The best way to make this decision is to take a good look in the mirror, without clothing. When you look in the mirror, observe your features from head to toe, and from every angle. Turn around a time or two and tell yourself the unmitigated truth about your appearance.
Now imagine you are an observer from across the room. The observer is only given these facts, not determining whether or not you’re a worthwhile, lovable human being.
Truth is … many people make the decision to have cosmetic surgery based upon the opinions of others. They rationalize the procedure as being positive because subconsciously they want to make others happy. Now it’s important to understand that patients have an understandable and emotionally based concern as to why they wish to have liposuction (lipoplasty) or a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) … but it’s also important that they understand their priorities. Because even though the benefits of choosing one of these procedures far outweigh the costs of doing nothing … patients will find gratitude and self-confidence only if they’re doing it for their own benefit.
THE BENEFITS OF HAVING LIPOSUCTION
Quite frankly, liposuction isn’t for everyone. It is, however, ideal, and therefore will yield the best results, for those who are of normal weight with localized areas of excess fat – for example, in the buttocks, hips, and thighs. In other words, the procedure is ideal for the removal of localized unwanted fat anywhere on the body.
Often, these areas are unresponsive to diet and exercise and the culprit responsible for their arrival in any particular area of the body is genetically based.
Women decide to have liposuction to remove small pockets of fatty tissue from under their chin, under arms, breasts, hips, and buttocks, while men typically wish to improve the appearance of their chin and waistline.
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with liposuction, but the great news is that unlike tummy tucks, the results remain permanent when the procedure is done correctly. Patients can expect to see a full improvement in appearance within four to six weeks, and a final beautiful contour after three months.
THE CONFIDENCE OF HAVING A TIGHT TUMMY
On the other hand a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall.
If you believe you want liposuction in the abdominal area, you may learn that a tummy tuck may more effectively meet your goals; or that a combination of traditional liposuction and tummy tuck would be the best choice for you.
The general rule of thumb is that liposuction is less invasive as only a small incision is needed to use the cylindrical instrument known as a cannula to extract fat.
With a tummy tuck, on the other hand, the surgeon draws underlying muscle and tissue together and stitches them, thereby narrowing the waistline and strengthening the abdominal wall . This procedure will also remove unwanted lower belly fat and the skin associated more effectively than liposuction due to the size of the region and the limitations of localized liposuction. However, both procedures may be performed simultaneously if the situation warrants.
The great thing about tummy tucks is that the abdominal muscles are tightened. Liposuction offers no such benefit. Therefore, if the patient is looking forward to a “washboard stomach” look in the future… a waistline liposuction will not generate these results if there is abdominal damage or weak abdominal muscle development.
Due to the effects of gravity and aging, tummy tucks should last for many years. Many plastic surgeons will refrain from performing abdominoplasty if the patient wishes to become pregnant as the abdominal walls may stretch and become damaged. Additional procedures may be needed in the future and it is perfectly safe to do so.
For many people considering a tummy tuck, liposuction, or both, their dream to feel lighter and more confident becomes a reality. Ask your plastic surgeon if either cosmetic surgery procedure is right for you. This may be your chance to reclaim a youthful appearance in … your beautiful new body.
Read more articles about liposuction and body contouring.
