Do I Need a Tummy Tuck or Body Lift?

Do I Need a Tummy Tuck or Body Lift? | Dr. Shaun Parson, Scottsdale

Do I Need a Tummy Tuck or Body Lift?

Tummy tucks and body lifts have some similarities, and for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight, it might be confusing to figure out which procedure is best for you. Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center specializes in both types of surgeries and will work with patients to determine the best surgery for optimal results.

A tummy tuck is often paired with liposuction and removes excess skin from the abdomen. The exact incision length will vary person to person based on fat distribution, but the common incision is hipbone to hipbone (with the scar easily hidden below underwear waistbands or within bathing suits).

A body lift is unlike a tummy tuck in that it goes all the way around. It’s also known as a circumferential tummy tuck. This is the preferred procedure for patients who have excess skin in the belly area, their sides, as well as their back. Body lifts aren’t as common as tummy tucks simply because patients don’t tend to have sagging skin in the back area.

It’s possible to remove pockets of fat on the sides and back with liposuction without needing a body lift. However, for those with excess skin around their entire trunk, a body lift may be recommended. Everyone has different degrees of elasticity in their skin based on their age, genetics, and how much collagen and elastin their skin has. Less elasticity means a higher chance of excess skin when a lot of weight is lost.

If you’re a good candidate for a body lift, the incision is just as easy to hide as a tummy tuck scar. It is kept low enough to be situated below underwear lines. Some patients opt to complement a body lift with a butt lift. This maximizes the results and makes the derriere perkier while banishing crepe-like textures. Butt lift incision scars are very easy to hide in the folds of the buttocks, or can even be the same incision used for the body lift depending on the client.

Schedule a Consultation at Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center Today!

Learn more about body lifts, tummy tucks, butt lifts, and other procedures by scheduling a consultation with “Top Doc” Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center today.