The tummy tuck is one of the most popular procedures in the U.S. today. Lately, people have been combining a tummy tuck procedure with a liposuction for total body transformation.
But wait a second.
Aren’t both procedures just a way to look slim? Not exactly.
Difference Between Tummy Tuck and Liposuction
These Plastic Surgery procedures are seen as ways to reduce and tone the waistline. This is why they are often used interchangeably. But there is a significant difference between the two procedures that we need to keep in mind.
A tummy tuck (also known as abdominoplasty) helps to remove excess skin from the abdominal area. Additionally, it tightens up the abdominal muscles, resulting in a more smooth and toned physique. However, if you’re looking to get rid of stubborn fat deposits that are difficult to remove, like love handles, for example, a tummy tuck probably won’t do the trick.
Liposuction, on the other hand, will help you get rid of isolated fat deposits that are difficult to get rid of with regular exercise and diet. The downside of liposuction, however, is that it does not remove excess skin or tighten abdominal muscles, and hence doesn’t leave you with that firm, toned look that you get after a tummy tuck.
So by combining a liposuction and a tummy tuck, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of both procedures. This means a firmer, toned abdomen free from subcutaneous fat and sagging skin.
Benefits of Combining the Two for a Total Body Transformation
Rather than opt for any single procedure on its own, it’s best to combine a liposuction and tummy tuck to achieve optimum results.
1. Better Body Contouring
By adding liposuction to your tummy tuck you can optimize the results of your body contouring treatment. The results of combining both procedures can far exceed what one procedure is capable of on its own in terms of body transformation.
Getting rid of loose skin and fat will help you tone your physique and enhance your beauty.
2. Shorter Recovery
Most people cannot afford the luxury of taking time out for two separate plastic surgery procedures. By combining the two treatments you can effectively cut down on your time spent at the surgeon’s office and during recovery.
Getting a liposuction with your tummy tuck has an added benefit as well. When a Plastic Surgeon performs a lipoabdominoplasty (the two combined procedures) he/she sometimes uses a ‘layered suturing technique’. This can minimize fluid buildup in the tissues.
3. The Possibility of a Better Price
Most Plastic Surgeons will offer a package for a combined lipoabdominoplasty, making it less expensive than going through each procedure separately. This is generally due to the fact that certain costs such as anesthesia, Operating Room (OR) staff and OR time are needed only once.
4. Enhanced Mobility
If you opt for only the tummy tuck procedure, you may still be left with fat deposits. They can be quite uncomfortable to deal with during physical activity, hindering your desire for a total body transformation.
When you get rid of both subcutaneous fat and loose skin, you free up your body and allow it to move with unrestricted motion. Not only does this make life a lot easier, but you’re more likely to work out and exercise if you feel comfortable in your body.
5. Improved Posture After Your Body Transformation
Loose skin and fat can make it difficult for the body to maintain a straight spine. Most people are also conscious of standing up straight when they have fat deposits around their abdominal area. By getting rid of them, it becomes a lot easier to roll your shoulders back and stand up straight.
This allows you to improve your posture, which translates to all other areas of your life. Better posture means improved confidence, stronger movements, and lower risk of injury during exercise.
Choose Wisely
The treatment outlined in this article is a complex contouring procedure and needs to be dealt with very seriously. Not every Plastic Surgeon is qualified to handle a combined liposuction and tummy tuck. You want to be sure that you’re signing up with someone who has done these procedures several times before.
The lipoabdominoplasty surgery is sure to transform your lifestyle and the way you perceive yourself. Besides the benefits listed here, you’re bound to see other changes in your life that are quite intangible. Enhanced confidence, and often an eagerness to engage in physical activity are just a few of the many intangible benefits you can enjoy from a combined liposuction and tummy tuck.
It’s a big decision to make, no doubt about that, and you need to do your research. But once the treatment is over and you’ve recovered, you can start to see the body transformation and the changes in your life right away. So say goodbye to the old you and welcome a new, beautiful, more toned version of yourself.
Dr. Rosso is one of the senior Plastic Surgeons in the South Bay and he is Chief of Emergency Room Plastic Surgery Services at Providence Little Company of Mary Hospital in Torrance and Chief of Emergency Room Plastic Surgery Services Torrance Memorial Medical Center.
He provides a free cosmetic surgery consultation for patients interested in this procedure. Call us today to make an appointment at 310-326-3636