Liposuction Vs Tummy Tuck: Which Is Right For You?

Liposuction Vs Tummy Tuck: Which Is Right For You?

If you’re not sure about the difference between a tummy tuck and liposuction, then you’re not alone. Many people are unclear on the finer points of these two procedures and which would be the right one for their needs. To help you figure out which, if either, is the right option for you here are the key points of both.

Liposuction

Liposuction is a procedure that removes subcutaneous fat. This is the layer of fat that lies just below the skin. It does not do anything to remove visceral fat. This is fat that lies below muscles and surrounds organs.

The fat is broken down and then sucked out. VASER is a particularly gentle method of doing this. It uses ultrasound to break down the fat so that the surgeon can suck the liquid fat out through minimally invasive, tiny incisions.

Liposuction is not a weight-loss treatment. The fat that a surgeon can remove like this is only the stubborn and difficult to remove fat that is left over once you are at or near your target weight.

The Ideal Candidate

Liposuction isn’t right for everyone. It is most effective for people who have stubborn pockets of fat that are not responsive to diet and exercise. They should be at or near their ideal weight.

People who have good skin elasticity will see the best results. However, if there is a loss of skin elasticity, then it possible to still benefit from a minimally invasive procedure.

With a combination treatment that also includes skin tightening, such as with Renuvion, VASER liposuction can be suitable for a wider range of people. By combining both Renuvion and VASER, it is possible to remove stubborn fat while subdermally tightening the skin and increasing collagen production for a smoother, tighter finish.

Renuvion offers the benefit of making VASER more accessible to those who may have mild to moderate skin laxity, helping more patients to achieve a smoother, tighter and more sculpted appearance, without needing invasive surgery.

Where Can You Have It Done?

A surgeon can perform liposuction on almost any area of the body. VASER liposuction is both powerful and precisely targeted. A good surgeon can use it with equal effect on larger areas like the abdomen, back or flanks, as they can on delicate areas like the neck.

Recovery Time

VASER liposuction is a minimally invasive surgery. You don’t need a general anaesthetic for it, which means you will be back home the same day. Most people are ready to go back to work after a few days of rest. They then return to exercise and their normal routine after 2-4 weeks.

Recovery time does vary and may be longer if you have more areas treated, or more fat removed.

How Long Until You See The Results?

After surgery, you will see some swelling and bruising, which will mask the results. So you have to wait for that to clear. How long this takes depends on quite a few variables. But results should be visible from 1 to 6 months.

The fat will stay gone as long as you stick to a healthy diet and exercise regimen.

Is Liposuction Right For You?

If you are close to your target weight but have a few areas where you just can’t shift the fat, then liposuction may be a good option for you. It’s ideal for helping you reach your goal and can give you the motivation to stay there.

You should be aware of the limitations of liposuction and have realistic expectations. You should also make sure that you are doing this for your happiness. While liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure, it is still surgery. So it’s something you should be doing for you and your own wellbeing.

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck is an operation to remove excess skin.  This can be done to remove scars, stretch marks, and a small amount of subcutaneous fat. There are several different types of tummy tuck. They all involve the same basic procedure, but they involve removing different amounts and shapes of skin. It will depend on your situation as to which is most appropriate.

Sometimes a tummy tuck will involve tightening the abdominal muscles that may have separated during pregnancy or weight excess (Diastasis Recti).

The Ideal Candidate

An ideal candidate for a tummy tuck is someone who is at or near their ideal weight. They should be generally healthy and a non-smoker. The ideal candidate should have realistic expectations about what their results will be and be willing and able to follow all the post-operative restrictions.

For women, it is best to wait to have a tummy tuck until you are confident you have no future plans to get pregnant. Pregnancy can have an enormous impact on your results.

Recovery Time

A tummy tuck is not a small procedure, that means recovery can take more time. You would typically expect to spend around three days in the hospital before returning home. You will be able to do light activities around two weeks after leaving the hospital. Most people return to work after around four weeks of recovery time. However, you will need to avoid strenuous activity for 10 -12 weeks.

You should also be aware that there will be scars following the procedure. The shape and size will depend on the type of tummy tuck you had, but they can take up to 18 months to fade to a pale colour.

Recovery is usually uncomplicated, as long as you follow the instructions. Once you are fully healed, you will need to maintain a healthy weight through a good diet and exercise. If you gain weight, it can have unpredictable results on your abdomen.

How Long To See The Results

With a tummy tuck, you will notice the difference immediately after surgery. It is common to feel like your the skin on your tummy is too tight. This sensation will usually disappear after six weeks.

It can take some time to adjust to your new body shape following a tummy tuck. It is a significant procedure and will take some effort to get used to it. Most people are happy with the results once they have taken some time to adjust.

Is A Tummy Tuck Right For You?

If you are at or near your goal weight and find that you now have loose skin around your abdomen, then a tummy tuck may be the right option for you. It can make a massive difference to your confidence to have the excess skin removed and to have a flatter tummy, that reflects your current weight. That said, a tummy tuck can be a major operation with longer recovery times. Consequently, you should carefully consider the risks and the impact that surgery will have on your life.

If you are looking for a more minimally invasive procedure, then it may still be possible to have VASER surgery if you have mild to moderate skin laxity. By combining VASER with Renuvion skin tightening, you may be able to avoid having invasive surgery while still enjoying effective results with just a few days of downtime post-procedure.

If you are getting a tummy tuck, it should be something that you are doing for yourself. It’s a significant procedure and not something you should do for anyone’s happiness but your own.

To determine which is the best procedure for you, Hans Place Practice is happy to help. Our expert practitioners will work hard to thoroughly assess your situation, goals and lifestyle to help you decide which is the best route forward. To find out more about our minimally invasive procedures and whether they’ll work for you, get in touch today to book your consultation.