Introduction
Tummy tuck and liposuction are two distinct surgical procedures performed to change the overall appearance of a person's midsection area. These procedures make the stomach flat, small, and tight. They are cosmetic procedures and are done by plastic surgeons. The recovery time and risk associated with these procedures are different.
Who Is a Better Candidate for Liposuction and Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tuck and liposuction have the same cosmetic goals. However, there are a few major differences:
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Tummy Tuck - Tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen. It is used to restore the overall appearance of the contoured and flat midsection. This procedure also aims to bring the rectus abdominis muscle together if the muscles have been separated or stretched during pregnancy. A tummy tuck should be reconsidered if
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The body mass index (BMI) of a person is above 30.
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If a person is planning to get pregnant in the future.
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Trying hard to lose weight.
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Has an underlying chronic heart condition.
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Liposuction - This procedure is accurate for a person looking to remove the small fat deposits in the areas of the body like hips, buttocks, thighs, or stomach area. This procedure aims to remove fat from the specific target area, thereby reducing any burgers and improving the contour of the area. However, liposuction is not a weight loss tool, and it is not preferred in people who are obese.
How Is Liposuction Performed?
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First, the patient is intravenously sedated for the procedure.
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The surgeon then applies local anesthesia to the midsection area.
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Once the area becomes numb, the plastic surgeon will make incisions on the site of fat deposits.
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A cannula (thin tube) is inserted under the skin and moved to loosen the fat cells.
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The surgeon will then use a medical vacuum to suction out any dislodged fat deposits.
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To get the desired result, several liposuction sessions may be required.
How Is Tummy Tuck Performed?
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A tummy tuck is also called abdominoplasty. General anesthesia is required to perform this procedure.
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Once the patient is sedated, the surgeon incurs the skin covering the abdominal wall.
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Once exposed, the muscle will be sewn together with the abdominal wall. This is usually done when the muscle has been stretched out. The skin above the abdomen will be pulled tight, the excess skin will be trimmed off, and the incision will be closed with sutures.
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A tummy tuck does not usually require several sessions and can be done in one session. The entire surgery takes around two to three hours.
What Can a Person Expect After Liposuction and Tummy Tuck Procedures?
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Tummy Tuck - The results are considered permanent after a tummy tuck. The abdominal wall becomes stronger and more stable. The removed skin does not return unless there is a subsequent pregnancy stretch or a weight fluctuation.
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Liposuction - Once a patient recovers, the abdomen will tend to be flatter and more proportioned. However, if a person gains weight, there are chances of reaccumulation of the fat in the body, but not in the areas suctioned.
Which Is Better, Getting Liposuction or Tummy Tuck?
If a person is trying to remove their saggy skin and fat and make the abdominal wall stronger, then a tummy tuck is the right option for such people. However, liposuction is better if a person wants a flat tummy and fat removal in only certain body areas, like thighs or buttocks.
What Are the Complications Seen After Liposuction Procedure?
The risk of complication in a liposuction increases if the plastic surgeon works on a relatively large area. The risk also increases if multiple procedures are performed simultaneously. Some possible risks include:
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Numbness can be felt in certain areas. They are often temporary but sometimes can even become permanent.
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Fluid accumulation - Temporary pockets of fluid called seromas tend to form under the skin area. The surgeons then drain these fluids.
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Irregularities in the skin contour - When the fat is removed, certain wavy impressions can form on the skin layer making the skin look less smooth.
Other rare risks include:
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Infections can occur at the incision site.
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A fat embolism occurs when a loose piece of fat moves away, gets entrapped in a blood vessel, and travels further to the brain or the lungs.
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Organ Puncture - When inserted too deep, the cannula can penetrate and puncture the internal organs.
What Are the Complications Seen After the Tummy Tuck Procedure?
Tummy tuck carries more complications than other cosmetic procedures. Some of the complications include:
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Changes in Sensation - When abdominal tissues are repositioned, the superficial sensory nerves of this area may get affected, resulting in numbness.
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Fluid Accumulation - Temporary fluid pockets can form under the skin. The doctor will drain these pockets.
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Tissue Necrosis - Sometimes, the fat tissue present in the deep layer of the abdominal area may get damaged. The surgeon will remove the tissue which has been necrosed or unhealed.
How Is the Recovery Process of Liposuction and Tummy Tuck?
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Liposuction Recovery Process - The recovery process of liposuction depends on the operated areas and the need for extra liposuction sessions. After the procedure, a person may experience swelling in the area where the fat was removed and slight bleeding and draining at the incision site. Wearing a compression garment is recommended as it reduces the swelling and helps the skin heal well onto the new shape. Since it is an outpatient procedure, regular day-to-day activities can be resumed quickly. A person can return to normal life within 48 hours of the procedure. However, lifting heavy weights or doing extensive cardio exercise is recommended once the doctor approves it.
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Tummy Tuck Recovery Process - After the surgery, when the patient wakes up, the incision site will be covered with surgical dressings that must be changed several times. A compression garment will be provided to the patient by the surgeon. The patient is advised to wake up and walk with assistance a day after the procedure to avoid the formation of a blood clot. To ease the discomfort and reduce the risks of infection, the patient will be provided with prescription antibiotics and painkillers. Surgical drains will be placed for a minimum of two weeks. The initial recovery phase requires about six weeks for a tummy tuck. Follow appointments with the doctor are recommended; at this time, the patient should avoid positions involving abdominal extension or bending back, leading to pulling or tension in the incision site.
Conclusion
Although liposuction and tummy tuck are entirely different procedures, both aim to improve the midsection appearance. Tummy tucks are recommended for people with stubborn fat in their mid-section area, which is difficult even with appropriate diet and exercise. It is also done for people whose abdomen is protruding or sagging due to weight loss, previous surgeries, age, or pregnancy. Liposuction mainly involves removing fatty deposits in certain body areas like thighs, buttocks, or abdomen. Liposuction is less invasive than the tummy tuck, carries minimal risk, and causes better recovery. A tummy tuck, on the other hand, is a serious operation. A plastic surgeon or the doctor usually decides if the procedure is the right option for the patient.
