A tummy tuck is a great way to get rid of stubborn fat and excess abdominal skin while also tightening weakened belly muscles. However, not everyone is willing to deal with the downtime, scarring, and recovery process associated with this plastic surgery. Researching what alternatives are available is one of the most important considerations you should make before choosing to move forward with your abdominoplasty. In this post, we explore some of the best minimally invasive abdominoplasty alternatives.

1. Liposuction

Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures. Compared to a traditional tummy tuck, liposuction is a less invasive treatment that might be a good alternative for qualified patients. During liposuction treatment, plastic surgeons use a special device known as a cannula to suction fat out from the problem areas (including the abdomen). Tiny incisions are created through which the cannula is inserted. The resulting scarring is hardly visible and much less extensive compared to a typical abdominoplasty procedure. Keep in mind though that liposuction is only a good fit for patients who have excess abdominal fat but good skin elasticity.

2. ThermiTight

ThermiTight is a reasonable tummy tuck alternative that utilizes a special Thermi device to apply heat energy to the abdominal region. Basically, tissues are heated to an optimal setting before the area is wrapped using compression bandaging. Following this treatment, patients enjoy tighter skin without any scarring or prolonged downtime. Because a specialized probe is used to monitor tissue temperatures during treatment, ThermiTight is considered to be a safe procedure. Plastic surgeons typically also use infrared cameras to monitor your skin during treatment and ensure that the right level of heat is applied to achieve the desired skin tightening objectives. This treatment might be an ideal tummy tuck alternative for patients who have loose abdominal skin but minimal fat.

3. CoolSculpting

This is another tummy tuck alternative that may help get rid of excess abdominal fat but without the need for surgery. A special CoolSculpting device applies intense cold to freeze fat cells and destroy them before they are removed from the body. This is a highly effective treatment with up to 20% of excess fat reduced in a single treatment session. Follow-up treatment may be arranged if more fat needs to be removed (based on the patient’s unique goals). CoolSculpting is not just a safe but also a highly effective non-surgical contouring treatment that can be used as a replacement to a tummy tuck (especially in patients with stubborn belly fat and good skin elasticity).

4. EmSculpt

An EMSCULPT is a non-surgical tummy tuck alternative that helps tighten and tone the abdominal muscles without the scarring and downtime associated with surgery. A special EMSCULPT device is used to induce muscle contractions that resemble natural muscle contractions but are stronger. A single treatment can create up to 20,000 muscle contractions (thus working your muscles out in a way that would be impossible to do with exercise). This treatment offers an excellent way for patients who are looking to achieve a firmer and flatter abdominal contour by toning their muscles. The recovery process is much easier although you might feel quite tender over the first couple of days.

5. Renuvion

This is a non-surgical skin tightening procedure that may also be used as a tummy tuck alternative especially in patients who have minimal excess fat and loose belly skin. This treatment is becoming increasingly popular because it tightens and rejuvenates loose skin in the abdomen and other areas without the need for extensive downtime and large surgical scars. Plastic surgeons achieve this treatment by using pro helium gas and radiofrequency to create a plasma (stream of energy). This energy then releases enough heat to contract skin and tighten it. In addition to the abdomen, Renuvion nonsurgical treatment could also be applied to the arm, flanks, breasts, butt, thighs, lower face, and knee.

Conclusion

These minimally invasive tummy tuck alternatives are a good fit for anyone who is looking to achieve the same benefits but without the resulting scarring or extended downtime. According to The Woodlands tummy tuck plastic surgeon, a good surgeon needs to be able to help guide their patients to the best tummy tuck alternative procedure. During your initial abdominoplasty consultation, your plastic surgeon should be able to examine your problem areas and ask questions before determining whether you are the right fit for each of these options.