Tummy Tuck or Liposuction? Which Is Right for Your Muffin Top?

For women, it’s called a muffin top. For men, it’s called love handles. Either way, it’s that stubborn roll of fat above your waistline that sticks out over your jeans, pants, and workout leggings. 

Stubborn fat doesn’t just look bad, it can be problematic to your health. Exercise and diet are important but don't usually remove the fat completely. That's where tummy tuck and liposuction come in. 

But, which one is more effective?

Frederick H. Watkins, MD offers both procedures to his patients. With offices in Rockville, Maryland and McLean, Virginia, the entire team is here to make you look and feel good. 

The problems of muffin top

There are basically two types of belly fat: subcutaneous and visceral. Subcutaneous is the fat you can grab with your hands. Visceral is the more internal fat. While visceral fat protects your abdominal organs, it can cause a lot of major health issues. It increases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, colon cancer, and type 2 diabetes. It can also cause gallbladder issues in women.

Tips to tighten your belly

There are ways you can get rid of belly fat on your own, but keep in mind, these tips will not “spot reduce” that muffin top. 

1. 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week
2. Eat well and get enough fiber
3. Sleep six to seven hours a night
4. Reduce stress and stay mentally healthy

Stick with these tips before and after your procedure to maintain your results long-term. Then, consult with Dr. Watkins to determine which procedure is best for you.

Tummy tuck or liposuction?

Both of these procedures involve incisions and anesthesia. However, with liposuction, a local anesthetic might be enough. While both can help you reach your goal and provide similar results, they’re very different procedures. 

Dr. Watkins will recommend what he believes will work best for you and your individual condition. Here’s what you should know before your first consultation: 

Learn about liposuction

Liposuction is not for weight loss or if you’re obese. It’s to remove fat deposits from your belly and other areas. A tube is inserted through the incision and fat is removed with a medical vacuum. Sometimes, more than one procedure is needed. 

The results are meant to last and help create a flatter belly. But it’s possible for fat deposits to show up in other places of your body if you don’t keep to the same diet and exercise regimen.

A tight belly with a tummy tuck 

A tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty) is performed under general anesthesia. It is not recommended in certain situations like a BMI over 30, a chronic heart condition, and if you’re currently trying to lose weight, or plan to get pregnant in the future. This surgery tightens loose muscles and removes excess skin. It's considered permanent because it strengthens and stabilizes your abdominal wall. 

Liposuction and tummy tuck are both done as outpatient procedures (i.e. no hospital admission). The recovery times for these procedures vary from person to person and depend on the extent of fat removal.  

There are pros and cons to each procedure. Dr. Watkins will guide you based on your desires, health history, and a full examination.

Now is the time to get rid of that muffin top. Contact us here to schedule an appointment at our Maryland or Virginia office.