Tummy Tuck Vs. Liposuction: What Are The Differences?

In recent years, the world has seen a significant amount of people accommodating the idea of cosmetic surgery. Normally, it’s sought as an intervention to improve appearance. According to the ASPS, among the topmost demanded operations are liposuction (the 2nd most opted-for aesthetic cosmetic procedure in 2018) and tummy tucks, (the 5th most opted-for aesthetic plastic surgery procedure in 2018). Both these procedures enhance the appearance of an individual’s abdominal region. However, due to inadequate information and illustrations, most people fail to distinguish between liposuction and tummy tuck and what they entail. We aim to dig into detail about the two terms to help you have a clear understanding of the difference.

Liposuction

What is it?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes body fat from areas of the body known to house fat cells. By eliminating excess fat cells, liposuction can help reshape the abdominal regions and improve body contours. According to the President of ASPS, Alan Matarasso, MD, “liposuction continues to be the gold standard in body contouring because of its versatility, efficiency, and effectiveness.”

What does the procedure entail?

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Coen will administer general or local anesthesia to promote comfort and numbing during the surgery. The procedure involves making small incisions on the skin, inserting a small tube through the incision, and moving it forward and backward to break up the fat cells. The tube is then linked to a syringe that sucks out the fat and directs it into a sterile container for storage. Liposuction procedures don’t interfere with any other body organs apart from making incisions and removing fat cells. Unlike the tummy tuck, liposuction does not include trimming any excess skin. Target areas for harvesting fat cells include the thighs, breasts, necks, arms, backs, butt, stomach, and love handles.

Who is a good candidate for liposuction?

Doctors recommend liposuction for individuals who have no health issues. The procedure is most effective on individuals who have tight abdominal muscles and elastic skin. Individuals who maintain a “normal” body weight are considered good candidates for liposuction.

Tummy Tuck

What is it?

Also referred to as abdominoplasty, the tummy tuck procedure involves removing excess sagging skin and fat from the abdomen. Excess skin and sagging tend to be an issue after pregnancy, after drastic weight loss, and as a result of natural aging.

How is it performed?

There are two main forms of abdominoplasty: Full tummy Tuck and mini tummy tuck. First, Dr. Coen will administer general or local mac anesthesia. After sedation, he will make a horizontal incision along the bikini line depending on the type of procedure you choose. The underlying tissue and muscle are tightened, and the excess skin and fat are removed. The doctor will then close the incision with sutures and dress the area to prevent infections. The procedure can take anywhere from two to four hours to complete.

Who is a good candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

The tummy tuck is ideal for anyone who wants to eradicate excess skin and tighten loose abdominal muscles. In addition, maintaining a stable weight before getting a tummy tuck is important for long-lasting results.

Liposuction Vs. Tummy Tuck

Liposuction procedures are considered invasive, yet they offer a quicker recovery time compared to the tummy tuck. This is because the liposuction procedure uses small incisions that require less time to heal. On the other hand, the tummy tuck is quite invasive. Unlike the several days of recovery time allotted after liposuction, we recommend up to two weeks for an individual to make a full recovery from a tummy tuck procedure. In general, the larger and longer the procedure, the larger and longer the recovery time. Additionally, the more complex a procedure, the more costly it is. In most cases, tummy tucks are more expensive than liposuction procedures.

CARE Plastic Surgery offers all five of the top 5 surgical procedures from 2018 according to the ASPS.

1. Breast augmentation
2. Liposuction
3. Nose reshaping
4. Eyelid surgery
5. Tummy Tuck

If you are looking to get any of these cosmetic procedures, visit us at CARE Plastic Surgery for consultation, advice, and quality services.

Source: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/press-releases/new-plastic-surgery-statistics-reveal-trends-toward-body-enhancement

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