Non-Surgical Options Don't Stand a Chance Against Tummy Tuck Surgery, Says Maryland Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Henry F. Garazo urges patients to consider long-term costs and benefits before investing in any cosmetic procedure.

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Jan 24, 2017, 07:45 ET

HAGERSTOWN, Md., Jan. 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- In recent years, a slew of non-surgical and minimally invasive technologies for reducing fat and tightening skin have hit the market. But new does not always equal better, and Hagerstown board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Henry F. Garazo warns patients to look beyond the hype before signing up for the latest name-brand treatment.

"Despite bold marketing claims and good results for some patients, many of these non-invasive procedures yield very minimal results, especially compared to what is possible in the hands of a skilled plastic surgeon," states Dr. Garazo, who has been named one of America's Top Plastic Surgeons since 2009.

He explains that although technologies such as cryolipolysis, radiofrequency, or ultrasound can bring about fat loss or help to rebuild collagen to tighten skin, the effects are typically mild, and not all patients are good candidates for these treatments. "Manufacturers advertise with photos showing excellent results; however, patients should view these with a critical eye. They are photos are of ideally suited patients who achieved the most dramatic and visible results. Unless a patient's concerns are relatively mild to begin with, they may be disappointed with what non-surgical alternatives achieve for them."

Why tummy tuck surgery remains the top choice for improving abdominal contours

For the typical patient seeking to address excess fat or sagging skin on the abdomen, Dr. Garazo says a surgical approach will yield the most satisfying results. When comparing tummy tuck vs non-surgical skin tightening or fat reduction (such as CoolSculpting®), Dr. Garazo highlights multiple advantages of surgery:

Surgical abdominoplasty is the only procedure that can remove excess, sagging skin and repair protruding muscles on the abdomen. Non-surgical treatments can firm skin or reduce the size of a fat bulge, but even several treatments cannot adequately address moderate to severe skin sagging.
A surgeon can customize his or her technique to thoroughly address a patient's concerns and sculpt an improved shape that enhances the patient's overall figure. Results from non-surgical fat reduction treatments can be unpredictable, and multiple treatments are often needed to achieve satisfying results, resulting in a total cost approaching that of a surgical tummy tuck.
A tummy tuck can reduce stretch marks, improve belly button shape, emphasize hourglass curves, and address other details to achieve a more attractive abdomen. Non-surgical technology cannot yet adequately address such details.

In addition to long-lasting improvements in the shape and appearance of the torso, Dr. Garazo mentions several medical benefits of tummy tuck surgery that cannot be achieved non-surgically. "By placing permanent sutures in the fascia surrounding the rectus abdominus muscles, we can address some potentially debilitating conditions, such as hernias and diastasis recti, a painful separation of muscles that can occur as a result of childbearing." He adds that many of his Maryland tummy tuck patients report improved posture and reduced back pain as a result of abdominal muscle tightening.

Dr. Garazo stresses that while non-surgical body contouring may be suitable for certain patients bothered by smaller, isolated fat pockets or very mild skin laxity on the belly, anyone considering a minimally invasive treatment should take time to understand the true costs and benefits.

"Before undergoing any cosmetic procedure, patients should consult with an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon and have a frank discussion about what treatment options are best suited to their needs," states Dr. Garazo, adding that while tummy tuck surgery requires downtime to heal, the end results can far surpass what is possible with a non-surgical alternative.

About Dr. Henry F. Garazo: Plastic surgeon. Henry Garazo is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has been selected as one of America's Top Plastic Surgeons by the Consumers' Research Council of America for five consecutive years. He practices in his hometown of Hagerstown, Maryland, at The Galleria, 1140 Conrad Court, Hagerstown, Md., 21740-5905. Learn more at www.plasticsurgeryservices.net or read Dr. Garazo's reviews.

Media Contact: Dr. Henry F. Garazo, (301) 791-1800 or www.plasticsurgeryservices.net

SOURCE Dr. Henry Garazo