Clearing up the confusion versus Liposuction and Tummy Tucks

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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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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!

Do I need Liposuction or a Tummy Tuck?

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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

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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.

Tummy Tuck New York CityResearchers 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

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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

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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

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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™.

Read more

Liposuction & Tummy Tucks are not Interchangeable NYC

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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

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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.