LIPOSUCTION ALTERNATIVES

Tummy Tuck or Abdominal Liposuction – Which is Better

Before choosing liposuction, ask about options.

Tummy tucks and abdominal liposuction are two of the most popular ways of eliminating stubborn fat from this area. The abdomen has often been described as a fat magnet that continuous to pose problems for those seeking a swimsuit-perfect body. These modern procedures after all are capable of eliminating hard to remove fats that are almost impossible to remove with diets and exercise. But before you schedule an appointment, let us first take a look into both medical procedures.

Tummy Tuck

Although liposuction has been around for awhile, tummy tucks were originally the medical procedure of choice when removing stubborn abdominal fat deposits. Also referred to as abdominoplasty, this is a surgical procedure that also requires the use of general anesthesia. An incision is made in the abdominal area and serves as an entry point for removing cellulite deposits.

Tummy tucks may not be as efficient compared to liposuction in terms of the volume of fat cells removed. It is usually done for mothers who just gave birth and want to restore their figures. Tummy tucks are more precise. It could restore normal skin tone and produces better visual results.

Abdominal Liposuction

Abdominal liposuction is a surgical procedure that is capable of removing larger amounts of fat compared to tummy tuck procedures. An anesthesia is used to desensitize the target area. An instrument is then inserted to the area that serves to introduce a saline solution. A suctioning instrument is then inserted to remove fat deposits in the area. Incisions are usually small and do not require skin removal. Stitches are used to close the wound and allowed to heal naturally. Skin reverts to its original condition and elasticity.

Disadvantages of Tummy Tuck Procedures

Tummy tucks are surgical procedures that require anesthesia and incisions. Hence, patients have to undergo considerable recovery periods.

Because of its nature, tummy tucks are not devoid of the medical complications seen in surgery. Hemorrhage, infection and pulmonary embolism are just some of the common complications seen in any type of surgery.

Scars are usually seen in the target area. This could be as big as a line that stretches from the abdomen to the pubic area. Modern tummy tuck procedures however, have minimized scars.

The rewards of tummy tucks include having a slimmer figure but it may also require surgical reconstruction of the belly button. If not done properly, this disfigurement could be visible when wearing a swimsuit.

Tummy tucks might not be as extensive or complicated as major liposuction procedures but this does not diminish the price tag that comes with it. Because it is a surgical procedure, it also comes with a higher medical bill.

Advantages of Tummy Tucks

Tummy tucks are very good in restoring normal skin tone and appearance. This is because it is capable of removing extra skin after the procedure. Women who just gave birth could benefit from this procedure because it could lessen stretch marks or loose skin.

Tummy Tucks versus Abdominal Liposuction

Abdominal liposuction is less complicated and is quicker compared to tummy tucks. Because there is less tissue trauma or smaller incisions, the patient is able to recover quicker, easier and safer.

The visual results are also much better since there are no large scars unlike tummy tucks. The skin is allowed to heal naturally making the appearance much better. However, in cases where an abnormally high level of fat deposits is removed in the abdominal area, people might find themselves with sagging skin. But all in all, people are generally satisfied with the results of abdominal liposuction.

Is liposuction a healthy way to lose weight?

Over the years, countless of methods are being developed to help people lose weight. And one that is quite popular today is thru a surgical procedure called liposuction. There have been many speculations about liposuction and how safe it is. This is the question that has been burdening people with weight problems for a long time already.

Liposuction is done by inserting tiny tubes into small cuts into the skin and extracting the fats in the body. It is usually done as an outpatient procedure, and thus hospitalization is out of the equation. Through the years there have been techniques developed to make the procedure safer and less painful.

Some of these techniques are the following:

• Ultrasound-assisted liposuction-is being done by using an ultrasound to soften and make the fat liquid. This will provide a much easy way to remove the fats in the body.
• Tumescent liposuction-is done by administering a local anesthesia to numb the part of the body and where the tube will be inserted.

How effective is Liposuction?

Generally, liposuction is an effective method of removing unwanted fats that are deposited in the body. This process shorten the amount of pain you have to endure with training at the gym since the fats are expelled in the body in a matter of minutes. The only disadvantage is that the skin to where the fat has been removed may appear sloppy. The bad news is that it takes up to 6 months for the skin to tighten back again.

Are there any side effects?

When the procedure has been successfully done, the patient may experience pain, swelling and bruising. The swelling and bruising may last for 2 weeks. There may be secretion of fluids in the area of incision. Doctors may require you to take antibiotics to avoid infection. An elastic bandage and tape is used to cover the area to where the incision has been done.

Almost all patients will be able to stand and move around after the procedure has been done. The recovery period may last for 2 weeks or more, depending on the patient’s condition.

What are the reasons why people undergo liposuction

A lot of people are conscious of their body figure, and most of them do not have time to exercising and visiting the gym every now and then. Liposuction provides a quicker way of reshaping the body. People who have floppy buttock, abdomen, neck and upper arms, are more likely to undergo liposuction. The procedure is also used to treat certain medical conditions like:

• Abnormal large breast for male
• Benign fatty tumours
• Excessive sweating in the armpit area
• Metabolic problems that cause body fat

Is it dangerous?

Liposuction should be done by a well experience doctor that has the proper equipment and facility.  There is a high risk of complications if liposuction is done in many areas of the body. It is also dangerous if there is too much fat removed in the body. Some people who undergo liposuction has experience permanent changes in skin color, uneven skin surface in the treated area and damages to skin.

Even though, death caused by liposuction is rare, still there is no guarantee it won’t happen. Especially if, there is a large amount of fat to remove. It may be also dangerous if the procedure is done in an unsterile area and not by a professional. Some complications that can occur are:

• To many blood and fluid loss
• Creation of blood and fat clots that go to vital organs, which may be extremely dangerous.
• Fluid in the lungs
• Reaction to solution injected
• Damages to the organs

NOTE: People who have a heart problem should not undergo liposuction. It is also dangerous for women who are pregnant to undergo liposuction.

Making the decision

Keep in mind that even though liposuction offers new and safer techniques, it still involves risky surgical operation. You may lose some unwanted fats in your body, but it does not guarantee an absolute solution to your weight problem. Liposuction will not have an effect to a person if he/she still maintains the same unhealthy lifestyle. The best way to lose weight is through making behavioural modifications. Lastly, if you decide to undergo liposuction, make sure that you have it done by an experienced doctor.

Liposuction – Making Results Last

Liposuction is not cheap and the results of the procedure are far from perfect. So how do you maximize the benefits of liposuction and keep those stubborn bulges away forever?

There’s no secret to keeping your body swimsuit perfect. Eating a healthy diet and living an active lifestyle remains to be the most effective way to keep your body slim.

Liposuction and Fat Cells

Our body has a finite number of fat cells. We gain weight as these fat cells grow or shrink accordingly. The number of fat cells and how it is distributed in the body is set as our body matures. And a person’s trouble areas are determined by how our body distributes these fat cells. This is why some of us have different problem areas. Some might experience having difficulty in keeping their abdomens fat free while others have flabby thighs and arms.

Liposuction removes fat cells and eliminates them from the body forever. The patient is able to enjoy visible results immediately after treatment. This gives them a shapelier look and trims trouble areas instantly. However, liposuction is not a magic bullet that removes all fat cells. We must also remember that treatment is only limited to the target area and not the entire body. Remaining fat cells would also continue to grow if healthy lifestyle habits are not maintained.

Fewer fat cells translate to smaller weight gain. Because there are lesser fat cells that would be able to grow, the person is able to maintain his body’s proportion easily. But we should not only focus on the areas treated. Remember that areas that have not been subjected to liposuction are still prone for fat buildup.

Maintaining Results

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that could horribly go wrong is not performed by a professional cosmetic surgeon. But even with its risks, it still remains to be popular among overweight people because of its almost dramatic transformation. People are able to enjoy a slimmer body immediately after treatment. Health experts remain skeptic about the real benefits of liposuction. After all it is not designed to replace a healthy lifestyle but could be a good starting point.

Those who have undergone liposuction are strongly advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Although liposuction is highly efficient in eliminating fat cells from problem areas, it does not prevent weight gain in other areas. If you have undergone liposuction or planning to get one, here are a few tips on how to maintain the results and how to keep hard to remove cellulite deposits from returning.

Create an exercise program

Health experts and medical professionals have made several studies regarding how people have managed to keep the results after liposuction. Results have shown that almost half of those who have managed to keep their weight within ideal limits practice an active lifestyle. This was done by enrolling in the gym or just being active. Walking a few block to your office or playing sports are easy ways of burning fats.

Monitor your eating habits

The best way to keep track of your eating habits is to create a food journal. Spending time to create and writing down what you eat helps you maintain a high degree of health consciousness. Keep your food cravings at bay by having a list that tells you what you should and should not eat. It also makes it easier for you to identify potential problem foods causing your weight gain.

A study conducted by the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center showed that a great majority of patients that have undergone liposuction were satisfied with the results. However, it also showed that poor eating habits were the culprit of their subsequent weight gain. This coupled with an inactive lifestyle increase their risk ten folds for recurring weight problems.

Drink more water

The body is mainly composed of water and is required for the many body processes. It prevents cells from shrinking and eliminates toxins. It also promotes healthy body functioning and improves metabolism. Slower metabolic rates means the body is not able to burn fats efficiently. Slowing metabolic rates can be caused by aging.

Reduce stress

Relaxing a few minutes a day helps release pent up stress, a leading cause of binge eating and other eating disorders. This improves your blood circulation and the makes your body more efficient. Stretching for example is a good stress reliever. It helps release stress while helping you burn extra calories. Going to the sauna is another great way to relax. It aids in your body’s detoxification while maintaining a healthy metabolism.

Non-invasive Liposuction Procedures – Are these effective?

Stomach Liposuction Cost

Going under the knife is something that many of us would like to avoid at all costs. The thought of undergoing surgery and laying unconscious for hours can be scary even for those searching for ways to get that swimsuit perfect body they have always wanted. Liposuction after all is a surgical procedure that comes with all the medical complications and hazards of surgery.

In response to this, medical science has developed non-invasive weight loss techniques that aim to provide all the benefits of liposuction without the complications. But before you opt for these techniques, let us first take a look into some of these procedures and determine if these are truly effective.

Cold Sculpting and RF liposuction are just two of the modern non-invasive liposuction procedures that aim to provide people with an easy way to lose stubborn fat deposits without surgery. But supporters are quick to reply that weight loss may not be as dramatic as those seen in liposuction. These might only be effective in targeting small pockets of fat. But even with its limitations these provide a non-invasive alternative to liposuction.

Although both are considered as non-invasive weight loss procedures, these techniques do have difference in how they eliminate hard to remove fat deposits. Cold Sculpting destroys fat cells by freezing while RF liposuction utilizes the power of sonic technology to break down fat cells. Instead of being suctioned off like those seen in liposuction, fat cells are eliminated through the body’s natural processes. Because they are limited in the amount of fats they can destroy, multiple treatments are advised for people who have extensive fat deposits.

Cold Sculpting

Cold sculpting uses the power of freezing to destroy cellulite deposits. It kills fat cells, through a process called apoptosis. These are then eliminated from the body naturally. This procedure is approved by FDA for targeting small fat deposits. The aim of this treatment is to kill fat cells without harming any of the surrounding tissues. It is reported that this treatment could reduce fat thickness by as much as 20 percent in the target area.

Treatment is done by applying a device directly on the target area. Patients have reported intense cold during the first minutes. However, this feeling usually goes away. Side effects of treatment include bruising, redness, numbness and tingling. Results may not be as dramatic as those seen in liposuction and usually requires multiple treatments are advised for patients to enjoy the full effects of treatment.

RF liposuction

This procedure combines ultrasound technology and heat to reduce fat cells non-invasively. The procedure is FDA approved and is effective in reducing fat deposits in the flanks and abdomen. Results could be seen 2 to 3 weeks. Dead fat cells are eliminated naturally by the body.

Ideal candidates for RF liposuction are people who are close to their ideal body weight and are in good physical condition. In order to effective, patients must be able to pinch 2.5 cm on the area to be targeted.

Treatments usually last for around an hour. A RF liposuction device is used on the target area. Patients report a slight discomfort, tingling and warmth on the target area. Immediately after treatment, redness, swelling and bruising is also reported. Pain medication can be prescribed for patients with low pain thresholds.

Disadvantages of treatment

There are no medical studies that have conclusively proved how long the effects of these treatments last. However in theory, these should be permanent since fat cells are eliminated from the body. The true success of any weight loss treatment could be based on the patient’s lifestyle after treatment.

Those searching for a quick way of losing fats or a treatment that could replicate the effects of liposuction may not see the same with these treatments. Although a slimmer body could be achieved, it usually requires multiple treatments before any visible results could be seen. Results may also vary from patient to patient making it hard to gauge its effectiveness.

Both of these treatments continue to show improvement in their effectiveness in removing fat cells. It might take more years before these are perfected. But these could be used as a non-invasive alternative to liposuction.