Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck - What’s The Difference?
You’ve tried everything to get rid of your stubborn belly fat, and nothing seems to be working. Why is that?
Our bodies store fat in different places, but fat around our lower belly is the most stubborn and difficult to lose. There are two receptors, Alpha-2 and Beta-2 receptors, which determine how fat cells are used. Alpha receptors store fat for later use while Beta receptors break down and release fat for immediate use. Fat cells in the stomach area have a higher amount of alpha receptors, which is why when you start a weight loss program, you’ll see results in the face, arms, and chest before you lose belly fat. Other reasons you might not be seeing results could be attributed to genetic factors or age.
If diet and exercise aren’t getting you the results you’re looking for, you may be considering plastic surgery. Liposuction and tummy tucks are two procedures that address excess abdominal fat. It’s important to note that these are not weight loss surgeries, and both are meant to sculpt the body, not reduce your weight.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a less invasive procedure than a tummy tuck. It works by removing fat deposits from a targeted area, improving contour and resulting in a more sculpted figure. It can be performed on almost any part of the body that has excess fat, including the stomach, back, arms, legs, and under the chin. Patients may be intravenously sedated for this procedure, and it may take several sessions to achieve your desired result.
Liposuction has a fairly quick recovery time, and you can resume normal activity within a few days. However, you should hold off on intensive exercise and weight lifting until you get the okay from your doctor.
Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck is a more intensive procedure than liposuction. This procedure reconstructs the muscles of the abdomen and removes excess skin, resulting in a flatter, more contoured midsection. If your abdominal muscles have been stretched or separated by pregnancy, this procedure will reconnect them. Patients will be put to sleep with general anesthesia and the surgery typically takes two to three hours.
After the procedure you may experience swelling, bruising, and bleeding at the incision site. Your doctor will prescribe pain relievers and antibiotics to help ease any discomfort and reduce your risk of infection. It takes six weeks for the initial recovery phase of a tummy tuck to pass, and you’ll need several follow-up appointments with your doctor to check on how your incision is healing. During this time, you should avoid any position that places tension on the incision and avoid strenuous exercise.
Liposuction and Tummy Tucks in Michigan
Aesthetika Nova is dedicated to providing each patient with the best options available suited to their individual needs. Dr. Karaca, M.D. is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive knowledge and experience. He always strives for a look that is natural and a true enhancement of your beauty. To help you decide if Dr. Karaca is the right plastic surgeon for you, schedule a consultation with us.
Aesthetika Nova is dedicated to providing each patient with the best options available suited to their individual needs. Dr. Karaca is a board-certified surgeon with extensive knowledge and experience. He always strives for a look that is natural and a true enhancement of your beauty. To help you decide if Dr. Karaca is the right surgeon for you, schedule a consultation with us.