One of the parts of the body that stores fat quicker than shedding it is the abdomen. We know this as there are a number of folks who search for body contouring in Singapore to address the problematic abdominal area. If the excess fats still cling to your tummy despite the extra crunch time of doing sit-ups or whatever core workout you’ve been doing, then you should seriously consider throwing in the towel on sweating it out and set an appointment with a plastic surgeon to find out what procedures can help you achieve the body that you want.
Tummy tuck or Liposuction?
Two procedures that work well with body contouring in Singapore are tummy tuck and liposuction. These are both aesthetic and surgical procedures that aim to alter the form of the abdomen by making it look more slim, toned, and flat. While tummy tuck and liposuction have the same goal, these are two different procedures. They differ on the following areas:
- Candidate qualification
- Complications
- Cost
- Downtime
- Process
- Results
Candidate qualification
Liposuction is an excellent choice for individuals who want to get rid of small amounts of fat in the following areas:
- Abdomen
- Buttocks
- Hips
- Thighs
Similar to liposuction, tummy tuck removes fat from the body. The only difference is, in addition to fats, a tummy tuck also takes away excess skin and tightens the abdominal muscles that have been separated or stretched. This is usually the case for women who have undergone pregnancy. Tummy tuck is ideal for patients who:
- Are continuously trying to trim their weight
- Have been diagnosed with a chronic heart condition
- Have been pregnant and want to contour their abdominal area
- Have a BMI that is more than 30
- Have gained and lost weight excessively
Complications
Tummy tuck and liposuction are both invasive surgical procedures and are not exempt from risks and complications.
Liposuction risks:
- Accumulation of fluid under the skin – Otherwise known as seroma, excess fluid underneath the skin may be drained with the use of a needle and syringe or drainage tubes.
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia – Liposuction usually uses an anesthetic called Lidocaine to ease discomfort and pain during the procedure. This type of anesthesia is safe, but some may find it toxic, leading to problems that affect the central nervous system and heart.
- Embolism of fat – A condition that occurs when fats become loose, gets stuck inside a blood vessel, and finds its way to the lungs or brain. This urgently needs medical intervention.
- Infection – Although this rarely happens, an infection affecting the skin following a liposuction procedure can still occur and may put your life in danger.
- Internal organ problems – The suction and injection of fluids in the body may affect the fluid levels in the body and cause problems to internal organs, such as the lungs, heart, and kidney.
- Internal puncture – Because liposuction uses a cannula to suction out fats, improper execution of the procedure may lead to puncture an internal organ, thus requiring emergency repair surgery.
- Numbness – Sensation in the treatment areas may disappear temporarily or permanently.
Tummy tuck risks:
- Accumulation of fluid under the skin – Otherwise known as seroma, excess fluid underneath the skin may be drained with the use of a needle and syringe or drainage tubes.
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia – Some patients may be allergic to anesthesia.
- Damage to body tissues – Fat tissues that are located deep in the abdomen have the tendency to die or become damaged. Damaged or dead cells must be removed from the body.
- Delay in healing – Depending on your body’s response to recovery, there may be instances when the incision wound does not heal properly. This may lead to infection. To avoid an infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
- Infection – Although this rarely happens, an infection affecting the skin following a liposuction procedure can still occur and may put your life in danger.
- Numbness – Sensation in the treatment areas may disappear temporarily or permanently.
- Scarring – The area where the incision was made in order to do the tummy tuck procedure usually leaves a scar. To make it less obvious, doctors usually make the cut along the bikini line, so it can be hidden.
Cost
The cost of these two fat reduction procedures in Singapore vary. A tummy tuck factors in how complex the procedure is, while liposuction considers the number of areas needing treatment. Tummy tuck cost starts at $18,000 and a liposuction procedure at $8,000.
Downtime
The downtime for tummy tuck and liposuction is also different. Liposuction requires a shorter recovery time as compared to tummy tuck.
Patients who undergo liposuction may be able to get back to their regular routine 2 days after the procedure, although doing any strenuous activity like lifting heavy objects or hardcore exercises are strictly prohibited until your doctor gives the green light.
Tummy tuck is a more complicated procedure and will require a longer time for recovery. A patient’s recovery may take at least six weeks to complete the first stage of healing. There is also a need to go back to your doctor and have your incision wounds checked. Your regular routines may be put on hold for the first two weeks in case you need surgical drains to be attached to your body. Exercises and extra curricular activities that are laborious must be avoided until your doctor has advised that it is safe for you to do these.
Process
Both procedures should be done by a licensed and experienced plastic surgeon to ensure your safety and to achieve the best results.
The following steps are involved in liposuction:
- Anesthesia will be administered to remove any sensation in the target area and make the procedure pain free.
- Small incisions are made along the area where the fat deposits are to be removed.
- A cannula is then inserted beneath the skin through the incision to break up the fat cells.
- The loose fats are then suctioned out of the body.
A tummy tuck procedure is done through these steps:
- A general anesthesia will be administered. You will be unconscious during the whole procedure and will not feel any discomfort or pain once the anesthesia kicks in.
- An incision is then made in the skin located at the bottom of the wall of the abdomen.
- Your doctor will then proceed to expose the muscles of the abdominal wall and make necessary adjustments. If the muscles are stretched out or have been separated, they will be repositioned and stitched.
- Your skin will then be pulled over the abdomen and tightened. Any excess skin will be removed before the incision is sutured close.
Results
Tummy tuck and liposuction results are non-reversible, unless your body begins to gain weight. Both procedures will make your abdomen appear flatter and well-contoured. Specifically for tummy tuck, you will notice that your abdomen will look and feel firmer and stronger.
Final word
We hope that this tummy tuck vs liposuction article was able to help you know more about which procedure is more ideal for your body type. Remember that everything written in this article is general knowledge and you will still need an expert’s opinion to guide you through your desire to achieve a flatter abdominal area. Head on to Nassim Plastic Surgery to jumpstart your journey to a well-contoured tummy.
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Nassim Plastic Surgery
1 Orchard Blvd
#11-02 Camden Medical Centre
Singapore 248649
https://nassimplasticsurgery.com
(65) 6517 9890
(65) 9267 7469