Liposuction Surgery Information
To Help You Make An Informed Choice...
Trusted information regarding liposuction surgery, dangers, recovery, and alternatives.
Tummy Tucks & Abdominal Liposuction: What's The Difference?
All too often, even with diet and exercise, people have issues with their abdominal area. Many of these people feel the need to turn to plastic surgery for answers. However, often they aren't sure what they need: liposuction, a tummy tuck or a combination of the two? And what is the difference between a tummy tuck and liposuction anyway?
Abdominal Liposuction
In abdominal liposuction, small incisions are made through which fat is suctioned out. Due to the size of the incisions, this procedure can be performed with only a local anesthetic. There is a limit to how much fat can or should be removed through liposuction, however. While five pounds is not uncommon, more than ten pounds would be quite rare. The amount of fat removed must be determined carefully, as taking away too much can cause the patient's abdomen to have a "lumpy" appearance.
While liposuction addresses the issue of excess fat, other than the normal elasticity that would come with fat reduction, the problem of extra skin remains. In fact, because of the fat removed through liposuction, there can actually be an increase in loose skin.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
A standard tummy tuck is the converse of liposuction – it deals with the skin as opposed to the fat. Often when a person loses a significant amount of weight, especially in a short period of time, they are left with loose skin that sags and folds. During a tummy tuck, the surgeon makes an incision from one hip to the other above the pelvic region. A second cut is made, freeing the belly button from the surrounding skin. If necessary, the muscles of the abdomen are tightened at this time using sutures. The excess skin is removed and a new opening is cut for the navel. The incisions are then closed with sutures. Unlike liposuction, a complete tummy tuck is considered to be major surgery.
Combination Treatments
Rarely though, is a tummy tuck performed on its own. More often, when a person has a tummy tuck, liposuction is performed to some degree at the same time. Even if there are no sizable fat deposits needing removal, liposuction is often performed in certain abdominal areas to ensure proper contouring.
Mini Tummy Tuck
If the problem area is limited to loose skin below the navel, a less-invasive mini tummy tuck may be appropriate. This type of surgery involves a shorter incision and it is unlikely to involve moving the belly button.
It should be obvious that there are many differences between a tummy tuck and abdominal liposuction. In addition to the procedures involved and what they address, there are other distinctions as well. Liposuction is normally an outpatient procedure that is fairly quick, whereas a tummy tuck is major surgery and depending on the patient's individual needs, can take up to five hours to perform. Another important difference between liposuction and a tummy tuck is the recovery time. While people receiving liposuction can return to work in as little as two days, those having a tummy tuck performed can expect to be home for at least a couple of weeks.
With all these differences in mind, if you are opting for cosmetic surgery to deal with unwanted abdominal bulges, you would be wise to consult a certified plastic surgeon with experience in both liposuction and tummy tucks. They will help you determine which procedure is best for addressing your individual concerns.