If you are seeking to slim and shape your belly area, your two best options are liposuction and tummy tuck. Often performed together, these are really two separate procedures with different goals and processes. Liposuction is a straightforward procedure that carries little risk or recovery downtime. A tummy tuck is considered a more serious operation.
Liposuction involves using suction to remove stubborn fat deposits permanently. A tummy tuck helps tighten the loose skin that remains after liposuction. You may also elect to have a tummy tuck performed on its own, for instance if you have lost a significant amount of weight and want to address skin redundancy of the abdomen.
If you are interested in a liposuction procedure or getting the best tummy tuck Beverly Hills has to offer, contact Dr. Kapoor and Dr. Schlenker today.
Who is a Good Candidate?
Liposuction
Liposuction can be a good fit if you wish to remove small fat deposits. It will reduce bulges and improve contour; it will not contribute to significant weight loss. Therefore, it should not be used as a dieting tool. It is not recommended for obese patients.
Tummy Tuck
Tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat in the belly area. Good candidates will have excess skin in this area due to pregnancy or shifts in weight. In addition, a tummy tuck may involve bringing the rectus abdominus, or sit-up muscles, back together.
You should hold off on getting a tummy tuck if you are considering getting pregnant in the future or are actively trying to lose weight. You are not a good candidate if your BMI is over 30 or you have a heart condition.
The Procedure
Liposuction
Liposuction in Beverly Hills requires general anesthesia. In addition, your surgeon might use a local anesthetic on your belly area. Small incisions are made around the treatment area, and a thin tube-like instrument called a cannula will be inserted into the incisions, and moved around to break up fat deposits. Then, a medical vacuum is used to suction out dislodged fat cells. One thing to note is that it may take multiple sessions to achieve your desired result.
Tummy Tuck
Tummy tuck also requires general anesthesia. Once you are asleep, an incision is made along the skin that covers the bottom of your abdominal wall, exposing the muscles. If your surgeon finds that they are stretched out, he will sew the abdominal wall muscles together. He will then pull the skin tightly over your abdomen, trim the excess skin, and close the incision with sutures.
A tummy tuck is done in one procedure and typically takes two to three hours.
What Results Can I Expect?
Liposuction
Patients who have liposuction on their bellies can expect a flatter, more proportioned midsection. Results are supposed to be permanent. According to one study, fat deposits may appear in other areas of the body, but not in the areas that were suctioned, for a year after surgery.
Tummy Tuck
After recovery from a tummy tuck, your abdomen will be more stable a strong. The results are considered permanent and should be. That is, unless you stretch the skin out again by gaining a large amount of weight or becoming pregnant.
Side Effects and Risks
Liposuction
Possible risks include:
• Numbness
• Contour irregularities
• Fluid accumulation
Rare risks include
• Infection
• Internal organ puncture
• Fat embolism
Tummy tuck
Tummy tucks carry more risk of complication than most other plastic surgery procedures. One study showed that 8.5% of patients had to be readmitted to the hospital after returning home post-surgery. Wound complications and infections were the most common reasons.
Other possible risks include:
• Changes in sensation
• Fluid accumulation
• Tissue necrosis
The Recovery Process
Liposuction
After surgery, you may experience swelling at the site of fat removal, and bleeding at the incision site. You will most likely be asked to wear a compression garment to help you heal beautifully and safely. Liposuction is an outpatient procedure, and you should be able to resume normal activity within 48 hours. Still, you should wait about 3 weeks, or until you have your doctor’s approval, before engaging in heavy weight lifting or serious aerobic activity.
Tummy Tuck
Your incision will be covered in surgical dressing from the time you wake up, and you will need to change it several times. You will also be provided with a compression garment called a “belly binder.” You should begin walking within one day to prevent blood clots. You will be prescribed both pain relievers and antibiotics. Surgical drains will also be placed for up to two weeks.
It takes six weeks for the initial recovery phase of a tummy tuck to pass, and you will have several follow-up appointments with your doctor during that time. In the meantime, avoid extending your abdomen or bending backwards in any way. Basically, don’t stretch or place too much tension on the incision. You should also not do any strenuous physical activity until you get your doctor’s approval.
Tummy Tuck in Beverly Hills
Liposuction and tummy tuck are two of the Top 5 Plastic Surgery procedures performed Dr. Vishal Kapoor and Dr. Robert Schlenker at their newly remodeled office in Beverly Hills. Visit our liposuction and tummy tuck before and after photo galleries to view images of our patient success stories! Contact us online or at (310)385-9623 today for a tummy tuck in Beverly Hills.
