| Bariatric Surgery.info Abdominal Lipoplasty Compared to Abdominoplasty |
Comparison of tummy tuck and suction lipectomy
of abdomen |
Abdominal LipoplastySometimes, plastic surgeons perform a lipoplasty procedure (liposuction) instead of an abdominoplasty procedure. Here are a few popular questions about the different aspects of these plastic surgeries. How Does Abdominal Lipoplasty Differ from Abdominoplasty?Liposuction of the abdomen removes body fat located under the skin and above the ab muscles. It does not tighten muscles or remove loose skin. However, in patients with firmer abdominal muscles, liposuction can provide a significant improvement in body shape, with minimal post-operative scars, leaving a more naturally shaped abdomen. In addition, post-operative recovery is much safer, quicker and easier than recovery after a regular tummy tuck. The Advantages of Abdominoplasty Compared to LipoplastyTummy tucks are designed to tighten muscle and excise loose skin, as well as remove fat. Liposuction simply removes fat. Therefore, patients for whom a tummy tuck is better than abdominal liposuction include anyone with noticeable skin laxity (loose or excess skin) and/or very weak/stretched ab muscles. This would include anyone who has experienced massive weight loss. Also, patients seeking an optimally flat stomach generally prefer tummy tuck. Disadvantages of AbdominoplastyTummy tucks typically produce ugly scars which are generally permanent, although they fade after about one year. Also, by removing a large segment of abdominal skin and then re-positioning the belly-button, abdominoplasty operations can leave a misshapen belly button. After all, a surgically altered navel does not have a natural appearance. A tummy tuck involves a much more serious operation, with a much higher risk of post-operative complications (blood clots, healing problems) than abdominal liposuction. However, abdominal liposuction is not really comparable with abdominoplasty. These are different procedures designed (mainly) for different conditions. How Do Costs Compare?Very roughly, abdominoplasty is twice or three times as expensive as liposuction of the abdomen. Furthermore, tummy tuck patients typically need up to four times the recovery period before they can return to work, compared to lipoplasty patients. Bariatric Plastic Surgery After Weight Loss |