How do I know if I need an abdominoplasty or if liposuction is enough?

This is a really common question whose answer depends on several factors.

Firstly, most Plastic Surgeons won't offer an abdominoplasty (tummy-tuck) to women who want to have children in the near future. This is because the extra skin allows the abdomen to stretch during the next pregnancy. If it's removed during an abdominoplasty further stretch marks might appear from the pregnancy that would have been prevented if the patient waited until her child bearing was over.

Secondly, the age of the patient and the skin's snappiness will also affect the surgeon's decision. This is because the skin's ability to shrink to the new size after liposuction is dependant on its tone. Older skin, or skin with poor tone, will not shrink in size after liposuction. In these instances its better to surgically remove the excess skin with a tummy-tuck to give the skin a tightened appearance.

As always the doctor performing these procedures should be a board certified Plastic Surgeon, and the patient's medical condition should be evaluated prior to surgery.