Tummy Tuck vs. Laser Skin Tightening
Excess fat accumulation around the waist region is a common aesthetic concern today. This condition may not occur only in overweight people, but may also affect people with moderate body weight. Aging, heredity factors, sedentary lifestyle, certain medications, and other reasons may be responsible for this condition. If the fat deposits are stubborn, and do not respond to diet or exercise, it may require the patient to opt for a cosmetic procedure for fat reduction.
Tummy tuck plastic surgery is one of the most effective procedures to reduce excess skin and fat around the abdominal area. It can help restore a flatter and firmer abdomen, which can be maintained for the long run with a good diet and exercise regimen. However, if the patient is unwilling to opt for tummy tuck surgery, the surgeon may offer other treatment options such as laser skin tightening. Dr. Brian J. Parker is an experienced plastic surgeon providing tummy tuck and other treatments to patients in and around Las Vegas.
When to Use Laser Skin Tightening?
If the patient is keen to avoid tummy tuck surgery, it may be a marvelous idea to undergo laser skin tightening procedure, provided the following conditions are met:
- The patient needs only a minor improvement in the appearance of the abdominal area.
- The primary concern of the patient is to reduce the loose skin around the tummy.
- Excess fat removal is not required, or the patient is willing to combine laser skin tightening with mini tummy tuck or laser based abdominal liposuction surgery.
- Underlying abdominal muscles are not separated or weakened.
- Repositioning of the belly button is not necessary.
Laser skin tightening is essentially designed to firm up the loose skin in the tummy area, and reduce the skin folds and deep wrinkles that may make the area appear unsightly. Particularly, when laser skin tightening is combined with laser liposuction or a mini tummy tuck, it can produce very significant aesthetic outcomes in most cases. Patients in Las Vegas and surrounding areas may consult with Dr. Parker about the most suitable procedure or treatment combination in their case.
When a Tummy Tuck is more suited?
In case of laser skin tightening, the results may not be very predictable. If the patient is unhappy with the appearance of stretch marks or has significant redundant skin in the tummy area, the condition will not respond to laser skin tightening. A mini tummy tuck or partial abdominoplasty may be used if it is necessary to remove excess skin under the umbilicus. If loose skin is present above the umbilicus or around the belly button, only a full tummy tuck may provide the best solution.
If the abdominal bulge is substantial, then tummy tuck surgery is the right option. It will flatten the bulge, contour the abdomen and tighten the loose skin. The surgeon will make the incision in an inconspicuous way to hide the scar. This is the only tradeoff when compared to laser skin tightening, but the benefits are much greater.
If you would like to learn more about the plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Brian J. Parker by contacting us at (702) 240-9500.