We are all familiar with the health benefits of exercise, but the main reason many of us work out is because of its effect on our appearance. There is something deeply satisfying about seeing visible results from our hard work at the gym. Yet for some, those desired body changes just don’t happen, even after much diligence and patience. If you feel like you have tried everything from crunches to no-sugar diets and still can’t get rid of that flabby belly, you may want to consider a cosmetic procedure. But how do you decide on the right procedure for you?

Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Tummy Procedures

You’ve seen the advertisements telling you how much you need the latest non-surgical treatment to tighten your skin and get rid of that stubborn belly fat. And, they say you can have it all without any surgery. Cities across the country that have clinics offering radiofrequency, ultrasound, and cryolipolysis treatments to tighten your skin or help you lose fat. Non-surgical options can seem attractive at first glance. But things that seem too good to be true usually are. For the perfect candidate, non-surgical treatments might be able to give the results they advertise, but there are a few things you should think about before you make the final decision between one of those options and a tummy tuck in Lubbock.

Tummy Tuck in Lubbock: The Only Complete Treatment for Sagging Belly Skin

Excess skin around the abdomen can be the result of pregnancy, significant weight loss, or genetics. Non-surgical procedures can reduce fat and help firm the skin. But even with multiple treatments, moderate or severe sagging cannot be corrected. A traditional tummy tuck is still the tried and true option to remove sagging, excess skin from around your abdomen.

Non-surgical treatments are not patient-specific options. Results from these treatments can be unpredictable as each person responds to the procedure differently. A highly trained surgeon will carefully tailor a tummy tuck in Lubbock to address the specific needs of the patient. Surgical results are more predictable, and patient satisfaction is higher with a traditional tummy tuck. The advertisements with perfect models do not give the full story on non-surgical tummy tuck alternatives.

Not All Tummy Tucks are Created Equal

A tummy tuck is the plastic surgery procedure that removes saggy, excessive skin around your tummy area. While it can be combined with liposuction, this procedure is not a weight loss treatment. Patients need to have realistic expectations and have clear communication with their board-certified surgeon about the procedure, recovery, and expected results. A tummy tuck is not a one-size-fits all procedure: talk to your doctor about which of the three forms of tummy tuck surgery will work best for you.

Mini Tummy Tuck

This type of tummy tuck in Lubbock is often referred to as the “scarless tummy tuck.” The incision for this procedure is relatively small compared to a standard tummy tuck because it removes less skin. This procedure is the best choice for individuals with that small pooch below the belly button that resists diet and exercise. The surgery is done with an incision in the lower abdominal wall that reaches the navel. Unlike other versions of tummy tucks, the navel itself typically does not need to be repositioned during a mini tummy tuck. After making the incisions, the surgeon will remove extra skin and tighten the abdominal muscles. Because this procedure is a less invasive plastic surgery, patients typically experience a quick recovery. Patients are usually back to their everyday activities within a week’s time and can manage their pain with over-the-counter pain medications.

Standard Tummy Tuck

Like the mini tummy tuck, the traditional tummy tuck is recommended for men and women in good physical health. Unlike the mini tuck, however, individuals seeking this surgery have a more sizable amount of skin to remove. Patients with weakened abdominal muscles due to past pregnancies or who have experienced significant weight loss will benefit from a standard tummy tuck in Lubbock. This surgery requires a larger incision, which runs in a straight line between the hip bones. Your doctor can suggest if you liposuction would be a beneficial addition to remove extra fat.

With a larger portion of the skin removed during this procedure, the belly button is repositioned. Patients get back on their feet and into regular routines by 2 to 4 weeks after surgery. It’s important to rest as much as possible in the first few weeks and not try to jump right back into your life’s activities too quickly.

Extended Tummy Tuck

An extended tummy tuck addresses surgical needs beyond that of the standard tummy tuck. A patient with excess fat and skin around the abdomen as well as their hips and the sides of their lower back, would benefit from the extended tummy tuck approach. The incision for this procedure is longer than for the traditional tummy tuck in Lubbock, covering all the areas being addressed – the abdomen, hips, and lower back. This procedure is nearly always paired with liposuction for better contouring results. Again, the abdominal muscles are tightened, targeted skin is excised, and the navel is repositioned. The more extensive your surgery, the longer your recovery time will be. Always give yourself plenty of time to allow your body to heal properly.

Have Confidence in Your Tummy Tuck With Dr. Jane Rowley

The more information you have about your plastic surgery options, the better decisions you can make for your body. Dr. Jane Rowley is the leading plastic surgeon in Lubbock who takes the time to explain your options for a tummy tuck in Lubbock along with recovery and result expectations thoroughly. If you are tired of carrying around that extra pooch of saggy skin in your abdominal area, call our office to schedule a no-obligation consultation with Dr. Rowley today.