Liposuction and Abdominoplasty: Two Procedures United

Liposuction is one of the most popular methods to get rid of unwanted fat and bulges all over the body. This procedure has been around for decades and it has stayed basically the same as it was when it was initially introduced. The goal of the operation is to eliminate unwanted fat from specific areas of the body through the use of a tube, called the canulla. When all has been settled between the patient and the doctor, arrangements are made to do the operation. The problem areas are identified and fat is exposed to a solution that liquefies it. This makes it easier for the canulla to suck it up. The patient is put under anesthesia and incisions are made on the specific areas of the body. The tube is moved in and out through the incision in order to facilitate better vacuuming of the fat. There is a limit to how much fat can be taken away from the body. Too much fat loss can cause the body to go into shock even during the liposuction. When all goes according to plan and the procedure is a success, the incisions are closed up or taped up and the patient can go home. Although this is an invasive procedure, the incisions are relatively small and there is a quick recovery period. 

The question of needing a tummy tuck after the procedure often comes up when the patient experiences excessive flaps of loose skin on the area on which the liposuction procedure was implemented. The stomach region is basically the one where there may be some difficulty trying to get it into shape even with the right diet and exercise. Despite being effective, it turns out that the fat removing procedure lacks the ability to tighten the skin and tissues when there is no more fat in the area. For the skin and tissue to tighten in a satisfactory time frame, an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, may be necessary. Many patients find the need to get an abdominoplasty because the excess skin and tissue does not look good. This means that despite the loss of fat, the patient still cannot show the abdomen area without any embarrassment. 

Many doctors do recommend having the abdominoplasty a few months after the liposuction. There is even talk that these can be done at the same time given the right circumstances. It is a good idea to ask the doctor during the consultation regarding these operations. He or she will recommend and advise the best option for the patient. Getting a second or even third opinion for this will not hurt, either. There are also some cases where there is no actual need for a tummy tuck after taking away the fat from the abdomen. This may be because the loose skin and tissue is not excessive enough to warrant this. Some surgeons recommend going on an exercise program that targets tightening and toning of the abdominal muscles in order to get the desired results. The surgeon may also recommend a diet in order to keep away the fat and to maintain the area's appearance.