As cosmetic surgery has become more popular throughout the country, more and more procedures are being developed to help enhance one’s appearance. Two of the most popular procedures right now are the tummy tuck and liposuction. Both of these body sculpting options can have benefits for your body.
But they’re two distinct procedures, and should not be referred to as one or the other. Dr. Jacobson spells out Tummy Tucks and Liposuction so that you can make the right choice for your goals and concerns.
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure used by both men and women to remove stubborn areas of fat on their bodies. One of the most commonly addressed areas of excess fat is the abdomen. During this procedure, Dr. Jacobson will use suction to remove fat cells from the body. You may also hear liposuction referred to as abdominal contouring.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
Also known as an abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck is another type of cosmetic procedure that works to enhance the overall shape and appearance of the abdomen. This procedure involves removing excess fat and skin around the abdomen. Sutures are commonly used in the fascia, or connective tissue, to tighten the abdomen.
Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction
While both of these procedures provide abdominal contouring to a certain extent, it’s important to understand the differences between them. Liposuction simply removes excess fat cells from the abdominal region. On the other hand, a tummy tuck is responsible for removing excess skin and tightening the overall abdominal area.
It’s not uncommon for liposuction to be performed during a tummy tuck procedure. Many patients can benefit from the reduction in fat and excess skin alongside visual tightening thanks to the sutures. Your chosen plastic surgeon will consider your goals, overall health, and desired results when determining if a combination of liposuction and a tummy tuck is the ideal option for you.
What’s Recovery Like?
When it comes to recovery time, a tummy tuck is going to require a longer recovery period than liposuction. This is simply due to it being a more in-depth procedure. The typical recovery period for liposuction will be between four and six weeks, depending on the treatment site. A tummy tuck recovery can last over six weeks.
In both cases, you’ll be prescribed medication to help ease any discomfort that you feel. You’ll need to wear a compression garment following the procedure to help minimize swelling and protect the treatment site. Avoid bending, squatting, or other similar activities for at least a few weeks after your surgery to ensure adequate healing of your body.
Candidates May Differ per Procedure, Too
In general, patients who don’t have any life-threatening conditions or blood disorders make good candidates for these cosmetic procedures. These individuals shouldn’t smoke and should be considered to be healthy overall. More specifically for liposuction, an ideal candidate will be within 30 percent of their ideal weight. They will have firm skin that is elastic and good overall muscle tone.
However, for tummy tuck procedures, candidates are those who have excess skin around their abdomen. These individuals will be bothered by the overall appearance of their abdomen and will have realistic expectations for their surgery.
Consult with Dr. Jacobson
If you’re unhappy with the look of your abdomen, you have two great cosmetic surgery options available to you. Whether you’re looking to remove excess skin with a tummy tuck or want to remove excess fatty tissue with liposuction, they’ll both work to better contour the shape of your abdominal region. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jacobson to find out which one best suits your needs!