Looking for a flatter stomach? A shapelier figure? If you’ve tried diet and exercise but still haven’t seen the results you’re looking for, there are several cosmetic procedures that can help. But choosing the best procedure for you is a big decision: Should you go with liposuction, or would you be better off with tummy tuck surgery or SculpSure® body contouring?
They’re all effective treatments, but in making your decision, you should consider a number of factors, including the cost, recovery time, and your aesthetic goals. Experienced plastic surgeon L.A. Viñas, MD, of L.A. Viñas Plastic Surgery, Med Spa and Skin Care Center in West Palm Beach, Port St. Lucie, and Okeechobee, Florida, can help you choose the best procedure to meet your needs.
A fat-busting cosmetic procedure can help give you the confidence to rock a bikini, don a body-hugging dress, wear low-rise jeans, or throw on a fitted tank top. If this sounds good, ask yourself these five questions to help you decide which procedure is the right one for you:
Here’s a breakdown of how the three procedures stack up against these questions, starting from the least invasive to the most:
You can have this quick, noninvasive FDA-approved laser treatment on your lunch hour. It does not require anesthesia, incisions, or recovery time, and it’s relatively painless.
This simple procedure uses a handheld laser to heat up and break down the fats cells beneath your skin’s surface. Over time, your body flushes the destroyed fat cells permanently. Side effects such as tenderness, swelling, and redness are temporary and minimal. The procedure takes about 30 minutes, but you may need additional treatments to achieve your desired results. Maximum results are noticeable in 6-12 weeks.
Bottom line: This is the quickest, least invasive procedure to eliminate unwanted belly bulges, lumps, and pooches. The cost is lower than the other two options but you may need multiple treatments. This treatment is most effective for people in good shape just looking to get rid of stubborn pockets of fat.
This minimally invasive procedure is a great way to not only eliminate unwanted pockets of belly fat, but to contour your figure as well, making it more attractive and proportional to the rest of your body. This procedure does require local anesthesia and some time off to recover.
During this outpatient procedure, Dr. Viñas makes a small incision near the treatment area and inserts a small, thin tube to suction out excess fat. The entire procedure can take one or several hours, depending on the area treated. You should be able to return to work after a few days of rest and recovery, and Dr. Viñas provides follow-up instructions to ensure a smooth and quick recovery.
Bottom line: Liposuction offers a more dramatic result than SculpSure but costs more and requires a few days of downtime. Because it’s minimally invasive, your recovery time is shorter than with a surgical procedure like a tummy tuck. Liposuction does not address loose and saggy skin.
If you’re looking for a flat, toned, and taut stomach, a tummy tuck may be the best option for you. Whether you only want to focus on your lower belly pooch or you want tightening and toning to include your flanks and upper abdomen as well, Dr. Viñas can create a personalized plan for you.
A tummy tuck is the only belly fat busting procedure that eliminates unattractive saggy, loose, and wrinkly skin and can tighten stretched-out muscles. It’s the most invasive and costly option, and it requires the most time off, usually 2-4 weeks. You will experience soreness and some pain after the procedure. Dr. Viñas can prescribe the appropriate medication to help you feel more comfortable during your recovery.
Bottom line: If you want dramatic results and a procedure that eliminates saggy skin, and you’re comfortable with the time off and cost, a tummy tuck can give you the flat, toned stomach of your dreams.
