Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction
Many adults tend to accumulate excessive fat tissue around the waist, which can spoil the overall body contour. Sometimes it may not be possible to get rid of this unwanted fat with diet or exercise. Over a period of time the fat cells become resistant, and the abdominal skin may also become stretched and lose some of its elasticity. In such situations, plastic surgery may be the most effective solution available to restore a flatter and firmer abdomen.
Liposuction and tummy tuck are two critical procedures in cosmetic surgery that may be used individually or in combination to improve the abdominal contours. During the initial consultation, the cosmetic surgeon will evaluate the patient’s condition and assess their unique aesthetic needs before recommending the appropriate treatment. Board certified plastic surgeon Gary Motykie provides both these treatment options to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities.
Key Differences
The following differences will primarily distinguish tummy tuck plastic surgery from liposuction:
Fat and Skin Reduction
In cases where the patient suffers from stubborn abdominal fat pockets as well as loose skin, the surgeon may suggest a tummy tuck procedure. This procedure will also be necessary to tighten underlying abdominal muscles if they are weak or separated. On the other hand, liposuction will be more suited if the patient is bothered by the presence of excess fat tissue in the lower abdominal area, but the skin laxity is not an issue.
Elaborate Procedure
Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck surgery is typically a more elaborate procedure in comparison to liposuction. Tummy tuck will involve excision of excess fat as well as loose skin, and in some cases, may also involve tightening of loose muscles. Liposuction is merely a fat reduction surgery that is targeted and relatively less invasive. However, the scope of liposuction is limited only to fat reduction.
Scarring will usually be more visible and prominent in case of tummy tuck. As an experienced cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Motykie will explain the pros and cons of both procedures to his patients to help them make an informed decision. He receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for tummy tuck and liposuction surgery.
Recovery
Tummy tuck recovery is generally longer, and the patient may be required to take off from work about two weeks for proper recovery. In case of liposuction, which is usually performed under local anesthesia and involves smaller incisions, the recovery may take only about five to seven days. Vigorous activities in both cases must be avoided for about four to six weeks.
Good Candidates
Tummy tuck is generally performed on patients who have crossed the age of 40. At this age, the skin laxity is higher in the abdominal area. Women who have been through multiple pregnancies may also need tummy tuck to restore their figure.
Liposuction, on the other hand, is more suited when the patient’s skin elasticity is fairly high in the abdomen, but only fat tissue needs to be reduced. Underlying muscles will be fairly tight in this case, and the patient will have a moderate and stable body weight before the surgeon recommends liposuction.
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