We hear a lot about these two procedures, but they are entirely different:
A tummy liposuction procedure removes fat using a powered sucking device called a cannula that removes fat cells. It is done under local anesthesia. It is recommended for patients with good skin elasticity. It works best for men and women with a BMI of 30 or less. Tummy liposuction is an outpatient cosmetic surgery procedure done generally in less than two hours. It does not leave any scars.
A Tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure performed on the lower abdomen. It involves general anesthesia. The plastic surgeon will perform two cuts to remove loose skin. He will sew the muscles in your abdominal wall together if they have become stretched out. He will then pull the skin tight over your stomach. It is recommended for patients who have lost elasticity due to pregnancy and have excess skin that cannot resorb itself with exercise and diet in their midsection. There will be visible scars where the doctor has performed the incisions to remove the excess skin.
There are two key differences in the fat present in the Tummy area of the body:
If your BMI is under 30, you can benefit from liposuction of fatty tissue around your tummy if you are in good health. The fat removal procedure is done under local anesthesia. It is an outpatient procedure that can be done in under two hours. To prevent fat from returning, you must follow a proper regimen, including diet and exercise.
Who is a good candidate for a tummy liposuction procedure?
Louis D. Cole, M.D., is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, the American Society of Liposuction Surgery. Dr. Cole has been trained and is certified to perform SmartLipo, tumescent liposuction, power-assisted liposuction, and fat transfer to the breast and buttocks (Brazilian Butt Lift). Dr. Cole has performed hundreds of successful surgeries.
Robert Ball, M.D. has over 20 years’ experience as a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Laser Medicine & Surgery. Dr. Ball received the Patients’ Choice Award in 2017 & 2018 and the Compassionate Doctor Certification Award in 2015, 2017, & 2018. Due to Dr. Ball’s years of training in general surgery and plastic surgery, he has been sought out for his abilities to repair and revise cosmetic surgery problems and complications.
At Atlanta Liposuction Specialty Clinic, we use the SmartLipo Triplex with Thermoguard. This laser has three specific wavelengths that enable our expert surgeons to both melt fat and tighten skin during your procedure.
Atlanta Liposuction Specialty Clinic is an AAAHC Certified Facility.
You have come in having organized a lift to take you home.
You will be meeting with your surgeon to review your pre-op tests, discuss the procedure, and answer any last-minute questions you may have.
The cosmetic surgeon might draw on your body the areas on which he will perform lipo
You will receive a mild sedative to make it a more pleasant experience.
Tumescent liposuction does not require general anesthesia, which allows you to talk to your surgeon during the whole procedure.
Tumescent Liposuction:
The surgeon will start with small incisions. He injects a combination of lidocaine, sodium bicarbonate, and epinephrine mixed in a Saline solution to numb the area.
The doctor will then use a cannula to access the fat deposits:
If you choose to have a fat transfer to other areas like the popular Brazilian butt lift, the fat cells will be extracted, cleaned, and immediately reinjected to increase their survival chance.
If you do not avail yourself of a fat transfer, the cannula is equipped with a laser fiber that will liquefy the fat and kill the fat cells. They will be sucked out, and the body will expel the remaining dead tissue over time. The surgeon can utilize the SmartLipo Triplex laser during the surgery so we can achieve superior skin tightening. The body will create new collagen, and the skin will tighten a few weeks after the surgery.
As part of the surgery, the doctor will perform body contouring. These liposuction techniques are different for men and women. Men may go for six-pack abdominal muscles, and women prefer rounder and fitting curves. Sculpting is an art whether you are Michelangelo or a cosmetic liposuction surgeon. We know you are in good hands because our surgeons are experts in tummy liposuction and will give you precisely what you want.
After your surgery, you will receive a follow-up appointment and contact info.
Make sure you have a ride home
A few days later, you will have a post-op check-up to see your progress
Most of our patients are very pleased after this procedure. It allows them to wear more flattering clothing. It makes them feel more confident and positive about their appearance. It is pleasant to bend down to pick up something again!
Liposuction procedures do not replace weight loss programs. It will not make cellulite disappear, and patients must have reasonable expectations.
Skin elasticity, age, diet, and exercise will help determine if your desired result is achievable.
Full results, including skin tightening, will be visible within 90 days
The recovery time for abdominal/tummy liposuction can be anywhere from 4-12 weeks. The first 36-72 hours after treatment is the most uncomfortable part of recovery. Patients often experience a combination of numbness and soreness as the anesthetic wears off. Avoid activities that involve twisting, turning in the first three days after surgery to minimize soreness. During this time, patients may take medication prescribed or recommended by our surgeons to help them manage discomfort.
All patients should observe the following guidelines for recovery after an abdomen/tummy liposuction procedure:
Liposuction procedures start at $4,500. Depending on the amount of fat to be removed and the patient’s final goals for the cosmetic surgery, the cost for tumescent liposuction can vary. We offer discounts to patients who decide to target more than one body area during the same surgical procedure. During a pre-op consultation with an experienced surgeon, the patient can discuss the possibility of targeting more than one body area during the first surgery session.
The total cost of abdominal liposuction surgery varies from patient-to-patient depending on several different factors, including:
Our office has partnered with multiple lending providers that offer convenient and tailored plans.
We highly recommend that you discuss a fat transfer procedure in conjunction with your liposuction surgery. Trendy cosmetic procedures include BBL, Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation, and gluteus augmentation.
What are the risks associated with the procedure?
Like all operative procedures, there is a risk of infection. But at our facility, we have a very low infection rate well below 1%. Contour irregularities can also occur when doing the procedure. A signed consent form is required stating that the patient is aware of the benefits and associated risks of the process.
If you are interested in improving your abdomen’s shape, this may be an ideal procedure for you. We offer complimentary consultations and would be happy to help you start on a journey to a new and improved shape. Please contact our office for more information and a complimentary consultation.
Call us at 770-416-0000 or for a free virtual consult, click here, and let’s get you started!