Which Is Better For My Stomach Problem – Smartlipo Or A Tummy Tuck?

Q:Hello,  I am 58 years old and  I had a full hysterectomy in May and then another surgery a few weeks later when all my stitches ripped out and I totally opened up.  My son is in Afganistan (fourth time) as well as my daughter in law.  I also served in the Navy years ago.  Anyway, as I cannot afford the smart lipo on my abdomen (upper and lower) presently, I was wondering how much of a discount the patriot plan saves on this procedure and how long will this promotion go on?  Also, does the skin actually tighten up and not sag?  This email is just a question about the future possibilities and any information you can give me would be appreciated.   I really want to get rid of my stomach and maybe next year I would be able to afford it.  Thanks for your time – I appreciate it.

A: Thank you for your inquiry. The general discount in the Patriot program averages around 25% off the full procedure and the program continues without any deadline. What type of procedure is best for your stomach area, however, remains unclear based on your description. My concern is that the description of your problem sounds more like some form of a tummy tuck than that of Smartlipo. If there is any substantial skin excess, then no form of stomach liposuction is the way to go. One of the great misconceptions about Smartlipo is that it is a great skin tightening method. It is not and is highly overpromoted that way.  While it does have some skin tightening ability, it will tighten inches of loose abdominal skin which many people that come in for it have. Between a hysterectomy and its after surgery problem, multiple pregnancies and your age, I suspect that the skin issue is beyond what Smartlipo can improve. A tummy tuck in some form is likely more appropriate for your problem.

Feel free to send me a picture of your stomach and I can answer that question very quickly.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis Indiana