Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction
Among a host of aesthetic concerns that occur among both men and women, one of the most common is the unwanted accumulation of fat deposits around the waist. In many cases, the fat tissue in this area becomes stubborn and does not respond effectively to diet or exercise. In such a situation, the next best alternative may be cosmetic surgery to get rid of excess fat pockets.
Two of the primary procedures that are well suited to address the condition of fat deposits in the waist area include tummy tuck surgery and liposuction. As an experienced and board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Hisham Seify is in a fantastic position to provide both these procedures. Dr. Seify receives patients from Newport Beach, Orange County, CA, and surrounding communities.
Major Differences
Tummy tuck surgery and liposuction are quite distinct procedures, and the surgeon will explain the differences to the patient during the initial consultation.
Fat and Skin Reduction
In some cases, due to prolonged condition of accumulation of abdominal fat, the skin the area may also become loose or saggy. Some patients may develop weaker abdominal muscles, which pull down the protruding belly further. In such a situation, tummy tuck plastic surgery may be the appropriate procedure because it can address all these aspects. On the other hand, liposuction is primarily designed to reduce excess fat pockets, but it does not involve tightening of loose skin or muscles.
Elaborate Procedure
Tummy tuck is typically a more elaborate surgery in comparison to liposuction. It usually involves the administration of general anesthesia, and takes a longer time to perform. Multi-pronged approach involving skin and muscle repair and fat reduction may be required. Liposuction surgery, as against tummy tuck, is a relatively lesser invasive procedure. However, it has a limited scope confined only to fat reduction in the waist area.
Scarring
Tummy tuck will generally involve one or more incisions that are bigger in length as compared to the minor incisions involve in liposuction. Tumescent liposuction is a more conservative technique that will make the incision size very small. Therefore, scarring will be more visible in tummy tuck as compared to abdominal liposuction.
Leading cosmetic surgeon Dr. Hisham Seify will place the incisions in inconspicuous locations to keep the scarring to the minimal in both cases. Patients in Newport Beach, Orange County, CA, and other areas have an opportunity to receive these procedures from Dr. Seify.
Recovery
Recovery in case of liposuction will be relatively quicker because of the smaller incisions. Most patients can be in a position to return to work or resume their regular activities within a week. On the other hand, in case of a full abdominoplasty, most patients can go back to work only after 10 to 14 days of healing.
Appropriate Candidates
Individuals with a fair amount of skin elasticity, moderate and stable body weight, and only suffering from excess fat deposits in the abdominal area will make fantastic candidates for liposuction. In case of tummy tuck, the candidates are usually above the age of 40 or women who have undergone one or more pregnancies. These conditions can cause abdominal skin laxity and muscle weakness, requiring a tummy tuck.