Q. Why do some doctors say I need a tummy tuck while others don’t?
A. I have attempted to offer you the general reasons why a Surgeon may recommend, and the difference between liposuction and tummy tuck.
Liposuction and LipoContouring
Liposuction removes fat. It uses a long thin tube called a cannula and some form of suction to remove the fat. The LipoContouring portion markets the idea of artistry in the final sculpted result. Small, 1 cm or less incisions are used to access the fat under the skin (not the organ fat) which is removed. Generally it takes a week to recover while the surgical areas heal over the subsequent 1 to 12 months.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
A traditional Tummy Tuck removes skin. Generally, the “panniculectomy” portion uses a long incision from the “love handle” crease on one side across the top of the mons to the other side, sometimes extending to or over the buttock mound to remove a maximum amount of skin laxity and skin excess and the fat contained within it. A Tummy Tuck will include a corset-tightening of the fascia of the muscles below the skin and a repositioning of the umbilicus. Initial healing will required is 1 to 12 months with 6 weeks being the average for my patients to return to light duty work. Lipocontouring may be added.
These 2 procedures have different goals with different consequences / side-effects!
Liposuction:
- remove fat
- usually less cost
- less recovery
Tummy Tuck
- remove skin
- longer incision
- forward flexed position for maximum skin removal
- belly button scar
- drains
- longer recovery
Plastic Surgeons evaluate a large number of factors to make a recommendation for their patient upon consultation. Beyond the above, issues such as:
- cost,
- recovery time,
- skeletal pains and deformities,
- hernias,
- personal preferences,
- on-going medical problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, risk of venous blood clots, use of opioids, increasing use of “biologic” anti-inflammatory and other anti-healing medications, associated auto-immune and other chronic illnesses, social – work –support issues.
- and many others concerns must be discussed with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to determine which is right for you.
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This information is not meant as medical advice. It is provided solely for education. Our practice would be pleased to discuss your unique circumstances and needs as they relate to these topics.
Give us a call at 410.602.3322 or email Lauri@DrDeanKane.com and make an appointment soon. We’re located on Reservoir Circle just a block off the Baltimore beltway, convenient to greater Baltimore, Annapolis, the Eastern Shore, Southern Pennsylvania, Delaware and Carroll County.
