Can You Get a Tummy Tuck Without Surgery?

The rise of nonsurgical body contouring treatments is one of the most significant developments in the aesthetics field in the past 15 years. CoolSculpting® pioneered nonsurgical fat reduction procedures and is an excellent option for many women and men. But it’s important to understand that it isn’t an alternative to tummy tuck surgery because it addresses different concerns.

In this post, we’ll describe ideal candidates for CoolSculpting and tummy tuck surgery and explain the benefits of each procedure.

Ideal Candidates for CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting is best suited for people who are close to their ideal weight but struggling with localized fat deposits. Many of the patients we treat work out regularly but can’t get rid of stubborn bulges, whether because the fat is resistant to exercise or because of genetics. Some people, for example, want to minimize the appearance of a double chin, a condition that can be inherited. In many of these situations, CoolSculpting can help.

However, CoolSculpting is not designed to help you lose weight. It’s a fat reduction treatment for those who want to refine their silhouette without surgery.

Ideal Candidates for a Tummy Tuck

Tummy tuck surgery is an excellent option for women and men with loose abdominal skin after significant weight loss or pregnancy. It can also tighten and repair separated abdominal muscles that sometimes create a belly pooch. You should be near the weight you intend to maintain, and if you’re a woman, you should be finished having children. Patients should have good overall health and a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or lower.

See more tummy tuck before and after photos in our gallery.

Benefits of CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting “freezes” the targeted fat through a process called cryolipolysis. The body then naturally processes and removes these dead fat cells over a period of 2 to 6 months. Clinical studies show that CoolSculpting treatments can reduce fat in the treated areas by approximately 20 to 25%.

The benefits of CoolSculpting include:

• Noninvasive: CoolSculpting does not involve incisions, injections, or anesthesia, making it a safer option with fewer risks than surgical procedures.
• Minimal downtime: It requires little to no downtime, so you can typically resume your normal activities immediately after treatment.
• Versatility: CoolSculpting can treat multiple areas of the body using specially designed applicators. Treatment areas include the midsection, flanks, hips, back, inner and outer thighs, and under the chin.

CoolSculpting also offers a comfortable experience. Once the CoolSculpting applicator is applied and begins cooling the treatment area, you can relax and scroll through your smartphone, read a book, or even take a nap.

Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

During a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), I make a horizontal incision just above the pubic area, extending from one hip to the other. I then repair the abdominal muscles (if necessary), pull the skin taut, and remove the excess. Once the excess skin is trimmed, I create a new opening for the belly button and close the incision.

The benefits of a tummy tuck include:

• Transformative results: A tummy tuck addresses excess skin, fat, and muscle laxity, providing a more dramatic transformation with a firmer, smoother abdomen.
• Permanent changes: A tummy tuck’s results are long-lasting if you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle.
• Improved muscle tone: By tightening the abdominal muscles, a tummy tuck can enhance core strength and posture.

One of the surprising side benefits of a tummy tuck is reduced urinary incontinence, a condition some women experience after having children.

Which Procedure Is Right for You?

The choice between CoolSculpting and a tummy tuck depends on several factors, including your specific concerns. CoolSculpting is a great option if you want to address small areas of stubborn fat with no downtime. However, only a tummy tuck can remove loose, excess abdominal skin. You may also want to combine a tummy tuck with liposuction to remove stubborn pockets of fat in the midsection.

The best way to find out which procedure is right for you is to request a consultation using the online form or calling one of our offices. Call our Mississauga location at (905) 273-3045 or our Toronto location at (416) 207-9090.