Abdominoplasty (also known as a “tummy tuck”) is a procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the stomach area and tightens abdomen muscles for a slimmer, more toned appearance.
As with liposuction (which works to remove fat), a tummy tuck can also contour and tighten the stomach in those who may suffer from obesity or weight gain.
Liposuction may also be part of the tummy tuck procedure, depending on the look you are hoping to achieve.
Before undergoing this type of procedure, you must first ensure that you are a good candidate for surgery and that you have found a reputable, board-certified Toronto surgeon who can safely achieve the results you are looking for.
However, if you are still in the process of losing weight or planning to have children in the future, a tummy tuck may not be the best option.
In that case, there are some non-surgical alternatives to a tummy tuck that can help you achieve similar results. Keep on reading to find out the latest procedures in body contouring.
Alternative Tummy Tuck Treatments
As with any surgical procedure, a tummy tuck can come with risks and complications. Some of these include scarring, infection, and poor healing. It’s best to discuss risks and complications with your surgeon before deciding if a tummy tuck is right for you.
Those who plan on having children later on or are still in the process of weight loss may be better off delaying their tummy tuck treatment.
This is because the muscles that are tightened during surgery can be loosened again through weight loss or pregnancy.
Also, it’s important to remember that a tummy tuck treatment will usually leave some scarring on the stomach area. It’s up to you to decide if the pros outweigh the cons.
If you don’t feel like a tummy tuck is the right option for you, there are some alternative treatments that can help tone your stomach.
Liposuction, mini-tuck, and other treatments, such as CoolSculpting and ThermiTight, can achieve similar results. Skin can be tightened with non-surgical treatments such as Renuvion or BodyTite, and also come with less downtime than the traditional tummy tuck.
The Traditional Tummy Tuck and Its Limitations
A tummy tuck is great for excess fat and loose skin in the abdomen area. It is performed by removing excess skin and fat, tightening connective tissue with sutures, and creating a more toned look with the skin remaining.
If you are noticing changes in weight gain and abdomen fat or have experienced changes from pregnancy or ageing, you may have considered a tummy tuck before.
A tummy tuck can usually be done in combination with other cosmetic procedures such as breast implants or fat grafting, and if you’ve had a C-section, the existing scar may be incorporated into your tummy tuck scar.
While a tummy tuck can be a great option for many, it also has its limitations. For example, no tummy tuck can last forever without maintenance.
If you fail to exercise or maintain healthy habits after your tummy tuck procedure, chances are that your stomach will return to its regular weight.
As previously mentioned, pregnancies after the tummy tuck procedure can erase results and cause the belly to stretch and accumulate extra weight.
Keep in mind that tummy tucks are not designed to remove stretch marks either. So, if stretch marks are your primary concern, you may want to explore different treatment options.
If you are not sure whether you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck, speak to a board-certified plastic surgeon, as they have the knowledge to guide you toward your best options.
Non-Surgical Body-Contouring Techniques
If you are looking for a less invasive way to treat stubborn belly fat or sagging skin, rest assured that there are many options available for you on the market.
There are a number of methods that are used to reduce fat and contour certain areas of the body. Mainly, these approaches use freezing temperatures, heat, lasers, and even injectable acids to destroy fat.
The best candidates for non-surgical body-contouring techniques are those who are close to their ideal weight already but may simply want to tighten up or tone specific areas of the body. Non-surgical body contouring is not the best option for those looking to lose a significant amount of fat.
If you decide on the non-surgical route, there are many procedures that you can try. Keep in mind that you should first discuss with your doctor or surgeon which method will be the best for you.
For example, CoolSculpting, which uses cryolipolysis to freeze fat cells, is good for targeting fat under the chin, and on the abdomen, thighs, and arms.
Another technique is radiofrequency lipolysis, which uses ultrasound technology to contour specific areas of the body. It is generally a very gentle procedure.
All in all, non-surgical body-contouring techniques are far less invasive than traditional tummy tucks and require less downtime and aftercare. They are also typically less expensive, though they may require multiple treatments to attain your desired goals.
Cost Comparison Between Tummy Tuck Surgery and Non-Surgical Alternatives
One of the main deciding factors between a traditional tummy tuck and non-surgical alternatives is cost and affordability.
Generally, non-surgical procedures are less expensive than surgical procedures. According to recent statistics, the typical cost of a tummy tuck is approximately $6,154.
There are additional fees that will need to be accounted for, such as anesthesia fees and any hospital costs you may incur. The cost of a tummy tuck can vary depending on the surgeon that you go to and their experience level.
On the other hand, the typical cost for non-surgical fat reduction is $1,437. This price can also vary depending on how many procedures are needed, or if you require further medications or facility costs.
Ultimately, you should discuss pricing with your plastic surgeon beforehand and have a good idea of how much you are roughly willing to spend. It goes without saying that you should never skimp on the cost of a reputable, board-certified Toronto plastic surgeon.
Regardless of cost, you will want to make sure the person performing your surgery or procedures is qualified and has the necessary expertise to make your treatment successful. Remember, the benefits of tummy tucks can only be achieved through a skilled surgeon who has the right qualifications.
Look Slimmer and Feel Your Best
In conclusion, only you can decide for yourself if a tummy tuck is the best option for your extra fat and loose belly skin. While some people may not mind a slight scar on their abdomen and the downtime associated with surgery, others may feel like trying alternative avenues before going the surgical route.
Always discuss the pros and cons with your surgeon before going into any treatment, and remember to do your own research beforehand.
Ultimately, a tummy tuck can give you great results and make you feel like you have a whole new lease on life. Tummy tucks can shrink problematic belly fat and reduce sagging skin, giving you a tighter, more toned abdomen.
If you’d like to try some non-surgical alternatives, there are options like Vaser Liposuction, CoolSculpting, and more. Non-surgical treatments use techniques such as heat and cold, bi-polar radio frequency energy, infrared light, and other methods to penetrate fat cells and smooth and tone the skin.
Rest assured that whatever approach you decide on, there are plenty of options available to you. After all, feeling and looking your best should be an attainable goal for everyone.
AUTHOR’S BIO:
Erin Gregory is a blogger in Toronto. She is currently working as a Community Manager for several small businesses. She has graduated with honors from the University of British Columbia with a dual degree in Health Sciences and Creative Writing. When not working, she eagerly shares her wealth of knowledge about all things health and business solutions. Erin’s unique insight and expertise makes for powerful content.
