffer abdominal wall laxity caused by separation of the muscles usually from pregnancy. This procedure can also be applied in men who have had intra-abdominal fat that has caused their muscle to separate over the years.

For the majority of our patients who have trouble with excess skin as well as muscle laxity, cosmetic abdominoplasty is most commonly the option. The high lateral tension of abdominoplasty is the one most commonly practiced by Dr. Core, but he also practices the newer technique of lipo-abdominoplasty developed in Brazil.

The Brazilian technique involves a combination of liposuction and minimal undermining in central muscle repair.

For many of our patients who have maintained good abdominal muscular integrality and have not had problems with diastasis recti, we have found significant improvement in recovery times by not addressing any tightening of the abdominal wall muscle. For these patients, of whom skin is the only issue, we are able to perform a “skin only” abdominoplasty. This involves liposuction and the undermining of the skin flap with stretching of the skin to tighten the abdominal area. The incision is within the panty line, and the postoperative result is excellent.

This procedure, as in most other abdominoplasties, also requires placement of a drain, which is present for approximately 10 days. Full recovery is actually much quicker with a skin only abdominoplasty than regular abdominoplasty, with full activity being able to be undertaken within three to four days.

Dr. Core employs a technique, which he developed in 1996 called the “caudal flap technique”. In the caudal flap technique, the scar of the umbilicus is placed within the recess of the umbilicus instead of around it. The typical circumferential scar around the umbilicus appears like a target, makes the umbilicus too noticeable and is a telltale sign that the patient has undergone abdominoplasty. In the caudal flap technique, the result is an inverted U (see photo), and completely eliminates a visible scar in most patients and gives a natural appearance to the umbilicus.

Thousands of people undergo abdominoplasty each year with no adverse effects and with great results. However, as with any surgical procedure, there is an inherent risk. Some of the risks associated with tummy tuck surgery include blood clots, the effects of anesthesia, swelling, infection, bleeding, and pain or discomfort. Thankfully, these complications are rare and can usually be avoided. Dr. Core will review these risks with you prior to your surgery. By carefully following your pre- and post-operative instructions, you can considerably reduce the risk of complications. Being a respected teaching cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Core is not only knowledgeable about endoscopic cosmetic surgery; he’s an innovator in this field. He provides his patients with the most up-to-date procedures and technology available, and even practices special pain relief techniques. Dr. Core’s experience and knowledge is second to none.

How is an Endoscopic Tummy Tuck Performed?

An endoscopic tummy tuck can be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with IV sedation. The surgeon will make several small incisions along the pubic bone as well as in, or around, the belly button. These small incisions are 2–6 cm and allow the scars to be barely visible or easily concealed. An endoscope, which is a lighted tube with a camera attached to the end of it, will be inserted through the incisions. The surgeon will use long, slender instruments, specifically designed for endoscopic surgery, to tighten the abdominal muscles by suturing them at the midline.

This will restore a toned appearance to the abdominal muscles. Liposuction may be used to remove fat and contour the abdomen before closing the incisions with sutures. A modified version of this procedure allows a very small amount of skin to be removed but a classic endoscopic tummy tuck generally involves no skin removal.

Alternative Tummy Tuck Methods

An alternative to the endoscopic tummy tuck for treating fat with loose skin is a mini tummy tuck. A mini tummy tuck addresses the entire lower abdomen and serves to remove excess fat and skin. The procedure involves making an incision along the pubic region and then lifting the skin. Excess fat is removed via liposuction or by simply excising it. The skin is pulled taut and any extra skin is trimmed. The abdominal muscles may need to be tightened depending on their condition.

A traditional tummy tuck can address excess fat and skin on the entire abdomen, including the upper and lower region. However, this procedure requires a long incision which runs along the pubic area from hip to hip. Along with the removal of excess tissue, the abdominal muscles generally need to be repaired. A traditional tummy tuck also has a much longer recovery time.

What is the Cost of an Endoscopic Tummy Tuck?

The average cost of an endoscopic tummy tuck is $4000-$12,000. This price is comparable to the traditional tummy tuck despite the fact that it has a smaller incision and the procedure takes less time. The cost referenced above does not include any anesthesia fees, facility fees or other related expenses.

Recovery and Downtime

Endoscopic tummy tuck is less invasive than a typical abdominoplasty so the RECOVERY time is a bit easier and quicker. Patients can expect some bleeding, bruising, swelling and mild to moderate discomfort. A compression garment will be worn to minimize swelling 24 hours a day for the first few weeks or until the doctor advises otherwise. If drainage tubes are placed below the skin, at the incisions, patients will need to empty these tubes several times a day. The surgical bandages will also need to be changed two or three times a day.

Patients are advised to walk frequently to prevent blood clots and get plenty of rest. While the incisions are smaller with an endoscopic abdominoplasty, any muscle manipulation will require the same DOWNTIME as a tummy tuck procedure. Nevertheless, patients are generally able to return to normal activities within one to two weeks. Prior to receiving the doctor’s approval, avoid strenuous activities or exercise.

Results

After an endoscopic tummy tuck, swelling and bruising can obscure the results. Because the incisions are shorter, the swelling will begin to resolve around 2 weeks post-op, and then the preliminary results can be seen. As the body continues to heal, and the swelling subsides, improvements will continue to be made. It can take 3 to 6 months for all the swelling to fade and for the final results to become apparent.

The results can last 10 years or more, depending on the patient’s circumstances and lifestyle habits. Pregnancy and/or weight fluctuations can undo the muscle repair so patients should maintain a stable weight after a tummy tuck procedure. While the fat that is removed can never come back, neighboring fat cells can increase in size if the patient doesn’t maintain a healthy diet. To preserve the results, patients should maintain a stable weight by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

Limitations of an Endoscopic Tummy Tuck

The limitations of an endoscopic tummy tuck include:

• The quality or laxity of the skin impacts the changes that can be made.
• The amount of skin that may be removed.
• The ability to tighten abdominal muscles depends on their condition.

The procedure requires skills that are not commonly performed during plastic surgery training. Therefore, fewer plastic surgeons have the experience or expertise needed to perform such a precise technique. Consequently, the surgeon may be considered a limitation for endoscopic abdominoplasty.

Risks of an Endoscopic Tummy Tuck

The risks associated with an endoscopic tummy tuck include:

• Bleeding or hematoma
• Blood clots
• Infection
• Seroma
• Poor wound healing
• Scarring
• Unsatisfactory results

Choose an Experienced Surgeon

An endoscopic tummy tuck is a minimally invasive option for patients who wish to undergo a tummy tuck to improve their abdominal contour but do not want an exaggerated scar. Patients must conduct their own research in order to find a skilled and qualified surgeon to carry out the procedure because there are not many surgeons who perform it.  It is crucial that the patient choose a surgeon who performs endoscopic abdominoplasty often. Furthermore, the patient should personally meet with the surgeon for a consultation to determine if he, or she, is a qualified candidate for this type of tummy tuck.

abdominoplasty vs tummy tuck

Losing significant amounts of weight is a critical step in maintaining your overall health and wellbeing. Not only have you decreased your risk for myriad health conditions, but you have also likely increased your self-esteem and happiness.

You’ve worked very hard to lose weight, and you deserve to have the body you see in the mirror match your concept of your appearance after your weight-loss journey.

But what are the drawbacks to massive weight loss?

Sometimes, however, when a patient loses a massive amount of weight, he or she is left with large amounts of loose, sagging skin that can be unsightly, embarrassing, and interfere with your daily activities.

The excess hanging skin and tissue is depressing and may leave you feeling that your hard work didn’t pay off as you expected. Rest assured, your journey was not in vain and the professionals at NYBG Plastic Surgery are here to help you get your body those last few steps toward the physique you envisioned.

Two common treatments following weight loss are a tummy tuck and panniculectomy. Are you wondering the differences between panniculectomy vs tummy tuck? Read on to find out more!

What is a Panniculectomy?

You might be wondering, what is a panniculectomy? Well, the pannus is an apron of skin that hangs down over the stomach, legs, and genitals following a massive weight loss. A panniculectomy is a body contouring procedure that seeks to remove this loose, sagging skin from the abdomen and surrounding regions. It may be performed on its own as a procedure or can be combined with a tummy tuck.

Many patients seeking a panniculectomy have experienced massive weight loss, often following bariatric surgery for obesity, or have had serious complications during a pregnancy that have caused the skin to be unable to return to its original shape and elasticity. The pannus may extend as low as a patient’s knees, interfering with the ability to perform routine everyday activities. It can also cause myriad health issues, such as back problems, skin rashes, ulcers, or other skin disorders. Additionally, it can interfere with everyday tasks such as walking, sitting, standing, or driving.

Panniculectomy for Body Contouring

A board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in this surgical body contouring procedure should perform a panniculectomy. The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and may require several hours to complete. You may be required to stay in the hospital following surgery.

In a panniculectomy, an incision is made just under the sternum and extends down to the pubic bone. Another incision is made horizontally along the pubic bone, allowing your surgeon to remove excess skin and fat from the desired area. The skin that is left is then pulled taut and sutured together to provide a more contoured, slender appearance. Frequently, the procedure will require that your surgeon craft a new belly button to create a natural look for the abdomen.

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What can I expect with recovery from a panniculectomy?

While you remain in the hospital, drains will be inserted into your incisions, allowing excess fluid from the surgery to drain off of your body. Once you have been released from the hospital, it is important that you rest as much as possible to allow your body to heal from surgery. Pain, bruising, and swelling are completely normal with a panniculectomy, and may be managed with the help of prescription pain medication prescribed by our board-certified plastic surgeon.

Bathing After Body Contouring with Panniculectomy Surgery

You will only be permitted sponge baths during the first few days following your panniculectomy. It is crucial that you limit your physical activity during recovery and refrain from exercise, lifting anything in excess of 10 pounds, and any activity that would require you to put any amount of pressure on the abdominal region. Most patients will need to wear a compression garment in the first few weeks following surgery to reduce swelling and promote healing. Light physical activities may be resumed approximately six weeks following surgery. Your surgeon will let you know when your body is ready for any more vigorous physical activity.

Panniculectomy vs. Tummy Tuck

A panniculectomy and abdominoplasty are often confused. This is understandable since both procedures cover essentially the same area of the anatomy. The biggest difference is the goal of the surgical procedure. A tummy tuck tightens the abdominal muscles and removes excess fat, skin, and tissue, while a panniculectomy is performed to remove a pannus.

The pannus is a large flap of skin which is distended over the abdomen, genitals, and thighs following significant weight loss or complications from childbirth. A panniculectomy solely addresses the issue of loose, sagging skin and excess fat of the pannus. It also addresses mobility issues for those who live with this condition and ends the uncomfortable rubbing and chafing which can lead to infection.

Abdominoplasty or Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, takes this one step further by repairing layers of the abdominal muscle structure which may have loosened, stretched, or split. With a tummy tuck, patients may further contour the body to achieve a sleek, slender figure. This surgery is more extensive than that of a panniculectomy, as it addresses the muscles to create a trimmer, more toned appearance to the contours of the abdomen.

Health Insurance and Panniculectomy

Since a panniculectomy is a functional procedure rather than purely cosmetic like a tummy tuck, health insurance companies frequently cover it.

A tummy tuck is largely considered to be a strictly cosmetic procedure and is therefore not covered by most health insurance plans. While both procedures revolve around the removal of excess skin and fat from the abdominal region, a tummy tuck often involves additional procedures including removal of excess skin and fat all the way to the bottom ribs, repair and tightening of the rectus abdominis muscle, creation of a new naval, and liposuction, which is often performed on the belly area and flanks to provide additional contouring benefits.

Risks and Benefits

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with both a panniculectomy and a tummy tuck. These include infection, the formation of scars, and bodily fluids collecting near the incision. It is important to thoroughly discuss with your surgeon your vision and goals of any cosmetic surgical procedure. With thorough communication, we are confident that the team at NYBG Plastic Surgery can help you find your path to better health and a positive body image.

Our team provides the highest level of patient care and adheres to the most rigorous and extensive patient safety and health protocols. If you are living with unsightly, uncomfortable hanging skin and want to experience freedom from the condition, we invite you to meet with us in a private consultation to discuss the surgical procedure to correct the condition and help you have a trimmer, more attractive body. You can also learn more about our Long Island tummy tuck surgery here.

What is the best procedure to remove belly fat

Many Americans eat a healthy diet and exercise but still have unwanted fat in certain body parts, such as the abdomen, flanks, and thighs. Localized fat can be challenging to melt away, no matter how many miles you run or how many salads you eat.

Liposuction is one of the most popular fat removal procedures, and for good reason. Tumescent liposuction, the most common type, removes fat safely and effectively, with a relatively fast recovery for most patients.

Other procedures are available to remove belly fat, too, that don’t require anesthesia or incisions. So, which is best? Keep reading to find out which could be the best choice for you.

Liposuction

Liposuction is always popular for removing belly fat and fat transfer with a Brazilian butt lift. The surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen and inserts a small cannula to suck out the desired fat.

The surgeon can safely remove about five pounds of fat per procedure, so this surgery isn’t intended for weight loss. Instead, it’s intended to give you a slimmer body contour that diet and exercise cannot.

Liposuction effectively removes fat from the abdomen, sides, arms, thighs, and face. It also offers a more dramatic result than noninvasive procedures. Many patients combine abdominal liposuction with a tummy tuck for a trim, tight tummy.

However, liposuction requires a recovery between four and six weeks for many patients. Combining abdominal liposuction with a tummy tuck will take up to two months to recover.

There is also moderate discomfort with liposuction, but it can be managed with prescription pain medication.

Last, remember that having liposuction requires general or IV sedation, so there is a minimal risk of anesthesia complications.

Non-Surgical Fat Reduction Treatments

In recent years, several non-surgical fat reduction treatments have become popular. These treatments use different technologies to eliminate belly fat. Popular non-surgical options include:

CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting is often a good choice for people nearing their ideal body weight but wanting to reduce the abdomen’s fat pockets. This non-surgical technique uses cryolipolysis to freeze undesirable fat cells without damaging surrounding tissues.

After the fat cells die in a few days, they are flushed naturally by your body’s metabolism over a few weeks. It usually takes two to four sessions to complete the treatment, and final results take about three months.

truSculpt

This non-surgical fat removal technique uses radiofrequency technology to reduce fat cells in the abdomen. The treatment takes about one hour, and most patients need two sessions for the best results.

SmartLipo

SmartLipo is also called laser liposuction. This is because it uses laser technology with triple wavelengths to remove fat from around the muscles. This procedure can also tighten skin without surgery.

The laser dissolves the fat with heat, then the body processes and excretes it after a few weeks. Next, a tiny tube is inserted into the abdominal area to remove extra liquid that may build up during the procedure.

SmartLipo uses a small tube, so it’s often best for contouring the abs during fat removal. Traditional liposuction can’t provide the same level of abdominal sculpting as SmartLipo.

SmartLipo is not as invasive as liposuction, so there isn’t as much damage to surrounding tissues. You will see results from this treatment right away, and little downtime is involved.

SculpSure

SculpSure is another laser body contouring procedure effective for abdominal fat without surgery. It’s a smart choice for patients near their goals but want to eliminate belly fat.

SculpSure kills fat cells with heat. Several clinical studies show this procedure can remove up to 25% of fat cells in the treatment area. You will probably need two or three procedures for the best results.

Liposuction Or Non-Surgical Procedures?

Both procedure types have advantages and disadvantages:

Invasiveness

Liposuction is surgery, and it’s a more aggressive way to remove belly fat. The surgical site undergoes trauma during the procedure, and there will be swelling, pain, and bleeding for up to 10 days.

The non-invasive procedures outlined above are more gentle and have minimal downtime.

Results

Liposuction results can be seen after swelling goes down in a few weeks, but you might not see the final results for several results.

It takes longer to see results from non-surgical methods, but you’ll see them as weeks and months pass.

None of these procedures are designed for weight loss, but liposuction offers more dramatic contouring results.

Downtime

You will be sore for at least one or two weeks after liposuction, so you will need to take it easy for a while.

Nonsurgical fat reduction methods have almost no downtime, and you can go back to regular activities the same day.

Liposuction is a popular option to remove belly fat. It can improve your body contour in multiple areas. However, liposuction is more expensive than nonsurgical options, and the recovery process is longer. There is also a higher risk of complications.

Nonsurgical belly fat removal could be a better choice if you are close to your ideal weight and have elastic skin. But the results are not as dramatic as liposuction.

Your surgeon will review the options with you to determine which is best for your situation.