Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction: Which Is Right For You?

Introduction

Have you gained some additional weight? Do you have too much belly fat? Then, shed that extra fat with liposuction and tummy tuck. In addition to detracting from your look, belly fat also affects your health. Not every activity is designed to loosen belly fat and reduce fats. In this case, liposuction and tummy tuck are helpful. Both of these well-liked cosmetic operations focus on various body-shaping elements, especially the abdominal region.  

What is liposuction?

Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure for the removal of excess fat in the body. It permanently removes fat cells stored in various parts of the body. It removes fat deposits in the body that don’t respond to diet and exercise. Liposuction can be done anywhere in your body where you have excess fat. It can be done on the abdomen, stomach, back, chest, buttocks, thighs, and upper arms.  

Types of liposuctions

• Laser-assisted liposuction: It is a method where strong laser lights are used on a flexible tube that breaks down your fats. It only requires a small incision and is a quick procedure.  
• Tumescent liposuction: It is the most common method where a saline solution containing a mixture of epinephrine medications is injected into the fatty regions. The solution shrinks your blood vessels, and as a result, fat is easily removed without causing any blood loss.  
• Ultrasound-assisted liposuction: It is a method that uses ultrasonic energy through a metal rod that is placed beneath your skin to liquefy fat. As a result, fat can be easily removed by the surgeon.  
• Vibration amplification of sound energy at resonance: This method uses stainless steel with grooves and ultrasound waves to easily break up and remove fat cells and fat from your body.
• Suction-assisted liposuction: It is a method that uses a vacuum to remove fat from your body.
• Power-assisted liposuction: It is a method that uses a tiny, stainless-steel tool called a cannula, which moves back and forth over your fatty region. As a result, fat is easily removed.

Procedure

The procedure of liposuction involves:

• Before the surgery, you will be administered with general anaesthesia so that you won’t feel anything.
• Then, the surgeon makes a tiny incision on your skin, inserts a suction device attached to a small stainless steel called a cannula, and moves it towards the fatty regions.
• Through the cannula, fats are broken and removed with a suction pipe.
• After the removal of all fats, the incision is closed and bandaged.  

What is a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck is a plastic surgery that flattens and smoothens your abdomen or belly by removing excess fat and tightening muscles in abdominal walls. A tummy tuck can address a protruding stomach and ageing skin. It is one of the finest options when your body undergoes changes after pregnancy, significant weight loss, natural ageing, and any previous surgery. 

Types of tummy tuck

There are a few types of tummy tuck that surgeons perform to remove excess fat in the abdomen region, such as:

• Partial tummy tuck: It is a mini tummy tuck which requires a small incision between the lower abdomen and the belly button. Sometimes, no incisions are made during the procedure. It is carried out when you have less excess fat.
• Full tummy tuck: It is a type where a large incision is made around the lower abdomen above the pelvic region. It is done when you are fatter.
• Circumferential tummy tuck: It is also known as high lateral tension abdominoplasty, where surgery is done in the front and back area of the abdomen and hip region. A surgeon makes a longer incision around the abdomen for the surgery, which removes fat and changes the body’s shape from all sides.  
• Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck: It is a type where the incision is made in the upper and lower regions of the abdomen, that is, vertical and horizontal forms. This incision looks like a letter ‘T’. It is done for individuals with more fat and obesity.

Liposuction vs. tummy tuck

Conclusion

Despite different objectives, tummy tucks and liposuction may greatly improve your appearance and body shape. Both equally strive to reduce extra fat, enhancing your physical structure and health, allowing you to feel and look better.