Cosmetic Procedures For The Body
Liposuction and tummy tucks (abdominoplasty) are two very popular cosmetic surgeries. Both procedures remove unwanted fat and sometimes skin from the abdomen or other areas. However, these procedures are different. Liposuction contours the body while an abdominoplasty tones and flattens the stomach. Both procedures are invasive and require the use of anesthesia.
The basics of liposuction
Liposuction targets many different body areas including the calves, chest, arms, hips, thighs, face, and buttocks. Doctors make a small incision in the surgical area during a traditional liposuction procedure. Next, doctors place a cannula, a thin tube, into the incision to loosen the fat. Once loosened, the fat is removed using a vacuum connected to the tube.
Different types of liposuction techniques
Traditional liposuction is just one type of liposuction procedure. The other procedures are laser-assisted, power-assisted, VASER, ultrasound-assisted (UAL) and water-assisted. In power-assisted liposuction, surgeons use a pulsating cannula to break down fat before removal. UAL and VASER-assisted liposuction use pulsating cannulas made with ultrasonic waves. The waves liquefy fat for easier suction. The laser-assisted technique employs medical laser beams to dissolve unwanted fat before cells are suctioned. Lastly, water-assisted liposuction involves a water jet filled with pressurized saline solution to draw out unwanted fat.
What happens during a tummy tuck?
Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty surgery removes excess fat along with saggy, droopy skin from the abdomen. Surgeons also tighten the rectus abdominus muscles in the front of the abdomen to give the stomach a flatter appearance. A conventional tummy tuck requires doctors to make an incision at the abdominal wall to reveal the underlying muscles. The unwanted fat is removed before surgeons use sutures to tauten the abdomen’s connective tissues. Then, excess skin gets trimmed away before doctors close the incision.
Why is a tummy tuck different from liposuction?
The tummy tuck procedure differs from liposuction because tummy tucks require surgeons to remove excess fat and skin. Tummy tuck incisions are larger, and the surgical process and recovery time are also longer. People that have lost weight but have leftover loose skin around the abdomen opt for this procedure. The best candidates for liposuction are patients with smaller fat deposits. Furthermore, liposuction contours the body, giving patients more of an hourglass shape.
Consider a mini tummy tuck
One of the biggest concerns patients have about tummy tucks is the scarring. Tummy tucks require large horizontal or vertical incisions that leave permanent scars. A mini tummy tuck works best for people with smaller fat deposits in the lower abdomen area. For this procedure, surgeons make an incision below the belly button, cut away excess fat, and tighten the muscles. The remaining scar resembles a c-section scar.
The knowledge of a physician
An experienced plastic surgeon is the best medical professional to chat with regarding tummy tucks and liposuction procedures. Surgeons physically examine patients before deciding on the surgical technique that best meets the patient’s needs. A consultation with a surgeon will answer a patient’s questions.
