Liposuction and tummy tucks are two different surgical approaches that form and contour the midsection. Both treatments result in a tighter stomach. It’s essential to understand the differences between the two in order to make an informed decision. To determine which one is right for you depends on your unique body and aesthetic goals.
The stomach is one of the most common places to gain weight. Sadly, these can be “problem areas” because they are the toughest areas to lose fat from. If you’re stuck at a plateau and not sure where to go from there, call the helpful staff at Rotemberg Plastic Surgery to schedule your private consultation today or call (305) 539-7083.
Procedure
Liposuction
Liposuction is a minimally invasive surgical fat removal method that aims to target areas of excess fat that simply won’t go away with regular exercise and healthy eating. These fat deposits can be stored in love handles or flanks.[1] This procedure simply gives some assistance in your efforts to tone your physique. The process involves the insertion of a cannula beneath the surface of the skin while negative pressure sucks out the fat.
Dr. Silvia Rotemberg uses the advanced MicroAire Power-Assisted Liposuction System technology to carry out the liposuction procedure. This state-of-the-art system is a high-powered fat removal system that can take out both small and large volumes of fat and allows for precise body sculpting. [2]
Tummy Tuck
Performed with a single incision, Dr. Rotemberg carefully makes an incision in the lower part of the abdomen between the pelvic bones.
A tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgery procedure for those seeking to correct loose skin in the abdomen triggered by significant weight loss or childbirth. By removing excess fat and skin, the lower and middle abdomen area is tightened to create a smoother abdominal profile. [3]
Benefits
Liposuction
Liposuction surgery not only offers visually appealing benefits to your body it also provides added health benefits. A reduced midsection greatly reduces the chance of fat accumulation around the abdomen. This can cause health issues like heart disease and diabetes. [4] There are emotional advantages that go hand and hand with the procedure. It is tied to increased self-esteem and confidence. When we are happy with ourselves we have the power of having a great impact on our lives and the people around us.
There is no replacement for good healthy eating and regular exercise. When you haven’t lost all the weight you can and still have accumulated fat, then liposuction can offer benefits to your physical appearance and overall health.
Tummy Tuck
The benefits of a tummy tuck are twofold. While its main goal is to offer cosmetic improvements to your abdominal area, this “mommy makeover” procedure has substantial health benefits. A flatter abdominal area causes less worry about stress urinary incontinence (SUI), improves posture and abdominal tone, and renews self-confidence and esteem. [5]
Some patients may wish to combine their tummy tuck surgery with other cosmetic procedures to achieve an ideal body. A mommy makeover surgery may include breast augmentation and other treatments so that our clients feel like themselves again. For more information about our services, check out our blog.
Candidates
Both tummy tucks and liposuction are two highly useful tools in Dr. Silvia Rotemberg’s body contouring method. Determining which one is right for you depends on your unique needs. Both offer stunning results but it is important to remember there are distinctions between the two. Patients for either treatment should not treat them as their sole option for weight loss.
Liposuction
Liposuction is ideal for somebody looking to get rid of small fat deposits located in the hips, thighs, buttocks, or stomach. Candidates should be at optimal weight and have elastic skin with good muscle tone. Patients planning to lose weight in the future should not undergo liposuction until their weight is stable. As with any surgery, it is recommended that patients are in good overall health and have not suffered through any life-threatening conditions. It is highly recommended that you do not smoke as this may cause complications. Ultimately, this is a great procedure for those who have a specific body goal and need an extra push to get there.
Tummy Tuck
In order to be a tummy tuck candidate, you should be in good overall health but have excess skin throughout the abdominal area that has lost elasticity. It’s an excellent option for those who have recently given birth or for those who lost a significant amount of weight. Accentuating your body with a flat midsection is the ultimate goal here. You should be at a stable weight that can be maintained following tummy tuck surgery. Smoking should stop for several weeks prior to and after surgery.
Preparation
Liposuction
During your initial consultation, Dr. Rotemberg will perform a medical examination to assess your pathway to an improved body. Our friendly staff will provide you with detailed information on how to prepare for surgery. We ask patients to stop taking certain medications such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs as they may complicate the procedure. Let us know if you are taking blood-thinning medications and supplements. We want to make sure your blood circulation is at satisfactory levels for both the surgery and outpatient care. [6]
Tummy Tuck
Our helpful staff will prep you on how to prepare for the surgery. Feel free to ask questions about the surgery. We will review your medical history and overall health. If a tummy tuck is part of your weight loss journey, then we will ask some additional questions about your past weight gain and loss. Discuss your expectations. Explain why you want a tummy tuck and how it will help with your aesthetic needs. Just like liposuction, patients are asked to stop smoking and stop taking certain medications to reduce medical issues from the surgery. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medications. We encourage you to eat a balanced diet leading up to the surgery as it will help with the healing process.
Procedure
Liposuction
Before your procedure, you will be resting comfortably to ensure you don’t feel a thing. Next, Dr. Rotemberg will make a series of small incisions. A thin hollow tube called a cannula is inserted through the incisions to loosen up excess fat by using a back and forth motion. [7] The displaced fat is then removed from the body using a surgical vacuum attached to the cannula. Your new improved body shape will be seen shortly after surgery. However, full results will show once swelling and bruising subside.
Tummy Tuck
Similar to liposuction, tummy tuck patients will be relaxing peacefully during their procedure. Depending on your desired look, the entire process may take anywhere from 90 minutes and five hours.
Dr. Rotemberg starts the procedure by making a long horizontal incision near the pubic area. [8] If the belly button has loose skin then a second incision will be made around it. Next, the skin and underlying tissue from the muscles are separated. Once the skin is lifted, the abdominal muscles are then repaired. Skin is pulled down and the excess abdominal skin is cut off. When complete, your incision is sutured together. Other dressings or bandages may also be placed to help with the swelling and facilitate the healing process.
Recovery
Liposuction
Our staff will monitor your progress before you can go home. Please have a loved one or friend to drive and care for you the first 24 hours after surgery. You will be given a compression garment to wear or elastic bandages to wrap around the treatment areas. It will help reduce swelling and help contour your body to its new shape. Small drains will be placed at the surgical sites to prevent fluid buildup around the incisions. Dr. Rotemburg will guide you on how to care for them. Our office will make follow-up appointments to make sure the healing process is going according to plan.
Patients may experience some moderate pain in the first few days. Our staff will prescribe pain management medication to alleviate this. It is recommended to limit your physical activity as your compression garment may restrict how you move. Swelling may take a few months to fade away but when they do your results will look stunning.
Tummy Tuck
After your tummy tuck treatment, some results will show immediately. However, the full effects of the procedure won’t be seen for a few months until the swelling and bruising diminishes. Your abdomen will be covered with a surgical dressing to help with body contouring. In some cases, a small tube may be placed around your incision in order to drain fluid build-up. This is common and shouldn’t cause you any additional discomfort. You will need to rest at an angle for the first few days of recovery.
Make sure to have someone to drive you home and care for you following surgery. That way your recovery process is off to a good start. Dr. Rotemberg will review care instructions for your incisions and drainage tubes. You may be given pain management medication to minimize discomfort. An abdominal support garment or wrap will be given to reduce swelling and pain. Most people take up to a month off work. It is recommended to limit your activity including exercise until after you are healed.
FAQ
What is the difference between liposuction and a tummy tuck?
Liposuction is a surgical fat removal process that uses suction to extract fat cells. It is designed to target many areas of the body including the abdomen, upper arms, buttocks, and more. A tummy tuck flattens out and firms the abdomen while trimming away excess skin.
How much do both cost?
Cost varies on both procedures because they are highly customizable. Everybody is different and the final cost will depend on the extent of work done. Right after your consultation, we will provide you with transparent prices that will suit your needs.
How long is recovery?
Patients undergoing liposuction can expect recovery times to be about a month after surgery. This is the amount of time it takes for pain and soreness to fade away. Those choosing tummy tucks should expect to recover in about six weeks.
Can I combine liposuction with other procedures?
Yes you can! Liposuction can be combined with a tummy tuck. Other services, like breast augmentation can be beneficial.
References
- Duscher, D., Maan, Z. N., Luan, A., Aitzetmüller, M. M., Brett, E. A., Atashroo, D., Whittam, A. J., Hu, M. S., Walmsley, G. G., Houschyar, K. S., Schilling, A. F., Machens, H.-G., Gurtner, G. C., Longaker, M. T., & Wan, D. C. (2017). Ultrasound-assisted liposuction provides a source for functional adipose-derived stromal cells. Cytotherapy, 19(12), 1491–1500. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcyt.2017.07.013
- Regan, J.-P., & Casaubon, J. (2020, July 31). Europe PMC. Europepmc.org; StatPearls Publishing. https://europepmc.org/article/NBK/NBK431058
- Shahram Salemy, M. D. (2019a, July 19). What you need to know about your tummy tuck recovery. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-your-tummy-tuck-recovery
- Shahram Salemy, M. D. (2019b, August 19). What you need to know about your liposuction recovery. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-your-liposuction-recovery
- Tummy Tuck | Patient Guide | The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. (n.d.). ABCS. Retrieved May 25, 2021, from https://www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org/procedure-learning-center/body/tummy-tuck-guide/