Often times following weight loss or pregnancy, people will consult with a cosmetic surgeon to help them achieve a more youthful contoured body. And with so many different procedures, it can often be confusing as to which procedure is appropriate for them. One of the biggest confusions can be the difference between the need for a tummy tuck or liposuction.
Dr. William G. Middleton, a cosmetic surgeon in Toronto, has been performing tummy tucks for over 20 years and often finds patients confused by the two. Dr. Middleton explains, “One misperception perhaps is that some individuals come in thinking they need liposuction when in fact they would benefit more from a tummy tuck or a combination of both.” The difference between the two procedures, however, is huge, and therefore understanding that difference is important.
Dr. Middleton typically finds that patients in need of a tummy tuck are those who have a protruding abdomen, with excess skin and pockets of fat. Excess skin is often a bi-product of extreme weight loss and multiple pregnancies and can typically only be removed surgically. These patients may find that no matter how many hours spent in the gym or how well they diet, the excess skin and fat never eliminates.
On the other hand, liposuction is a procedure that is used to remove only fat. Where as tummy tuck removes excess skin in addition to excess pockets of to help re-contour the body, liposuction only removes fat. Liposuction is also are far less invasive procedure than tummy tuck.
According to Dr. Middleton, tummy tuck typically takes around three hours, compared to liposuction that may only take an hour or two, depending on the case. Furthermore, tummy tuck requires a much larger scar. Since tummy tuck removes excess skin, a much larger incision is used so that the excess can be removed, the underlying abdominal muscles can be tightened and the body can be contoured. Liposuction utilized a cannula to suck the fat out and therefore only requires a few small incisions, where the cannula is inserted.
Knowing the difference between the procedures is vital in order to achieve the most optimal results. Tummy tuck is far more invasive procedure that is only necessary in cases where excess skin is present. If stubborn fat is the only problem, then liposuction may be a more appropriate procedure. The best way to know however is to consult with a cosmetic surgeon.
If you would like to know more about tummy tuck or liposuction or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Middleton, call his Toronto office at 416-966-3223.
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