Southern Surgical Arts Educates Patients on Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck

As 2015 swings into gear, many people are seeking ways to improve their look. The doctors and medical staff at Southern Surgical Arts are committed to helping patients make the right decision when it comes to exploring cosmetic surgery.

According to Dr. Chad Deal, two of the most popular procedures in his practice are liposuction and tummy tucks. "Many patients come in thinking they want liposuction, when the better option to meet
his/her goal is a tummy tuck," Deal said. "While liposuction can permanently remove excess fat around the waistline and lower abdomen, unlike the tummy tuck, it cannot remedy excess skin or weak muscles that cause your abdomen to bulge," he added.

At Southern Surgical Arts, we frequently combine liposculpture with a tummy tuck procedure so that we can address lax skin and weak muscles with surgery, as well as create more beautiful contours via liposuction," Deal said. "In recent years, there is a better understanding of the anatomy and benefits of multiple techniques that has resulted in a revolution in patient satisfaction with tummy tucks. It's not just about getting rid of loose skin anymore, we can truly give men or women a beach-ready body without scars showing."

Dr. Deal lists five signs that a tummy tuck might be appropriate instead of liposuction for certain clients looking to enhance their look:

1. Loose abdominal muscles. If the abdominal muscles seem resistant to exercise and are no longer providing the support needed, a tummy tuck surgery can address this problem.

A skilled cosmetic surgeon can separate the layers of skin and fat from the muscle and then pull the muscles together at the midline, creating a tighter, firmer and flatter stomach.

2. Extreme skin laxity and excess fat. If the skin has little to no elasticity left, patients will likely need a tummy tuck to improve its appearance. Once skin has become lax and "stretched out," even removing any fat behind it will not correct the problem. Skin laxity is not only caused by the stretching that occurs during pregnancy, it also can occur in people who have lost significant weight via dieting or gastric bypass. Tummy tucks are not just for mommies, but for anyone who has excess skin and fat, including men.

3. Still wearing maternity clothes months (or years) after giving birth. If, after a year of dieting and exercise following giving birth, women haven't seen any improvement and find wearing non-maternity clothes uncomfortable, they might wish to discuss a tummy tuck with a skilled and experienced cosmetic surgeon. Additionally, if a patient has slimmed down considerably after dieting or bypass surgery, he or she may be frustrated to have lost so many pounds only to find clothing options are still limited.

4. Significant stretch marks. Unfortunately, there is still no perfect solution for stretch marks. Color of new stretch marks can be faded significantly - and sometimes improve the texture of old ones - but there is currently no treatment that can permanently erase them. However, if patients have excess skin removed during a tummy tuck, most stretch marks will be removed as well. If there are any remaining stretch marks, they will likely be much lower on the abdomen where they are less visible.

5. Medical Skin Problems. Besides the common feeling of uncomfortable, overlapping skin caused by friction on itself, many patients experience yeast infections in the skin folds. This is resistant to standard medical treatment because the folds create a moist, dark environment that encourages the overgrowth of fungal organisms. By removing the skin overlaps, this recreates a healthy skin environment for the body's natural immune system to keep the skin flora in check.

Candidates for a tummy tuck procedure are generally:
Ages 25-65
Non-smoker
Generally in good health
Desire a flatter stomach and a more beautiful, sculpted waistline
Does not plan on future pregnancies

Candidates for liposuction procedure are generally:

Ages 18-65
Non-smoker
Generally in good health
Desire aesthetic enhancement of the body
Desire restoration of a more youthful figure/shape

Both procedures are available for both men and women.

MORE INFORMATION

To learn more about tummy tucks and liposuction or to schedule a free consultation, contact Southern Surgical Arts at 423-266-3331 or visit www.southernsurgicalarts.com. Doctors Chad Deal and partner Carey Nease are both fellowshiptrained and Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeons. Dr. Nease also holds a board certification in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Combined, Dr. Deal and Dr. Nease have more than 15 years of experience. Their practice at Southern Surgical Arts is 100% committed, focused and dedicated to cosmetic and facial plastic surgery. Since 2004. they have performed more than 11,500 major cosmetic procedures.

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