What Is the Difference Between a Body Lift and a Tummy Tuck, and Which Is Right for Me?

There are several different body contouring procedures available. Tummy tuck surgery is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures that men and women can have to rejuvenate their body aesthetic. And while tummy surgery (abdominoplasty) is a transformative surgical procedure that can help patients look and feel younger and more toned than they have in years, a body lift offers even more complete and stunning corrections to the body. Below, you will find information about both tummy tuck and body lift surgeries to help you decide which procedure may be right for you!

 

What Is a Tummy Tuck, and How Is It Performed?

Whether from age or lifestyle, many men and women develop excess fat and sagging skin in their midsection. After tummy tuck surgery, you will be left with a trim and contoured abdomen that will help improve your confidence. 

For this procedure, an incision is made above your pubic area, generally stretching from hip to hip. Liposuction surgery may be used to eliminate any fat that may be present in the area. Your abdominal muscles will be tightened with the use of internal sutures to give you a firmer and stronger midsection. Loose and sagging skin will then be surgically removed, and the remaining skin will be pulled tight before the incisions are closed. 

What Is a Body Lift, and How Is It Performed?

A body lift works to correct aesthetic issues in the entire abdominal area (including the sides and back) as well as the buttocks and/or thighs. These issues may include excess and sagging skin along with stubborn fat, which may be the result of age, lifestyle, or life events (such as pregnancy or extreme weight loss). 

For this procedure, your cosmetic surgeon will make incisions in the various target areas. Liposuction will be used to remove any stubborn fat present. Loose muscles in the area will be tightened with internal sutures, and then any sagging skin will be removed. The remaining skin will be tightened and lifted to a more aesthetically pleasing appearance, and then the incisions will be closed.

After your body lift, you will have a thinner, more toned appearance to your waist, butt, and thighs to help you feel happier and more comfortable with your appearance.

Which Procedure Is Right for Me?

The truth is that both tummy tuck and body lift surgeries help to rejuvenate your overall aesthetic. And while both procedures utilize many of the same surgical techniques and concepts, the extent of correction they offer varies. If your aesthetic issues are focused mainly on the abdomen and midsection, then a tummy tuck may be the right choice for you. However, if you are looking to have a more complete and extensive correction to your entire mid and lower body, then the body contouring that a body lift offers may be the best option.

At your consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss your aesthetic frustrations, concerns, and desires, and your plastic surgeon will have the opportunity to examine your condition to determine which procedure will give you the best results.

 

For more information about thigh lift surgery at Synergy Face + Body, please feel free to call us. If you are Inside the Beltline, call 919-335-6372. If you are in Raleigh, call 919-510-5130. You can also contact us online by filling out our online contact form.