Smartlipo versus Tummy Tuck: Which Is Right for You?

Have you been dieting and exercising for a long time, but have yet to develop the body you want? Are you looking for a safe and effective way to slim down or tone up? Plastic surgeon Joseph Tamburrino, MD at Tamburrino Plastic Surgery & Med Spa offers two solutions: tummy tucks and Smartlipo by Cynosure.

How can you tell which option is right for you?

Why you should consider a tummy tuck

Tummy tucks, also called abdominoplasty, involve surgery to remove unwanted fat from your stomach area. Both men and women have benefitted from this procedure, but it’s most common among women who want to get their former bodies back post-pregnancy. Even after losing weight the old-fashioned way via diet and exercise, many people still have loose, flabby skin left behind.

Tummy tucks can help solve the issue of poor skin elasticity, fat deposits you can’t get rid of, unwanted skin around the navel, and abdominal stretch marks. These issues can remain no matter how hard you work out or how healthy you eat. They can also help strengthen the abdominal muscles, leading to a better-toned body.

What to expect during a tummy tuck

After devising a personalized treatment plan, your tummy tuck will be performed either in Dr. Tamburrino’s office or a nearby hospital. Typically, the procedure, which requires anesthesia, is about three hours long.

You’ll have to wear a compression garment immediately after the procedure, but you’ll be able to go back to your normal activities between 1-2 weeks later, and more strenuous activities around 4-6 weeks. Side effects are fairly minimal and include swelling, bruising, and redness. They will disappear on their own.

Why you should consider Smartlipo

Also referred to as laser lipo, this procedure is similar to a tummy tuck in that it helps improve skin elasticity and tightness. The difference is in the technique: laser energy eliminates stubborn fat cells and then sucks them out.

Targeting the fat cells with laser wavelengths makes it easier to get rid of them. The laser also stimulates the production of collagen, which is a protein that helps increase the skin’s elasticity and overall tightness.

Liposuction is not for people who want to lose weight. Rather, it’s ideal for people who just need an extra boost in getting closer to their ideal weight. In other words, it’s for people who are already involved in dieting and exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle.

There is less pain and recovery time involved in Smartlipo, but some patients may benefit from regular liposuction instead. Talk to your doctor about what’s right for you.

What to expect during Smartlipo

After discussing a custom treatment plan, your Smartlipo procedure will be performed with local anesthesia to numb the part of your body being treated. Otherwise, you will remain awake for the entire process. The Smartlipo laser travels through a small tube, which destroys fat cells before they are suctioned out. The surrounding skin is tightened through a process called coagulation, so you won’t have to worry about sagging later. The entire process takes at most two hours, and because the area is anesthetized, you won’t feel much more than mild pressure during the procedure.

Following the procedure, you can expect some aching, and you may also experience some bruising, but the discomfort won’t be much worse than the pangs following a physical workout. You may also need to wear a compression garment for a short period, depending on which body area was treated, but you should be back to normal in 1-2 days.

Learn more about Smartlipo and tummy tucks

If either of these procedures sounds appealing to you, you should schedule a consultation with Dr. Tamburrino to discuss both your body goals and medical history. Together, you can then develop the ideal procedure to help you get the body you want. Call today to schedule an appointment at the Doylestown, Pennsylvania location. You can also schedule an appointment at the location of your choice online.