Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck

Baltimore Body Contouring Surgery

Body contouring procedures such as liposuction and tummy tuck continue to be two of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in the United States. However, there are significant differences between the two treatments. Liposuction surgery allows plastic surgeons to remove fat cells from the body, while tummy tuck is a procedure in which excess skin is removed from the abdominal area. Baltimore plastic surgeon Ronald Schuster reviews the differences between liposuction and abdominoplasty in this blog post.

Liposuction

Liposuction can be performed on many areas of the body, including the calves, knees, thighs, buttocks, hips, abdomen, flanks, breasts, arms, and under the chin. The treatment involves the creation of an incision in the treatment area. Dr. Schuster then inserts a suctioning device called a cannula through the incision. The cannula sucks excess fat cells out of the body, producing a slimmer, more toned appearance. In the first few weeks after surgery, our Baltimore liposuction patients may experience swelling, bruising, and bleeding in the treatment area. After a few weeks, the full results of liposuction should be visible.

Tummy Tuck

Some men and women that have lost weight through diet and exercise or liposuction may notice that they have developed loose skin in the stomach area. Unfortunately, the only way to treat lax skin is through medical treatments. Patients with a moderate amount of loose skin may be good candidates for laser or radiofrequency wave skin treatments. Those with excessive amounts of extra skin will need to undergo tummy tuck surgery to address the problem. During the abdominoplasty procedure, a horizontal incision is made in the lower abdomen. Excess skin is then removed, underlying muscles tightened, and the incisions closed to produce a smoother appearance.

Contact the practice of Ronald Schuster, MD, if you are interested in undergoing tummy tuck or liposuction surgery.