Who doesn’t want a flatter stomach? If you have ever thought about getting cosmetic surgery to help flatten your stomach, you are probably aware that there are a few options available. The two most common cosmetic procedures for flattening the belly area are abdominoplasty (also more commonly known as “tummy tucks”) and liposuction. While Dr. Talebzadeh uses both procedures to help improve the appearance of the abdominal area, they are very different and provide different results.

For more information on how a tummy tuck or liposuction in San Diego/Chula Vista can benefit you, please reach out to Dr. Nojan Talebzadeh and his expert team at Eastlake Cosmetic for personalized care.

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck involves an incision across the lower part of the abdomen, typically along the bikini line to aid in the healing and post-surgery scarring process. Any excess skin is removed and any loose muscles along the abdominal wall are tightened. The skin that is remaining is then stretched over the abdominal area, thus leaving the result of a tighter, flatter tummy. Tummy tucks are outpatient procedures and the procedure can last anywhere from 2 to 5 hours, depending on the overall condition of the patient and what may be required to complete the process. Patients are typically placed under local or general anesthesia.

Liposuction

Liposuction is a procedure done to remove fatty tissue that is centralized to a specific area. This is why liposuction is a common procedure performed in the abdominal area where there may be stubborn fat bulges that will not go away, regardless of the diet or exercise changes that you may make. Unlike a tummy tuck, liposuction is less invasive and does not require a large incision. The process involves tiny incisions around the trouble area where fatty tissue is then broken down and extracted. Unlike a tummy tuck, liposuction does not eliminate any extra skin or stretch marks.

Tummy Tuck and Liposuction Together

Tummy tucks and liposuctions are often performed together. Liposuction, as noted above, is helpful for removing stubborn fat cells. This is sometimes necessary when performing a tummy tuck if the patient has excess fat that can be removed for optimal results. While not always performed together, it is not uncommon that the two procedures are recommended and performed at the same time.

Which Procedure is Best for Me?

Both tummy tucks and liposuction procedures are great for contouring and providing the result of a slimmer, toned abdomen. However, whether you should consider tummy tuck or liposuction is certainly something to discuss with Dr. Nojan Talebzadeh first. He can make the best recommendation based on your body and the results you wish to achieve.

Generally, a tummy tuck is a better solution for a patient that has excess skin (for example, after a significant amount of weight loss), while liposuction is ideal for someone that has toned abdominal muscles with not a lot of excess skin, and stubborn fat cells that won’t go away. Dr. Talebzadeh will evaluate your trouble areas and the condition of your abdominal area, along with your overall health, and can make a recommendation for what’s best for you, which could be a tummy tuck, liposuction—or both!

For both procedures, a patient should be at or near their ideal, target weight. If they have more than 10 to 15 pounds to still lose, most doctors will recommend that they get down to their goal weight first and maintain that stable target weight before moving forward with the procedure. The reason for this is to provide you the best results from whichever procedure you get.

Tummy Tuck and Liposuction in San Diego/Chula Vista

If you are interested in a flatter, toned stomach, please contact us at Eastlake Cosmetic today to discuss whether a tummy tuck, liposuction, or possibly both procedures may be best for you! Our team at Eastlake are experienced in helping patients achieve the body they desire with a tummy tuck or liposuction in San Diego/Chula Vista. You can reach us at (619) 216-8000 or contact us online to schedule your initial consultation!