If you are struggling with stubborn excess skin or fat around your abdomen, you may be at your wits’ end trying to figure out how to get rid of it. Thankfully, there are several surgical options that can help you remove this unwanted skin and fat and end the struggle once and for all. But how do you know which procedure is right for you? You’ve probably heard of an abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck,” but did you know there’s another procedure called a belt lipectomy that may do an even better job getting you the results you want?

If you’re ready to take the next step and do away with excess skin and fat around your abdomen but don’t know which procedure will be best for you, keep reading!

Abdominoplasty

An abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen, improving the look and tone of the torso. An abdominoplasty has the added bonus of toning and tightening the abdominal muscles and fascia of the muscle wall. It is an ideal surgery for those who have experienced major weight loss or pregnancy, as it removes any sagging skin left behind. It can even repair a common pregnancy-related issue called diastasis recti, which is the separation of the abdominal muscles. Men can get diastasis recti, too, but from things like yo-yo dieting and improper form during exercises like weightlifting and sit-ups.

Belt Lipectomy

For patients with a larger volume of excess skin and fat to be removed, such as patients who have had weight loss surgery or who have lost a dramatic amount of weight, a belt lipectomy may be a better fit. A belt lipectomy is like an abdominoplasty but extends all the way around the torso, allowing for the re-suspension of the lateral and interior thighs in addition to improvements to the abdomen. Developed by plastic surgeon Dr. Ted Lockwood, the belt lipectomy works with deeper tissue than the abdominoplasty and is ideal for patients with loose, hanging skin around the abdomen and thighs.

Which Is Right for You?

While only Dr. Chau can make the call as to which procedure is best suited for your body, you are likely a good candidate for abdominoplasty if you only have a minor amount of excess skin and fat to be removed. If you have had weight loss surgery or lost a great deal of weight with significant deposits of excess skin, you may be better suited to a belt lipectomy.

If you would like to learn more about which procedure is best for you, please call 888-966-9471 and set up a consultation with Dr. Chau today.