Excess fat or skin around your tummy area can affect your confidence levels, especially in Florida, where you're never far from a beach and the warm tropical weather demands summer clothing. If you've been considering surgery to get a flatter, tighter stomach, you might be wondering about the difference between liposuction and a tummy tuck. We highlight all the basics you need to know below.
Lipo was the second most popular cosmetic surgical procedure in the U.S. in 2018. So, what is it? It's all in the name. This outpatient procedure suctions fat from your body and contours and shapes it. It could take multiple lipo sessions under sedation to get the results you want, but the recovery time is a quick two days. Post-procedure weight gain in the same area is possible, but unlikely.
Liposuction probably isn't the route for you if your BMI exceeds 30. That's because it targets smaller fat deposits. If you're at a relatively healthy weight that you can maintain easily, but you have a stubborn muffin top or more fat than you'd like on your arms, buttocks, hips, thighs, or even your neck, you can look into lipo. Liposuction is not a quick fix for weight loss; it's for toning.
Also known as abdominoplasty, tummy tucks can restore midsections with excess fat and stretched-out skin. This makes them a good option for post-pregnancy bodies, for example.
The three-hour procedure involves general anesthesia because your abdominal wall muscles likely need to be sewn together. After that, your plastic surgeon will snip off extra skin. It's worth noting that initial recovery takes about a month and a half.
If you're obese or have a chronic disease, your doctor won't recommend a tummy tuck, nor would they do so if you still hope to become pregnant or if you've recently made lifestyle changes to encourage weight loss. You need to be at a stage where you won't lose significantly more weight, or your skin will loosen up again, and you'll be back at square one.
However, it's best to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon before ruling anything out. They can figure out the best treatment plan for you to achieve positive outcomes.
It can be incredibly frustrating to work out and maintain a healthy diet without losing weight in specific areas. Or perhaps you have lost weight, but now you're left with excess skin that makes you as self-conscious as ever. With decades of experience, Dr. Wallace at FIPS can help. Get in touch to learn more about tummy tucks in Fleming Island and schedule a consultation.
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