What is the Difference Between Liposuction and Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
Liposuction OR Abdominoplasty? Contoured, Sculpted Body and Flat, Firm Tummy
Even with an active lifestyle in our beautiful Seattle region, a healthy diet and exercise may not achieve the body image we want. For those persons with fat deposits which stubbornly do not budge or with excess skin that loosely hangs, liposuction and/or abdominoplasty may provide effective solutions.
Quick Comparison of Difference between Liposuction and Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck):
|
Liposuction |
Standard Abdominoplasty |
| Fat removal mainly by vacuum suction. Other adjunct techniques available. No surgery on muscles. | Skin removal by excision. Fat removal combines vacuum suction and excision. Tightening of lax abdominal muscles by suturing. |
| Remove fat deposits in many body areas:Abdomen, thighs, calves, inside knee, arms, neck, chin, flanks (saddle bags), waist, bra roll, male chest | Excise fat and skin from abdomen. Flatten abdominal bulge. Can be combined with liposuction |
| No skin removal. | Amount of skin removed depends on skin excess and laxity. (full abdominoplasty vs mini-abdomimoplasty) |
| Tiny scar(s) to access liposuction site. Easily hidden | Scar above pubic area along bikini line larger than C-section scar. |
| Tightness of skin after liposuction depends on elasticity of skin. Best results with youthful and elastic skin. | Better alternative for those with loose skin folds, stretch marks after significant weight loss or pregnancy |
| No repositioning of umbilicus (belly button) | Usually requires repositioning of umbilicus depending of amount of skin/fat excision |
| Suctioned fat can be processed for fat transfer to other areas of body for volume enhancement | Suctioned fat can be processed for fat transfer to other areas of body for volume enhancement |
| Usually performed under local or IV sedation | Usually performed under general anesthesia.IV sedation may be used for mini-abdominoplasty. |
| Post-operative compression garment worn for about 2 weeks | Post-operative compression garment worn for about 2 week. Drainage tube may be placed and removed in less than 2 weeks. Heavy lifting best avoided for 4 weeks or until comfortable. |
| Patients can usually return to work in a couple of days. Walking encouraged right after procedure | Patients can usually return to work in 2 weeks. Walking encouraged within several days |
Dr. Zemplenyi uses the skin tightening capabilities of the latest Smartlipo TRIPLEXTM for laser-assisted liposuction for body sculpting procedures, precision targeted shaping and skin tightening.
At Bel-Red Center for Aesthetic Surgery all procedures are performed in our Medicare Certified and Washington State licensed Ambulatory Surgical Facility in Bellevue serving Eastside and Seattle patients.
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I had such a positive experience here with Dr. Z and his staff. From the initial consultation to my post-surgery appts. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. All my questions/concerns were addressed, the surgery itself went really well (and I am so happy with my results, seriously life changing), my recovery went smoothly and Dr. Z gave me his personal cell # so I could reach out if I had any worries during my recovery. Dr. Z and his staff truly care about their patients and go above and beyond to deliver the best results! I highly recommend coming here if you need any aesthetic surgery, you won't be disappointed.