Are you wondering if a tummy tuck is the right cosmetic surgery for you? Are you considering liposuction as well? Even with the right diet and lots of exercise there are certain parts of the body that just won't change. Patients often get confused about how the two procedures differ, assuming that they both deliver the same outcome. Despite the fact that they can be combined to create the most noticeable results, the two operations are completely different.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
A tummy tuck centers around the skin in the abdomen. When a significant weight loss occurs, excess skin is often left in this area of the body. Unfortunately that extra skin takes away from the accomplishment and extra confidence that comes with the weight loss. During the traditional procedure, the surgeon makes an incision that stretches from one hip to the other. From there, the skin is pulled tight with the excess being removed. In some cases the muscles are also tightened to give the body a more toned and sculpted appearance.
This is considered to be major surgery and there are several different options to choose from when deciding on a tummy tuck. Some patients go with the full procedure while others just do smaller versions in more specific parts of the abdomen. Either way, expect to have considerable recovery time as the core of the body is affected and needs time to heal.
Liposuction (in the Abdomen)
Liposuction deals with the fat instead of the skin. A doctor goes in and suctions out the excess. While this can be done in multiple areas of the body, there is no doubt that having it done around the abdomen is a popular choice. This gives the doctor considerable control when it comes to contouring and shaping the body. Because of this, liposuction is often performed during a tummy tuck to provide optimal results. Liposuction is often paired with everything from a facelift to a breast reduction.
Recovery time tends to be less when compared to an actual abdominoplasty. Compression garments are worn for a certain amount of time to help the body heal and allow the final results to show quickly. While there is some down time, it is possible to have the procedure done on a Friday and be back at work by Monday or Tuesday.
If you are not sure which procedure will be best for you, talk to your plastic surgeon. He or she will be able to provide you with more details and explain which option is best for you. Remember that it may be necessary to combine the two to get the look that you are searching for.
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