Ann - What is the difference between a tummy tuck and Smartlipo? How do I know which would be better for me? A tummy tuck involves cutting out loose abdominal skin and closing you back together. You can also repair the abdominal wall at the same time. Many women developed very loose skin that hangs down along with stretched fascia (the fusion point between the six pack muscles often comes apart and your internal organs can poke outwards making you look pregnant). An abundance of loose skin can also develop after significant weight loss. If you are in this category, a tummy tuck is your best option. SmartLipo using laser energy (focused light essentially) that targets the water content in fat and skin. As a liposuction technology, it can be used to melt and then suction fat. It can also be used to treat mild skin laxity. The heat from the laser stimulates new collagen formation (“neocollagenesis”) and this is what leads to skin contraction. What procedure is right for you? The only way we can determine this is by evaluating you during a complimentary consultation in our office.
Dr. Pratt -
