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Should I Get a Tummy Tuck or Liposuction?
There are many procedures that are available to patients in the cosmetic industry. Some of the most sought-after are tummy tucks and liposuction, because many individuals find themselves frustrated with excess fat in their belly. Understanding the difference between these two procedures can help you to determine just which one you should be scheduling.
Are These Procedures The Same Thing?
It’s a common misconception that tummy tucks and liposuction are the same types of procedure. The truth is that they’re not. While both procedures may be geared towards changing the physical appearance of the midsection, each does so in its own way. Each procedure comes with its own recovery time, risks, and other key differences.
Liposuction
Liposuction is one of the most well-known procedures for its ability to remove stubborn fat deposits from problem areas of the body. During this procedure, the patient is intravenously sedated so the procedure is pain-free. Your surgeon will make incisions in the abdominal region and insert a thin tube. This tube is called a cannula and is moved underneath the skin by your surgeon. This cannula will loosen up fat deposits and the medical vacuum attached to it will suck the fat deposits out.
Tummy Tuck
When you undergo a tummy tuck, you’ll be put under general anesthesia. Your surgeon will make an incision at the bottom of the abdominal wall. They’ll then sew together the abdominal muscles that have become stretched out. The skin will then be tightened over the new abdominal region and any excess will be removed. To finish the procedure, your surgeon will utilize sutures to close up the body. This procedure takes about two to three hours to complete.
Am I A Good Candidate?
Tummy tucks and liposuction can be very appealing procedures for many with the obvious goal of getting rid of excess fat. However, the desire to have a toned body alone isn’t the only element of being a successful candidate. Each procedure has its own list of ideal candidates.
Liposuction is best performed on those individuals who are looking to remove a small amount of fat in key areas of the body. These include the butt, thighs, hips, and stomach. This procedure is aimed at removing small amounts of fat deposits in targeted areas to help reduce fat bulges and improve the contour of of the body. Those who are obese or whose weight fluctuates significantly are not good candidates for liposuction, as it doesn’t remove a large amount of fat.
Tummy tuck candidates are those who have undergone a significant shift in their weight levels. This could be through losing an excessive amount of body fat or pregnancy. The tummy tuck helps to restore the look of a contoured midsection by removing excess fat and loose skin in the abdominal region.
Schedule A Consultation Today
If you’re still not sure whether or not liposuction or a tummy tuck is right for you, give Dr. Hetal Fichadia a call today to schedule a consultation in Portland, OR. She can discuss with you the best option for your unique situation that will provide you with the desired results you’ve been hoping for.
Dr. Fichadia is a double board-certified, comprehensively trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon. She completed general surgical training at St Elizabeth’s Medical Center, an affiliate of Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, MA, and subsequently completed a highly competitive plastic surgery program at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, OR. She has presented research from her time in Boston and Portland at national and international surgical meetings such as Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons and annual meeting of American Society of Plastic Surgery.
