While most people know of liposuction and tummy tucks, few people understand the difference between these two cosmetic procedures. They are not interchangeable, which means that each procedure should be used in only certain situations. Understanding where each of these procedures should be used could be essential in obtaining the figure that you want.
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a procedure where fat is removed from your body. Doctor Chernoff will remove the fat via suction, which in turn makes it possible to lose extra padding in troublesome areas like the hips, flanks, legs and arms. During the procedure, only fat is removed and not excess skin.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck removes excess skin from the body. This makes it useful given that skin tends to lose its elasticity as a patient ages and accrues more excess fat cells.
This procedure is the more popular of the two, as problem areas tend to remain on the belly where fat accumulates even after a patient has lost that excess fat. A tummy tuck can give the appearance of tighter skin, which is the result many patients are looking for.
Tummy tucks vs. Liposuction
The difference between a tummy tuck and liposuction pertains to what each procedure does. Liposuction removes excess fat, which makes it ideal for areas where the skin has remained tight. Tummy tucks remove excess skin from the belly to give the appearance of more youthful and tighter skin.
Can Liposuction and a Tummy Tuck Be Combined?
Liposuction and tummy tucks are often combined to remove fat from a patient’s body while giving their skin a more youthful appearance.
When a patient undergoes a tummy tuck, surgeons tend to refrain from performing liposuction in any area but the hips and sides. This is to reduce the likelihood of complications pertaining to blood flow in the abdominal area, which could delay healing and make any scarring significantly more visible.
If liposuction is required on the tummy, then it should be performed before a tummy tuck with a sufficient amount of time for the patient to heal.
Do These Procedures Always Get the Results Patients Desire?
While not every patient is happy with the result of their tummy tucks or liposuction treatments, more patients tend to be satisfied with their procedures when an experienced cosmetic surgeon diagnoses and performs the procedures.
The best way to get the result you want is to work with an experienced cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Chernoff that has worked with a variety of body types. During your consultation, we’ll discuss your aesthetic concerns and goals and recommend the treatments that are best for you. Every patient is different, so we’ll tailor the procedure to you and your needs. Contact Chernoff Cosmetic Surgery today to schedule your consultation.