One of the most common reasons for seeking plastic surgery is to eliminate excess fat and flab, particularly around the abdomen. Certainly, if you have stubborn areas of fat that you just can’t seem to get rid of with diet and exercise, body cosmetic surgery may be the best course of action. At HKB Cosmetic Surgery, we offer our clients two weight reduction surgeries, in particular: liposuction Charlotte NC and the tummy tuck in Charlotte NC. As you consider your options for liposuction vs tummy tuck, we welcome you to reach out to our surgeons for a consultation.
The question is, which of these procedures is the best option for addressing your aesthetic needs? And, is it ever necessary to have both procedures at once? As you consider your options for lipo vs tummy tuck, we welcome you to reach out to our surgeons for a consultation. In the meantime, here’s a quick guide to selecting the best fat reduction procedure to achieve your desired outcome.
Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck: An Overview
Let’s begin by simply defining these two procedures.
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction has been around for decades, and has become incredibly commonplace; in fact, it is often cited as the most frequently performed cosmetic surgery in America. Liposuction involves the removal of fatty tissues from the body; more specifically, fat cells are literally sucked out of the body, using vacuum suction.
For the purposes of this discussion, it’s worth noting that liposuction can be performed around the abdominal region, which means the removal of excess fat from your stomach area, referred to as abdominal liposuction. With that said, liposuction can also be used elsewhere on the body. Some of the most commonly treated areas for liposuction include the upper arms (“bat wings”), the double chin, the upper back (or “bra roll”), and the upper thighs.
There are a number of different liposuction methods, including techniques that use ultrasound or vibration to break up fat cells. In other approaches, lasers are used to break up deposits of fat within the body. However, the fat deposits are broken up, the end result is that they are sucked out of the body through a thin metal straw, known as the cannula. The cannula is so narrow that it can be used with only the smallest of surgical incisions.
For additional information about the specific types of liposuction procedures that we offer, feel free to contact HKB Cosmetic Surgery at any time.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
Now, let’s turn our attention to the tummy tuck. This is another common type of surgical intervention, designed to improve the appearance of muscle and skin in the abdominal area.
In a tummy tuck procedure, your surgeon may remove large deposits of fat from your belly. Additionally, the surgeon may remove some of the stretched-out skin, giving your tummy a taut, firm appearance. Abdominal muscles may be repositioned, leaving you with a toned tummy.
While tummy tucks are performed for both men and women, they are especially notable for women who have had their bellies stretched out by pregnancy, and who simply want to return to their pre-baby body. Indeed, if nutrition and exercise are insufficient for eliminating saggy skin, a tummy tuck may be just the solution.
With any additional questions about the tummy tuck procedure, please connect with us at HKB Cosmetic Surgery at your convenience.
Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck: Which One is Right for You?
Though liposuction and tummy tuck appeal to people with similar cosmetic goals, there are some key distinctions between them. As you consider which option is right for you, here’s our general guidance.
Who Should Get Liposuction?
Liposuction may be the best fit for those who are looking to get rid of small deposits of fat. These include fat deposits around the abdomen as well as the thighs or upper arms.
Liposuction can be a great way to eliminate a few bulging areas of fat, and to achieve a more contoured appearance. With that said, it’s not recommended for those who are obese, or who are seeking significant weight loss.
Who Should Get a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck can remove extra fat as well as saggy or stretched-out skin. It can be a good choice for those whose skin has been stretched due to pregnancy or significant weight fluctuations. Additionally, the tummy tuck can be a good option for women whose ab muscles were damaged or severed in childbirth.
Lipo vs. Tummy Tuck: What About Recovery?
Another important consideration as you weigh getting liposuction vs. tummy tuck: What’s the recovery time like?
Recovering from Liposuction
Liposuction is generally an outpatient procedure, which means you’ll be sent home on the same day. You’ll be given some basic aftercare instructions, and possibly a compression garment, and you’ll need to rest and recover for a few days. Some bruising and swelling can be expected, but should subside in one to two weeks. Note that, in some cases, multiple liposuction sessions may be needed to achieve the desired results.
Recovering from a Tummy Tuck
Generally, tummy tuck patients are discharged same-day, but asked to come back the following day for a post-op check-up. The recovery process may take one to two weeks, and may consist of multiple follow-ups with the surgeon, just to ensure everything is healing properly. Some pain and swelling can be expected, but medications can be used to minimize discomfort.
Getting Both Procedures Done
One final consideration: You don’t necessarily have to choose one procedure over the other. Actually, we have many patients who get a tummy tuck and liposuction at the same time. This allows the surgeon to remove large quantities of bulky belly fat, while also tightening the skin and strengthening the abdominal muscles. And, by having both procedures at once as opposed to getting them done separately, you can reduce both the cost and the recovery time, as well as the surgical risk.
If you have any further questions about choosing liposuction vs. tummy tuck, we’d love to speak with you one-on-one. Contact HKB Cosmetic Surgery whenever you’re ready to schedule a consultation with one of our surgeons.
