It all Starts here
Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction
Posted by Laurence Weider on March 17, 2020
Many people have excess tissue in their abdominal area which exercise and diet alone may not solve. Liposuction and tummy tuck are two options that may work for this problem area. Weider Plastic Surgery is a Dallas-based practice that offers liposuction and tummy tucks. Each patient has different goals, so it is important to understand the difference between the two procedures to determine which option is best for you.
What is liposuction?
The major difference between liposuction and a tummy tuck is the type of tissue that each removes. Liposuction only removes fat cells. It is a relatively noninvasive procedure that suctions fat from target areas. It is useful for people who have problem spots of excess fat, but whose skin and muscles are otherwise in good condition. For example, a typical liposuction patient dislikes a specific bulge or roll, but is otherwise happy with the area overall. Liposuction can be used in multiple places on the body and can be targeted to deliver a contouring effect.
During liposuction, the surgeon infuses fluid containing numbing medication as well as a second medication that minimizes blood loss into the areas to be treated. This fluid infusion also helps the fat cells come out more easily and smoothly. The incisions are very small, so scarring is less of a concern than with a tummy tuck. People who choose liposuction sometimes have post-operative bruising, but this rapidly improves.
What is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck, also called an abdominoplasty, is different than liposuction. It is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin as well as the adjacent fat. In order to remove a large amount of excess skin, the incision extends across the lower abdomen at or below the bikini line. After freeing up the loose skin, it is then stretched downward to create tighter skin with a more contoured and youthful appearance. The excess skin is then trimmed off and the abdominal muscles are tightened. Another incision is made around the navel to reposition and reshape it. Dr. Weider usually does some liposuction to the flanks at the time of a tummy tuck to improve overall shape. The tummy tuck recovery period is usually longer than after liposuction because the procedure is more extensive.
This is an ideal procedure for people who have excess skin from pregnancy, weight loss, or fat and skin that is resistant to exercise and diet. Someone might choose a tummy tuck over liposuction if their skin and muscles seem loose and not toned.
Tummy Tuck and Liposuction in Dallas
Dr. Weider has extensive experience in both liposuction and tummy tucks. He and his staff will perform a personalized consultation to determine which procedure is best for you. Please call us today at (972) 566-8444 to learn more about these procedures and to set up your personal consultation with Dr. Weider.
www.drweider.com
(972) 566-8444
Laurence A. Weider, MD
Dr. Weider, a native of Southern California, is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon who has maintained a private practice in Dallas, TX since 1999. After attending Stanford University, he obtained his medical degree (M.D.) from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. He then completed a one year surgical internship in Los Angeles at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, followed by a four year general surgery residency in Dallas at Methodist Medical Center, and a two year plastic surgery fellowship in Cleveland at Case Western Reserve University.
