The panniculectomy or tummy tuck removes the excess skin and fat from the abdomen as well as tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall. Liposuction of the abdominal region removes deposits of excess fat only. Liposuction is a less invasive procedure than the panniculectomy.

Dr. Spence does combine tummy tucks with liposuction on other areas of the body. It is his preference to perform liposuction of the abdomen in a separate stage.

Otherwise known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck is a operative method intended to make the abdominal region look better. By getting rid of the extra fat and skin and reducing the muscles of the abdomen, the tummy is made flat. Usually the price of a tummy tuck is not covered by insurance, although in some situations, such as spreading of the anterior muscles or a hernia, insurance may cover a portion of the cost.

A tummy tuck is advantageous if you have a significant amount of excess skin, poor skin laxity, excessive lower abdominal stretch marks, and weak or stretched abdominal muscles (from weight loss or pregnancy). Liposuction is the alternative if you have strong abdominal muscles, good skin tone, and localized fat deposits on the abdomen.

Definitely, however, not all patients are good candidates for liposuction at the same time as a tummy tuck. It depends on the patient and Dr. Wu will let you know during your consultation.

Sometimes. We often do liposuction of the thighs or other areas during a tummy tuck. We do not do liposuction of the abdomen itself during a tummy tuck because this would interfere with wound healing and is usually not necessary because we are creating a very good contour in this area with the tummy tuck procedure. Read more about liposuction.

It depends on the shape and condition of your abdomen. If you have tight skin and a moderate amount of fat, liposuction might provide a good result. If you have hanging or loose skin or stretch marks, you will probably have a better result from a tummy tuck.

Tummy tuck results can be extremely long-term. By eating well and remaining in good physical shape you can preserve it.

Even though times are different depending on each individuals situation, the common tummy tuck surgery can be anywhere from two to five hours long.

If anesthesia is used for the operation then it should not be hurt. You will, however, feel uncomfortable and have some tenderness. Your surgeon will provide you with medicine for these symptoms.

The doctor will examine your abdominal area and help you make the decision based on your skin and what results you are trying to obtain.

A mini tummy tuck is generally not as extensive and both the surgery and the recovery period are typically shorter than a full tummy tuck. A mini tummy tuck can be done if the stubborn areas are located in the lower abdomen wall only. The procedure is performed between the areas from the naval to the pubic bone, the most frequent site of elasticity loss. An ideal candidate for the procedure will have issues that are not severe enough for a full abdominoplasty.

An abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is a cosmetic surgery that can improve the look and contour of the abdominal area. This surgery removes minimal to moderate amounts of extra skin and tissue from the abdominal area and frequently involves tightening of the abdominal muscles to improve the appearance of the abdomen and often the waist as well. Patients seeking abdominoplasty generally are interested in returning to a figure similar to that prior to pregnancy and weight loss.

If you have excess, loose skin, have had children, and are older than 45 years, then you probably need a tummy tuck as opposed to liposuction. The two procedures can be combined in one surgery to refine the results of the tummy tuck.

Before receiving a treatment consult your practitioner. Usually, you must wait until the compressive garments come off. No. In fact, it is highly recommended that you add diet and exercise to the routine you follow while undergoing Endermologie® treatments. In most cases, this improves results. Definitely. For problem areas such as "love handles" and loose pectoral tissues, results have been excellent.

This partial procedure removes excess skin in a smaller area of the belly (just the lower part of the abdomen) than with a complete abdominoplasty. Unlike in a full abdominoplasty, the belly button is usually not moved. The surgeon may tighten the abdominal muscles along with removing skin and fat. A mini-abdominoplasty can give very good results.

Tummy tucks are often associated with a scar from hip bone to hip bone. In this procedure, the belly button is repositioned causing a small scar surrounding it. Although the lower abdominal/pubic scar is usually covered when a bathing suit is worn, the scars are visible without clothes. The scars will fade with time.