Home » Liposuction in St. Louis MO » Alternatives to Liposuction
Some of the alternatives to liposuction include modifying diet to lose excess body fat, exercise, accepting one’s body and appearance as it is, or using clothing or makeup to downplay or emphasize body or facial features. “Tummy tuck” is sometimes considered one of many alternatives to liposuction of the abdomen. However, a tummy tuck is really a significantly more involved surgery which results in a large scar on the lower abdomen.
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Abdominal Micro-Liposuction |
Abdominoplasty (“Tummy Tuck”) |
| Procedure |
- Local anesthesia
- Minimally invasive
- Micro-cannulas (size of a thermometer or less) to debulk large areas of fat
|
- General anesthesia / IV sedation
- Invasive surgery
- Stitches, drains
- Requires wearing girdle for shaping
|
| Complications & side effects |
- No general anesthesia risks
- Site bruising and soreness
- Pain rates 3-4 out of 10; easily controlled with OTC pain relief
- Minimal blood loss
- Extremely low infection rate
- No scars or freckle scar only
|
- Risks and recovery from general anesthesia
- Potential complications leading to hospitalization
- Potential blood loss needing transfusion
- Pain requiring prescription medication
- Visible scarring
|
| Recovery |
- Return to work in 24 hours
- Exercise within a week after procedure
|
- Weeks off work
- Months until exercise can take place
|
| Results |
- Dramatic improvement
- no cosmetically annoying scars
- Skin is tightened and firmed through debulking effect
|
- Dramatic improvement with potentially visible scars and ‘shelf’
|
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“Tummy Tuck” |
Tumescent Liposuction |
Liposuction under general anesthesia |
Laser Liposuction SMARTLIPO |
| Cost |
$$$$$ |
$$ |
$$$$$ |
$$$ |
| Risk |
Most |
Least |
Most |
Long term is unknown |
| Bleeding |
Most |
Least |
Most |
Least |
| Recovery |
Slow |
Fast |
Slowest |
Average |
| Post-OP Pain |
Most |
Least |
Most |
Average |
| Long-Term Effective? |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Maybe |
| Performed by Dr. Wright |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
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Call Laser Lipo and Vein today to learn more about liposuction alternatives and our other fantastic procedures!
My experience with Dr. Wright and his staff was exceptional. I have had two liposuction procedures performed by Dr. Wright and both were very successful. I would recommend Dr. Wright and his staff highly. The staff was professional and helpful with after care and follow-up appointments. If I had any other needs they would be on the top of my list.
– D.H.
