Tummy tuck vs liposuction- how fat is removed
Both procedures will remove abdominal fat- in the case of the tummy tuck, the skin and fat is removed en-bloc, while a liposuction procedure removes fat discontinuously.
Both procedures are effective at improving abdominal contour, but must be applied to the right patient. (Scott C. Sattler, MD, FACS)
Liposuction and Mini Tummy Tuck
The way the fat is removed when sculpting the abdomen depends on where it is located. In a mini tummy tuck, there is usually excess skin located in the lower abdomen.
A smaller incision than a traditional tummy tuck will allow removal of this excess skin as well as any fat in that area. However, there is usually some excess fat located laterally in the love handle region as well as superiorly in the upper abdomen. Liposuction is a good option in removing this fat since no further incisions would have to be made. Most plastic surgeons will combine liposuction with a mini tummy tuck to give the best result. However, the choice of fat removal is dependent on each patient’s individual needs and anatomy. (Naveen Setty, MD, Dallas Plastic Surgeon)
What is a mini-tummy tuck
A mini tummy tuck is best when the loose skin is primarily in the lower abdomen, below the belly button. the scars can be limited to scars within the bikini line. liposuction can be combined with a mini tummy tuck to nicely contour the lower abdomen. the other advantage to a mini tummy tuck vs liposucion alone is that the muscles of the abdomen can be tightened if necessary with a mini tummy tuck. (Eric Chang, MD, Baltimore Plastic Surgeon)
Liposuction causes less bruising
When I perform an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), I usually liposuction the abdomen and flank area before removing the excess skin. I find that this gives a better result, including a better defined waistline. This also allows me to improve the areas beyond where I’m cutting out skin. As I am closing up the incision, I will often remove fat by cutting it out at the ends of the incision as well as in the pubic area to help flatten out the mons pubis. (Joseph M. Perlman, MD, Houston Plastic Surgeon)
Methods of Fat Removal with Tummy Tuck
With Tummy Tuck surgery, the loose lower tummy skin is removed with its fat. In addition fat from adjacent areas is sometimes removed as well to get better contours. Because the blood vessels supplying the skin are located just over a distinct layer called Scarpa’s fascia, it is safe to remove the fat underneath this layer without damaging the skin. This can be done directly as was done in your case. (Peter A. Aldea, MD, Memphis Plastic Surgeon)
Liposuction versus excision of fat in a tummy tuck
When performing a mini tummy tuck, the technique that is used to remove the fat depends on the surgeon’s preference but more importantly on the distribution of fat in your abdomen. If the majority of your fat is in the central and lower part of the abdomen, it may be best to during the mini tummy tuck.
If your fat is distributed throughout your abdomen and besides, liposuction may be necessary. In our practice, every patient that receives a tummy tuck receives liposuction. This is because liposuction allows us to access parts of your abdomen that we cannot get to otherwise with just a tummy tuck. (Pat Pazmino, MD, Miami Plastic Surgeon)
With a tummy tuck, there is skin removed. The fat that is attached to that skin is cut out with the skin. Sometimes, there is other fat in the upper abdomen or the flanks that is liposuctioned at the same time as the tummy tuck. (Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS, Seattle Plastic Surgeon)
I think that resecting the fat, dermolipectomy, if performed in a very limited area, is very reasonable alternative to liposuction when performing tummy tuck. (Otto Joseph Placik, MD, Chicago Plastic Surgeon)
Mini tummy tuck is seldom a good operation.
I seldom see a good candidate for a “mini tummy tuck”. The surgeon who performed your operation removed fat directly as is always done with a full or partial abdominoplasty. He might also have employed liposuction to enhance your results. (Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD, Atlanta Plastic Surgeon)