Tummy Tuck | Matthew Schulman, M.D. Plastic Surgeon

Clearing up the confusion versus Liposuction and Tummy Tucks

December 12, 2019/0 Comments/in Liposuction, Plastic Surgery, Tummy Tuck /by Matthew Schulman

Many of our patients have the questions regarding liposuction and tummy tucks. These two procedures are commonly confused and they are very different. In order to get the right procedure for your needs, it is important to understand the difference between liposuction and tummy tucks.

Tummy Tuck vs Liposuction: What’s the Difference?

The biggest similarity between liposuction New York City and a tummy tuck is that both procedures aim to improve the appearance of the midsection. Still, each procedure is also distinct.

For instance, liposuction is the removal of actual fat deposits from the abdomen. The procedure involves a plastic surgeon making small incisions near where the fat is to be removed. The surgeon then inserts a thin tube called a cannula which is used to break up the fat and then removed though suction. The removed fat is either discarded or re-injected in a fat transfer procedure. The fat can be re-injected into the buttock, hips, breasts, face, or even hands. Liposuction can remove fat from the abdomen, sides, back or any area where you have unwanted fat.

A Tummy Tuck, or abdominoplasty, deals more with the skin and underlying abdominal muscles. During a tummy tuck, an incision is made in the bikini line and the abdominal skin is elevated. Sutures are placed in the abdominal muscles to tighten them. These muscles commonly stretch apart with aging, weight changes, and pregnancy. Suturing the muscles together can give a flat abdomen. The excess skin is then removed and the skin is put back together. The scar will be well hidden beneath underwear or a bikini.

See Also Do I need Liposuction or a Tummy Tuck?

So how do I know which is better for me?

Your plastic surgeon will help you understand whether a tummy tuck New York City or liposuction is the best operation. In general, if your issue is excess fat, but your skin is not loose, then liposuction may be what you need. If your skin is loose or hanging, or your muscles are separated (giving you a “pregnant” appearance), then a tummy tuck may be better. Remember, lipo is for fat, tummy tucks are for skin and muscle. It is important to select the right operation so that you get a good result.

Can Liposuction and Tummy Tuck be performed together?

Absolutely! In fact, it is common for liposuction to be part of your tummy tuck. This is because most people have excess fat AND excess skin. Oftentimes, the only way to get a great tummy tuck result is to do liposuction at the same time. Sometimes, your surgeon may recommend a staged approach, in which liposuction and tummy tuck is done in separate operations. This may be recommended for safety reasons or in order to improve your cosmetic results.

See Also Tummy Tuck after Pregnancy

What is “Lipo 360”?

“Lipo 360” is a newer term that refers to liposuction in a 360 degree direction (or all around your torso). Some may refer to this as circumferential liposuction. This means that liposuction is performed on the abdomen, flanks, and back. This allows improvement is your entire torso since it is usually necessary to make the back look better to make the front look better. It provides a much more complete improvement. Not all surgeons are experienced with this procedure since it involves multiple areas of liposuction and re-positioning the patients during the surgery. While some surgeon may say that they will lipo your “sides/flanks” during the procedure, you need to clarify if they will be turning you over in order to do this, since you will get a much better result when the liposuction is performed from the front AND the back. This is what truly differentiates Lipo 360 from standard liposuction. If you excess fat on your abdomen, flanks, and lower back, then you are probably an excellent candidate for Lipo 360.

What Is a Tummy Tuck 360?

A tummy tuck 360 is similar to liposuction 360 in that this procedure improves the appearance of the abdomen from every angle. Like liposuction 360, a tummy tuck 360 removes the excess skin in the front, sides and back. This will involve removing the skin on the front, as is done with a standard tummy tuck, AND removing the skin of the lower back and upper buttocks. The scar will go all the around, like a belt, but is completely hidden under bikini or underwear. The other advantage of this procedure is that you will get improvement in the appearance of your thighs, hips, and buttocks. It is the surgical equivalent of “pulling up your pants” and is a great option for people who have lost a significant amount of weight. A Tummy Tuck 360 is also referred to as a circumferential tummy tuck, lower body lift, or “around the world”. It requires an experienced body contouring surgeon with exceptional skill.

The recovery for a Tummy Tuck 360 may be slightly longer than for a traditional tummy tuck, so this may be a factor in your decision.

Also, if you have had a previous standard tummy tuck, you may benefit from a surgery to remove the skin that is still present on your backside.

Can fat transfer be combined with Liposuction, Lipo 360, Tummy Tuck, or Tummy Tuck 360?

Yes, fat transfer can be combined with any procedure. It is very common to use the fat that is removed during the procedures and re-inject it into specific areas of the body. Commonly, the fat is added to the butt and hips. This can be a very powerful was to reshape the body, by using your own tissue instead of implants. Sometimes people seem to lose their curves after procedures such as liposuction or tummy tucks. By adding fat to specific areas, we can put the curves back and give a much better appearance.

Schedule Your Liposuction or Tummy Tuck Consultation Today!

Both liposuction and tummy tucks can be life-changing procedures for those looking to improve their profiles and physiques. At Schulman Plastic Surgery, Dr. Schulman uses advanced techniques that New York City men and women trust. As a board certified plastic surgeon, specializing in body contouring, Dr. Schulman has performed an extensive number of procedures for his highly-satisfied patients. He often combines procedures such as liposuction, tummy tucks, and fat transfers, making him one of the most sought-after plastic surgeons in New York City.

To book your liposuction or tummy tuck consultation today, give us a call at (212) 289-1851, or contact us online!

1. Are you board certified in Plastic Surgery?

The plastic surgeon you choose should be certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. Many patients simply assume that all plastic surgeons are board certified, however, this isn’t necessary true. In order to be board certified, surgeons must undergo years of training, difficult written and oral exams, ongoing education by attending national meetings and educational courses, maintain admitting and operating privileges at a nearby hospital, and operate in fully accredited surgical facilities. You want to select a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, and not a “Cosmetic Surgeon”.

2. What is your training and experience?

It’s important to only put your trust in a surgeon with adequate training and experience. In addition to choosing a surgeon who is board certified, you should look for one who has several years of breast augmentation experience. Ask them about where they went to school, where they did their residency, and how long they’ve had their own practice. In general, you want to select a surgeon who has done “several hundreds” of the procedure you are requesting.

3. Can I see before and after pictures from previous patients?

All plastic surgeons should have a gallery of before and after pictures from their previous patients. Take a look at these pictures, and look for those patients who have had the breast augmentation procedures you’re looking to have.

Examine the photos with care. You should look for after photos that look like something you would be satisfied with as a patient. You also need to to understand that every patient is different so pay attention to the before photos as well. If the before doesn’t look like you, then it is not fair for you to expect to look like that particular after. It’s important to remember that every plastic surgeon has a distinct aesthetic to their work. In other words, not every plastic surgeon will facilitate the same outcome, even when they’re given the same patient goals. Before and after photos can be a great way to see how your procedure will likely turn out when working with a particular plastic surgeon.

4. What individual procedures would you recommend for my augmentation procedure?

Depending on your goals for surgery, breast augmentation may include a single procedure or several procedures.

For example, some women choose to get breast augmentation as part of a “Mommy Makeover New York City” procedure. A Mommy Makeover is a potentially full-body makeover meant to address physical issues that may occur during aging, pregnancy, weight changes, and breastfeeding. If you choose to have a Mommy Makeover, breast augmentation may be part of this procedure. Other singular procedures that may be involved include tummy tucks, liposuction, or buttock augmentation.

You may also do better with a breast augmentation (implants) and a breast lift New York City. The breast augmentation procedure can make the breasts appear fuller and better shaped while the breast lift can eliminate excess skin and make the breasts appear perkier and less droopy.

Ask the potential surgeons you are speaking with how they would approach your individual procedure. From surgeon to surgeon, you may hear different approaches that can help you decide which is best for you. Does your surgeon prefer saline or silicone implants? Is fat transfer an option for you as an alternative to implants?

5. How long is the surgery?

Breast augmentation as a procedure is a fairly standard surgery. Most of the time, the augmentation itself takes just over an hour. But naturally, you’ll want to get a time estimate from your surgeon. There are various factors that will influence the overall time, such as your breast volume, the thickness of your skin, your body type, and the type of implant selected. Of course, the surgery time will also depend on whether you’re going to have other procedures at the same time such as tummy tuck, liposuction, or Brazilian Butt Lift.

6. Where is the surgery performed?

Your surgery may be performed in a hospital, an ambulatory center, or an accredited office operating room.

7. What nearby hospital are you affiliated with?

If your surgery is not being done in a hospital, it is important to ask what nearby hospital your surgeon works at. This is so you know where you will be sent in the rare event of an emergency. Your surgeon should have admitting and operating privileges at a reputable, nearby hospital.

8. What should I expect during my recovery from breast augmentation surgery?

The recovery period for breast augmentation surgery should be relatively easy. Naturally, if you plan on having more procedures (tummy tuck, liposuction, etc.) at the same time, your recovery will be more extensive. A simple breast augmentation, however, should allow you to be back at work and carrying out light activities within a relatively short period of time. Your surgeon will be able to tell you exactly how long you need off from school or work.

There are also ways that your surgeon can speed and recovery. Dr. Schulman, for example, offers Botox-assisted breast augmentation to some patients. The addition of a small and precise amount of Botox can make recovery easier and quicker.

9. Will I have any scars from the procedure?

Ask your surgeon what types of scars you can expect from the procedure. Naturally, some scarring is inevitably with this type of surgery. However, a good surgeon will know how best to minimize scarring and create a smooth and natural appearance you can feel good about. The specific scars may vary depending on exactly what you need done and your surgeon should be able to draw those scars on you, so you can see exactly how long they will be and where they will be located on your body.

10. How do I pick the size of my implants?

Does he or she pick the size for you or do you pick it yourself? Your surgeon should certainly guide you, but your selection should be a personal one. You want to be sure that you are clear about your implant size. This is usually done prior to surgery since you don’t want to wake up from surgery and wonder what size implant was used. Ask your surgeon how he or she specifically makes this size determination.

11.What if I am unhappy with my results?

You should be aware of what will happen in the event you are unhappy with your results. Each surgeon should have a “revision policy” and you should ask about this. If you need a revision procedure, how are the fees determined? Is there a certain amount of time you must wait before undergoing a revision? This revision policy should be provided to you in writing.

12. How much will my breast augmentation surgery cost?

After your consultation, the surgeon’s coordinator will be able to give you an exact price for your procedure. This price will depend on several factors, including the specific procedure your need, the time in the operating room required, anesthesia and facility fees, and post operative care. It should go without saying that you should never choose a breast augmentation surgeon just because they offer the lowest price. In fact, if you receive an estimate that seems unusually low, you should see this as a red flag. Keep in mind that the surgeon will likely choose to not discuss price with you during the consultation, since surgeons prefer to have medical and surgical discussions with you, and leave the financial discussions to their coordinators.

See Also 10 Ways to Heal Properly after Your Procedure

Schedule Your Breast Augmentation Consultation Today

Dr. Schulman is a New York City board certified plastic surgeon, operating one of the top practices in New York City. If you are considering breast augmentation, contact Dr. Schulman today to schedule your consultation!

Do I need Liposuction or a Tummy Tuck?

April 5, 2019/in Liposuction, Tummy Tuck /by Matthew Schulman

Many people have questions about liposuction and tummy tucks. They tend to be confused about the differences between these procedures and have questions about which is the best option for them. So let’s talk about these two, very different, procedures. We will review what each procedure really treats, and how to figure out which one is best for you.

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is the removal of fat from anywhere on your body. During liposuction, a special tool called a cannula is inserted under the skin through tiny incisions and then connected to a suction pump. The suction helps to remove fat cells from under the skin in the area you are concerned about. This procedure is specific for removal of fat. It does not do anything to directly improve skin, although some skin tightening can occur naturally over several months after liposuction. The scars are small and, when done properly, are usually very well hidden. Small areas of liposuction can be performed using only local anesthesia, while larger areas will require general anesthesia. The amount of fat that can be removed in a single procedure will vary by state. We consider liposuction to be a body-shaping procedure, not a weight loss procedure and requires a different way of healing.

What is a Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty?

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is procedure that addresses multiple aspects of the abdomen. It removes the excess skin of the abdomen and tightens the underlying abdominal muscles that have become separated from weight changes or pregnancies. Relocation of the belly button is also a part of a tummy tuck. The belly button is brought through a new opening in the abdominal skin. Often, liposuction is performed as part of a tummy tuck to help improve the results by helping to shape the sides. Because skin is removed during a tummy tuck, there is a resulting scar. This scar can be hip-to-hip, depending on the amount of skin removed, and is placed beneath the underwear or bikini line. A tummy tuck can take 2-3 hours and requires general anesthesia administered in a properly accredited operating facility.

How to Decide if a Tummy Tuck or Liposuction is Right for You?

Deciding which procedure is right for you will depend on your specific complaints. If you are someone with tight skin but complains of excess fat, then liposuction is probably the right procedure for you. Liposuction can be performed on those specific areas that you want smaller. It is a terrific procedure for people who are in good shape and near their ideal body weight, but who have “problem areas” where there is fat that is resistant to diet and exercise. For men, these “problem areas” are commonly the chest, abdomen and flanks. For women, it is commonly the abdomen and thighs. Liposuction can be done on any other area of the body.

However, if you have hanging skin of your belly with stretch marks, then you will require removal of the skin. Also, if you have separation of your abdominal muscles, called a diasthasis, then you will require muscle tightening. Abdominal muscle separation usually occurs after pregnancy or changes in weight. Removal of the skin and tightening of the muscles can only be accomplished with a tummy tuck. Liposuction will NOT help these problems.

In general, younger patients with good skin quality, will do well with liposuction. If your skin is loose, or has a lot of stretch marks, then liposuction may actually make the appearance worse, since removing the fat will make the skin even looser. This means that people who have had frequent or significant weight fluctuations, will usually require skin removal. If you have lost a lot of weight, then it is likely that your skin is hanging and the only way to make it better is to cut it off with a tummy tuck. If you are a mommy and have had multiple pregnancies, it is likely that your skin has been stretched and is now loose. Also, pregnancy causes abdominal muscle separation. For these reasons, a tummy tuck is usually the solution for the typical “mommy belly”. Additionally, if you are older, your skin has likely lost some of its elastic properties and collagen. In these situations, the skin will not tighten after liposuction, and the appearance can be made worse unless the skin is removed.

If you have extra fat, then liposuction may be for you. If you have extra skin or separated abdominal muscles, you will likely need a tummy tuck.

Let Your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Decide for You!

So, liposuction is a very different procedure than a tummy tuck. Your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon will be able to examine you and help you understand which is the better option for you. The recovery for a tummy tuck is harder and longer than liposuction, but it may be the best option for you. I would strongly recommend that if you need a tummy tuck, do not choose liposuction since it will only make your problem worse and you will need a tummy tuck even more.

Contact Schulman Plastic Surgery to Book Your Plastic Surgery Procedure.

Contact New York City Plastic Surgeon Matthew Schulman, M.D. today and schedule your procedure.

To Keep The Weight Off, Shed Your Old Skin

January 14, 2015/in Tummy Tuck /by Matthew Schulman

You have been successful in your quest to drop a lot of unhealthy weight you had been carrying around. Great job! But, one thing may be left hanging (excuse the pun!) — unattractive loose skin.

Plastic surgery to reshape and tighten your new body can give a tremendous boost to your appearance and your confidence — and, studies show it can also help you keep the weight off.

Researchers from Henry Ford Hospital — who presented their findings at the annual conference of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons — discovered that formerly obese patients who lost massive amounts of weight after bariatric surgery were much more likely to maintain their weight loss if they had follow-up body contouring procedures.

“Bariatric surgery has a measurably significant positive impact on patient illness and death,” explained Dr. Donna Tepper, senior author of the study. “However, even with the technical and safety advancements we’ve seen in these procedures, their long-term success may still be limited by recidivism. There is a high incidence of patients who regain weight after the surgery.”

The study tracked the results of 94 patients who had bariatric surgery at Henry Ford from 2003 to 2013 — 47 of whom followed their weight loss with body contouring procedures. The researchers recorded each patient’s Body Mass Index (BMI): a weight-to-height ratio used to determine degrees of obesity.

In the patients who underwent contouring surgery, their BMI decreased an average of 18.24 at 2.5 years after the procedure. In those who did not, the change in BMI dropped just 12.45.

“As plastic and reconstructive surgeons, we are encouraged by the idea that improved body image can translate into better long-term maintenance of a healthier weight, and possibly a better quality of life for our patients,” Dr. Tepper said.

For weight-loss patients, Dr. Schulman Plastic Surgery offers a wide range of procedures to remove the excess skin and tissue left over from your formerly overweight body, including facelift, neck lift, arm lift, breast lift, thigh lift, tummy tuck / Smooth tuck, SCOOP Lift buttock contouring and Brazilian Butt Lift in New York City.

Examples of some of Dr. Matthew Schulman‘s many satisfied clients can be viewed in our lower body lift before-and-after photos and upper body lift before-and-after photos.

Contact Dr. Schulman Plastic Surgery to find out how we can help you put the finishing touches on your new body.

Mommy Makeover Options for Kim Kardashian

October 8, 2013/in Plastic Surgery, Tummy Tuck /by Matthew Schulman

The body goes through significant changes during pregnancy and breast feeding. These include weight gain, stretching of skin, development of stretch marks, enlargement (and then shrinking) of breast tissue, and breast drooping. Women many also complain of weight gain in other areas of their body such as thighs, arms, and back. While weight loss and exercise will help to improve some of these issues, many of these changes that occur after pregnancy are resistant to diet and exercise. Read more

Tummy Tuck after Pregnancy

December 26, 2012/in Plastic Surgery, Tummy Tuck /by Matthew Schulman

Tori Spelling recently gave birth to her fourth child and unfortunately was re-hospitalized shortly after for complications resulting from her c-section. Rumors began flying that the real reason for her hospitalization was to have a “secret tummy tuck” according to a “friend” and reported by multiple online sites. Tori and her reps deny this story completely, although she did admit that she would like to have a tummy tuck at some point to regain her pre-pregnancy belly. Read more

New Plastic Surgery Techniques in New York City

August 18, 2011/in New York City, Plastic Surgery, Smooth Tuck, Tummy Tuck /by Matthew Schulman

As a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, I am always looking for the latest advances in cosmetic plastic surgery. Techniques and Technologies are constantly evolving. Many of these new methods are really nothing new, but every once in a while something really exciting comes along that allows me to offer my patients better results with less pain, recovery, and scarring. There have been a few of these advances that I am really excited about. These include Smooth Tuck®, Keller Funnel™, and PermaLip™.

Liposuction & Tummy Tucks are not Interchangeable NYC

September 2, 2010/in Liposuction, New York City, Plastic Surgery, Tummy Tuck /by Matthew Schulman

Everyday I see patients requesting liposuction, but what they really need is a Tummy Tuck. These are excellent procedures but are not interchangeable. You need to understand these two procedures in order to know which is better for you. Read more

Tummy Tuck vs Liposuction

November 23, 2009/in Liposuction, Tummy Tuck /by Matthew Schulman

Many patients are unhappy with the appearance of their abdomen. They may complain about the extra fat, the loose skin, the lack of tightness, or the presence of stretch marks. It is important to understand the difference between a Tummy Tuck, or abdominoplasty, and Liposuction in order to decide which is most appropriate.

Liposuction involves the removal of fat with the help of a suction device through very small incisions. Any volume of fat can be removed – from large volume to just small amount in the problem areas. After the fat is removed, the skin will generally tighten to accommodate your now slimmer body. The amount that your skin can tighten depends on several factors: the amount of fat removed, the area it is removed from, and the quality of your skin.

Liposuction is used specifically to remove fat and improve the overall shape of your body. When performed on your abdomen, liposuction can result in a tighter upper and lower abdomen and flanks, with very small and hidden incisions. Liposuction will not do much to improve your skin. This means that if you have hanging skin, or pannus, liposuction may make this appear worse. Also, if you have abdominal wall laxity because of loss of muscle tone, liposuction will do nothing to help this. Lastly, if you are complaining of stretch marks, liposuction will not eliminate this and may in fact make it look worse.

A Tummy Tuck in New York, or abdominoplasty, is a larger operation but has a significantly greater impact on the appearance of your abdomen. A Tummy Tuck will remove the excess or hanging skin, remove stretch marks, and remove excess fat. It also involves tightening of the underlying abdominal muscles that become loose with age, after pregnancy, or changes in weight. Tightening the muscles is the most powerful way of giving you a flatter, tighter abdomen.

Your board certified plastic surgeon will be able to examine you and tell you if liposuction or a tummy tuck is best for you. Oftentimes, the two are combined in order to give you the best improvement in the contour of your abdomen. Keep in mind that the recovery from a Tummy Tuck is greater than the necessary recovery from a Tummy Tuck. This may also factor into your decision between these two popular procedures.