Tummy Tuck or Liposuction?
Tummy tuck or liposuction? – If you are considering doing something about your flabby belly area, this is easily the first question you will ask your plastic surgeon, and they will be expecting it. Both are effective and sometimes patients might even require both procedures to get the results that they want. However, each procedure has its times where it is beneficial over the other. Liposuction – Removes Fat Unfortunately, even rigorous exercise and dieting can’t spot reduce your problem areas. For those times, there is liposuction. For women who have been unsuccessful conquering their problem areas, liposuction can remove the extra fat from an area. However, while tummy tucks are limited to the abdomen area, you can easily have liposuction anywhere. Tummy Tuck – Removes Fat and Loose Skin Our abdomen area is always one of the major problems when it comes to fat. Due to pregnancy or major weight gain, you may be able to get the fat removed from liposuction, but that doesn’t help the sagging skin in the area. This is where having a tummy tuck becomes the right choice. Overall, the tummy tuck removes the excess fat, corrects sagging skin, and tightens the abdomen muscles so your whole stomach area looks firm, slim, and lovely. As you will notice, the tummy tuck procedure does involve liposuction, so actually when you are discussing your options with a plastic surgeon in regards to your stomach as the problem area, you are just discussing taking liposuction a step further by having a tummy tuck. However, obviously you can’t have a tummy tuck in any area of the body, but the process of firming up that loose skin in another area is just another procedure under a different name. If you are considering solving the endless battle against belly flab, you will want to talk your options over with a skilled plastic surgeon to find out which procedure benefits your unique situation the most. For more information on both procedures, contact West Maple Plastic Surgery...
Read MoreCan You Exercise After a Tummy Tuck?
For those who choose a tummy tuck, they are likely looking forward to a flatter stomach and looking more beautiful in their clothes. However, after a tuck, it likely won’t be long until your focus shifts to trying to tone up those abdominal muscles that can now be easily seen without all that excess skin hanging around your mid-section. While those who undergo plastic surgery are always eager to get back to their normal lifestyle or start up a new healthy lifestyle, it is important to take ample time to recover and heal. While the recovery time for a tummy tuck can range to four to six weeks, that doesn’t mean you need to resign yourself to the couch. Those who have undergone the procedure can return to normal non-fitness related activities often within the first week. It is actually advised that while healing you should get up off the couch and go for short walks to help your body’s healing process. However, while going on light walks is advised, jogging and running are not. These activities should be avoided for at least four weeks so that you run no risk of tearing your incisions open. Other exercises, such strength training should be avoided for a longer period of six weeks. Finally, abdominal exercises such as sit-ups and crunches should be avoided for six weeks or longer until everything is completely healed. As so much of exercise uses your core abdominal muscles, it is in your best interest to start off with just some light walking while going slowly back into any regular workouts at the four to six week mark. This assures that the tummy tuck and its incisions have the time to heal properly and heal well so you can reap the benefits for a lifetime. If you are interested in tummy tucks or want to learn how they can affect your life for the better, contact us at the West Maple Plastic Surgery...
Read MoreFacts You Should Know Before Getting Liposuction
Liposuction is a safe and effective method of eliminating unwanted fat and creating a more sculpted profile. As with any cosmetic procedure, it is important to understand exactly what liposuction will and will not do so that you can make an informed decision. The following are key considerations that you should keep in mind when deciding if liposuction is right for you. Liposuction Is Not for Weight Loss: While it is true that getting rid of body fat may help you lose a little weight, you should not expect significant weight loss following liposuction. The procedure is intended for normal weight individuals who have localized areas of stubborn fat that do not respond to diet and exercise. Liposuction also does not correct sagging skin or tighten weak abdominal muscles; however, these issues can often be addressed by combining liposuction with a tummy tuck or another procedure. Be Realistic About the Results: It is important to remember that liposuction is not a magic wand that will immediately give you rock-hard abs or arms that look like Madonna’s. What it will do is reduce fat by as much as 20 to 30 percent and reduce bulges so that you feel more comfortable and confident in your clothes. Full Results Take Time: Most patients experience swelling and bruising for up to six weeks following liposuction. We advise patients to wear a compression garment and use lymphatic massage to minimize swelling and prevent excess fluid from collecting at the treatment site. It can take as long as two to three months to see the full results of liposuction. Consider the Timing: Most patients like to avoid revealing clothing for several weeks following liposuction to conceal the swelling and bruising, which means you should plan the timing of your procedure strategically. If you are wanting liposuction before a family beach vacation or a milestone class reunion, be sure to allow plenty of time for healing. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of liposuction, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Dr. Sherbert is a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than two decades of experience helping patients feel more confident in their own...
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