Belly fat, especially deep-seated abdominal fat, can be a serious health risk. More than for aesthetic purposes, removal of belly fat can be beneficial because not doing so could put you at greater risk for developing heart disease or Type 2 diabetes. Two cosmetic procedures that you can consider for removing fat deposits are abdominal liposuction and tummy tuck (abdominoplasty).
Although both of these are cosmetic procedures, they involve completely different processes. A key distinction between the two is that one is a non-surgical procedure while the other requires major surgery. To further explain, we have narrowed down their general differences into the following:
1. Anesthesia.
Since a tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure, the doctor will administer general anesthesia on the patient; whereas with abdominal liposuction, you will only need local anesthesia.
2. Procedure.
Abdominoplasty takes longer because other than the actual removal of the fatty deposits, it also involves the removal of a section of the skin from the lower abdomen. Moreover, the procedure also usually involves repositioning the belly button, which can make it look unnatural.
3. Scarring. This is perhaps one of the most common reasons why patients think twice about getting a tummy tuck. The procedure leaves a long scar on the lower abdomen, which can be a major aesthetic concern for women who are fond of wearing bikinis.
4. Recovery Period. Another major distinguishing factor between the two procedures is the time it takes the patient to recover. With abdominoplasty, the recovery period usually takes two weeks or more. Plus, the patient will also need to stay overnight at the hospital after a tummy tuck. With abdominal liposuction, you can go back to your usual non-strenuous activities a day or two after treatment. Within a week, you can go back to your regular physical activities.
5. Cost. Abdominoplasty costs twice as much as liposuction, and this only covers the cost of the actual procedure. You also have to consider the hospital room, recovery medication, and possibly loss of income while you are recuperating from the operation.
If you need further details about liposuction or other services at Rejuvé, or you wish to set an appointment for evaluation of your condition, please call us at (408) 740-5320.