Stubborn belly fat, loose skin, and body changes after pregnancy or weight loss can make it frustrating to get the shape you want, even with steady exercise and healthy habits. At DRG Cosmetic Surgery, Miami plastic surgeon Dr. Sam Gershenbaum brings more than 20 years of experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. His work in body contouring, tummy tuck surgery, liposuction, and revision procedures helps him recommend options based on your body, goals, and concerns.
What Liposuction Can Treat
Liposuction is often a good fit when your main concern is stubborn fat in specific areas. It can be used on the abdomen, waist, flanks, hips, thighs, arms, chin, chest, back, and other spots where fat tends to linger.
This procedure may make sense when you are near your usual weight but still notice fullness around your midsection or waistline. Liposuction can help sculpt these areas through small incisions, but it does not tighten loose skin or repair stretched abdominal muscles.
Skin quality matters. When the skin has enough elasticity, it can contract more smoothly after fat removal. When skin is stretched or hanging, another procedure may be a better match.
What a Tummy Tuck Can Treat
A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, does more than remove fat. It can remove extra skin and tighten weakened or separated abdominal muscles, which liposuction alone cannot correct.
This surgery is often chosen after pregnancy, weight changes, aging, or previous procedures. You may be a better candidate for a tummy tuck if you have loose skin, a lower belly overhang, stretch marks on skin that can be removed, or a midsection that still protrudes because the muscles have stretched.
A tummy tuck usually involves more recovery than liposuction, but it can create a flatter, firmer look when skin and muscle changes are part of the concern.
Can Liposuction and a Tummy Tuck Be Combined?
Yes. Some people need both fat removal and skin tightening to see a more complete change in the waist and abdomen. DRG Cosmetic Surgery notes that liposuction of the hips, waist, or flanks is often performed with abdominoplasty to improve the waistline and back.
During your visit, Dr. Gershenbaum can examine your abdomen, review your goals, and talk through what makes sense for your body. You can also view before-and-after photos to better understand the type of changes these procedures can make.
Schedule a Body Contouring Consultation in Miami
Choosing between liposuction and a tummy tuck starts with a one-on-one exam. To discuss body contouring in Miami with Dr. Sam Gershenbaum at DRG Cosmetic Surgery, schedule a consultation or call 305-933-1838.