What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a type of cosmetic surgery that breaks up and sucks fat from the body. The fat is removed through a hollow instrument known as a cannula. The cannula is inserted under the skin with a powerful, high-pressure vacuum attached to suck the fat out of the target area. Liposuction is not an overall weight-loss method and is not a treatment for obesity. The procedure also does not remove cellulite, dimples, or stretch marks. The amount of fat that can be safely removed is limited as well. Unlike a tummy tuck, liposuction will not get rid of excess skin or resolve issues dealing with poor abdominal muscle tone. The ideal candidate for liposuction is:
- Those with good skin elasticity and muscle tone
- Those at or very near their target weight
- Those looking to remove fat deposits, not loose skin
Benefits Of Liposuction
Liposuction is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures around. Liposuction offers many benefits to patients and is a relatively simple procedure to undergo and recover from. Some of these benefits include:
1. Relatively fast recovery times
Unlike tummy tuck procedures that require long recovery periods, liposuction procedures only require about a week's worth of downtime depending on the extent of the procedure. Many liposuction patients can go back to work or resume their daily lifestyle routine just after a week of at-home recovery.
2. Permanent removal of fat cells
One of the most favoured benefits of liposuction is that it permanently removes fat cells in the treatment area. Once the fat cells have been removed, they will not come back which means that you will be at reduced risk for gaining weight back in that specific treatment area.
3. Improved self-esteem
It is not uncommon to be self-conscious about stubborn fatty deposits that never seem to go away with exercise and healthy eating habits. By removing these fat cells and giving patients a more contoured look, liposuction often provides patients with a boost of self-esteem to make them feel more confident in their clothes and bathing suits.
What Is A Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck procedure has the added benefit of being able to remove excess loose skin while tightening loose or separated abdominal muscles to achieve a smooth, toned physique. A tummy tuck consists of making an incision at the bikini line from hip to hip and then lifting the skin and fat up off of the abdominal wall. With the abdominal wall exposed, your plastic surgeon will use stitches to tighten the abdominal wall. The excess skin is then pulled down and removed to reveal a more contoured appearance and toned abdomen. Candidates for a tummy tuck have often:
- Been dealing with loose, sagging skin as a result of weight loss or pregnancy
- Lost weight already through exercise and dieting
- Have always had a protruding belly, even when in good shape
Benefits Of A Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck is a more invasive procedure than liposuction and as a result, requires a longer recovery time and more visible scarring. Your plastic surgeon will ensure the scar is hidden below your bikini line for maximum discretion. Some of the benefits of a tummy tuck procedure include:
1. Improved Core Strength
Your plastic surgeon will stitch your abdominal walls tighter together during the procedure which will, in turn, increase your abdominal strength. In addition, stronger abdominal muscles can help relieve lower back pain and improve posture.
2. Removal Of C-Section Scars
If you have undergone a caesarean section, you may have lasting scars that make you feel self-conscious. During a tummy tuck procedure, these scars may be removed along with the extra loose skin you carry or will be seamlessly incorporated into your tummy tuck scar below your bikini line.
3. Improved Appearance
For most women, the primary reason they receive a tummy tuck procedure (abdominoplasty) is to improve the overall appearance of their abdomen. A tummy tuck procedure removes the loose skin leftover from pregnancy or dramatic weight loss to reveal a more contoured, flat abdomen that exercise and dieting cannot achieve.
Liposuction And Tummy Tuck Procedures Kelowna
Okanagan Health Surgical Centre in Kelowna is a world-class private surgical facility providing advanced abdominal surgery options like abdominoplasty and liposuction. We help our patients achieve their desired results with minimal scarring to ensure they feel confident in their skin once again.
The team of private surgeons will be sure to answer any questions you may have during a complimentary consultation regarding abdominoplasty and liposuction procedures. To book your consultation today call us at 1-250-868-9799 or Toll-Free: 1-877-505-8895 or fill out the contact form below.
FAQ
Q: How long is the recovery after a tummy tuck procedure?
A: Most patients are fully recovered after six weeks. Once approved by a doctor, patients can then return to exercising and full activity levels.
Q: How long is the recovery after a liposuction procedure?
A: Recovery from abdominal liposuction may vary from patient to patient. The area will be bruised for about 10-14 days. You will be able to return to your regular activities once you feel comfortable doing so after a week or two.
Q: How long is a tummy tuck procedure?
A: A tummy tuck procedure takes about 3-5 hours depending on your individual case.
