Understanding a No Cut Tummy Tuck
A no cut tummy tuck is actually a marketing term used by liposuction equipment companies to describe liposuction procedures. There is no replacement for the dramatic results that a true surgical tummy tuck, also known as Abdominoplasty. A true tummy tuck removes a large segment of skin as well as fat tissue from the area below the belly button, and the remaining abdominal skin is stretched and sewn to the lower border of the incision. It permanently removes stretch marks and excess skin below the belly button from pregnancy or obesity. Weakness in the abdominal muscles can also be corrected at this time, by stitching the muscle closer together in the midline. This technique leaves a long, low scar, often all the way from hip bone to hip bone, and is placed as low on the abdomen as possible so that it is hidden by underclothing or a bikini bottom. Often patients obscure the scar with tatooing. Tummy tucks have a much longer recovery time than a no cut tummy tuck, or liposuction, but offers much more drastic results than liposuction can offer.
However, lipsuction, or no cut tummy tuck, is a great option for individuals are close to their ideal weight but just have some areas that are resistant to the weight loss that diet and exercise have afforded them. A no cut tummy tuck does not remove any excess skin, and so has almost non existent results in removing large quantities of excess skin, and no effect on stretch marks.
No cut tummy tuck is a misnomer, as there are indeed tiny incisions that are necessary to insert a long suction tube, known as a cannula. All currently approved liposuction techniques require these incisions, but they are tiny, as little as 2-3mm long, often not even requiring a single suture. There is little to no scarring.
Liposuctions come in a variety of techniques, but they are all based on the tumescent technique, which was developed by plastic surgeons in the 80's. The tumescent technique was important because drastically reduced the bleeding that marked the previous method by using a wet technique. Wet technique liposuction involves injecting a large volume of lidocaine containing saline, along with epinephrine. The epinephrine serves to constrict the blood vessels in the area, dramatically reducing blood loss. The fluid causes the fat tissue to swell and harden (this is known as tumescence), which makes it easier to remove. Because the fluid already contains lidocaine, which is a local anesthetic, this procedure often only requires Sedation.
Other liposuction techniques that have been more recently on the market include super-wet technique, ultrasound assisted liposuction, power liposuction, and laser liposuction. All of these techniques use the cannula like tumescent liposuction, but vary in the method in which the fat is liquified and/or removed.
Prospective patients are encouraged to please call Pollard Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation if they have any questions on traditional tummy tucks or a no cut tummy tuck. Dr. Pollard is happy to answer any questions.
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Breast Augmentation | Tummy Tuck | Liposuction