Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) vs liposuction
Many people are confused when is abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) the right procedure and when is liposuction (liposculpture) the correct procedure. Some years ago a study at NYU medical center looked at abdominoplasty patients done at their institution from 1981-1990. They found that only 15% of patients fit the criteria for abdominoplasty. That is still a lot of necessary abdominoplasties, but even more unnecessary abdominoplasties. These patients should have had liposculpture.
Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is the surgical removal of the bottom half of the abdominal fat and skin, the tightening of the underlying abdominal muscles, the repositioning of the umbilicus (belly button) and the reattachment of the upper abdominal skin to that of the pelvis. The purpose is to treat patients with excess fat above and below the umbilicus, excess loose hanging skin above and below the umbilicus, and stretched abdominal muscles. While you can judge loose skin and fat a physical exam is needed to diagnose stretched muscles.
Since fat can be removed with liposculpture and skin is elastic and will shrink after liposculpture, most patients do not need abdominoplasty.
Recovery from liposculpture is almost immediate and patients resume exercise by walking for an hour each morning and night beginning the evening of or the morning after liposculpture. Pain is minimal and can be controlled with tylenol or alleve. Abdominoplasty, on the other hand, is painful because muscles are sewn and skin is cut and sewn and often a drain is in place for 3-4 days. Patients complain of pain and soreness and while we do walk the next day it is usually 1/2 the distance or less of liposculpture patients.
Healthy lifestyle may be the best body shaping method, however liposculpture and abdominoplasty are valuable tools when they are selected correctly.
Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is the surgical removal of the bottom half of the abdominal fat and skin, the tightening of the underlying abdominal muscles, the repositioning of the umbilicus (belly button) and the reattachment of the upper abdominal skin to that of the pelvis. The purpose is to treat patients with excess fat above and below the umbilicus, excess loose hanging skin above and below the umbilicus, and stretched abdominal muscles. While you can judge loose skin and fat a physical exam is needed to diagnose stretched muscles.
Since fat can be removed with liposculpture and skin is elastic and will shrink after liposculpture, most patients do not need abdominoplasty.
Recovery from liposculpture is almost immediate and patients resume exercise by walking for an hour each morning and night beginning the evening of or the morning after liposculpture. Pain is minimal and can be controlled with tylenol or alleve. Abdominoplasty, on the other hand, is painful because muscles are sewn and skin is cut and sewn and often a drain is in place for 3-4 days. Patients complain of pain and soreness and while we do walk the next day it is usually 1/2 the distance or less of liposculpture patients.
Healthy lifestyle may be the best body shaping method, however liposculpture and abdominoplasty are valuable tools when they are selected correctly.
posted by Edward Lack MD at 11:39 AM
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