Liposuction and tummy tucks are two of the most popular types of cosmetic surgery in the United States. Both treatments appeal to people that have similar cosmetic goals: to remove unwanted fat from their bodies.
There are some differences between liposuction and a tummy tuck (also known as “abdominoplasty”). The Winter Park Plastic Surgery & Laser Center offers both options; here’s what you need to know about each type of cosmetic surgery:
About Liposuction
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery that helps people get rid of stubborn and unwanted pockets of fat. It’s ideal for individuals who lead a healthy lifestyle by having a balanced diet and exercising regularly.
The procedure involves manually breaking up the fat and removing it with a cannula. Dr. Scott A. Greenberg is a board-certified plastic surgeon who carries out liposuction at the Winter Park Plastic Surgery & Laser Center near Orlando, FL.
Liposuction treatments are carried out under local or general anesthesia; this is discussed during your initial consultation with Dr. Scott A. Greenberg. Patients see initial results immediately after surgery and the final result can be seen after 2-3 months.
Types of Liposuction Available
There are two types of liposuction available at Winter Park Plastic Surgery & Laser Center.
VASER Liposuction
The first is VASER liposuction. VASER stands for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance. It’s a unique technology that uses ultrasound wave energy to emulsify fatty tissue before suctioning it away with a cannula.
VASER liposuction is ideal for patients who want more specific contouring and body area definition.
Traditional Liposuction
The other type is traditional liposuction. It’s a standard option for people that wish to remove bulges and improve general contouring across large areas such as hips, thighs, the stomach, and buttocks.
About Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is a cosmetic surgery option designed to remove excess fat and skin from the abdominal area of the body. Tummy tucks are ideal for patients looking to tighten their abdominal walls following extreme weight loss or pregnancy.
When you schedule a tummy tuck procedure with Dr. Scott A. Greenberg, you can expect tightened abdominal wall muscles and a flatter lower abdomen.
Please take a look at our case study gallery to see some before and after photos of patients that have had tummy tucks after scheduling surgery with Dr. Scott A. Greenberg.
Similarities Between Liposuction and Tummy Tuck
Liposuction and tummy tuck are similar in that they are cosmetic surgery procedures that remove unwanted excess fat. Both procedures are carried out by board-certified plastic surgeons like Dr. Scott A. Greenberg.
Differences Between Liposuction and a Tummy Tuck
The main difference is the areas where the excess fat gets removed. Liposuction gets carried out on various parts of the body, whereas tummy tucks focus exclusively on the abdominal region. In a tummy tuck procedure, excess skin will also be removed from the abdomen and the abdominal muscles will be tightened.
Recovery times also differ between the two procedures. Generally, patients can return back to work one week after liposuction and about 10 days after a tummy tuck. Strenuous activities are limited for 3-6 weeks after surgery.
Am I a Candidate for Liposuction or a Tummy Tuck?
Liposuction and tummy tuck are suitable for healthy patients looking to remove excess fat from their bodies. They might have fat pockets and extra skin due to extreme weight loss, typically after gastric band surgery, and by women following pregnancy.
These procedures are not ideal for patients that are obese; they aren’t recommended as weight loss tools. The best method of determining your candidacy for each procedure is by scheduling an in-person consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Scott A. Greenberg.
Take the Next Step
Want to learn more about the differences between liposuction and abdominoplasty? Schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Scott A. Greenberg at Winter Park Plastic Surgery & Laser Center in Winter Park, FL (serving the Central Florida area). Fill out the form on this page or call (407) 644-3137 to schedule your consultation today!
