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Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and liposuction are two procedures that are designed to help you lose stubborn body fat and attain a flatter belly. But which one is right for you?

We are always told that diet and exercise is the best way to lose fat and get the flattest stomach possible. Yet, for some people, no matter how much they watch what they eat or move their bodies, the stubborn pockets of fat never seem to budge, and the scale doesn’t seem to register any fat loss at all.

The reason diet and exercise don’t work for some could be down to genetics, metabolism changes following pregnancy, and previous obesity. For these individuals, body contouring surgery may be the only option left to help them obtain the results they desire. This is where the tummy tuck and liposuction come into play.

What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that can help remove excess skin from the abdomen. Excess skin often becomes a problem after pregnancy or earlier weight loss and can’t be fixed with mere dietary and exercise habits.

There are two essential types of tummy tuck – partial and full. Both procedures are performed under general anesthetic. Both surgical techniques remove excess fat and sagging skin while tightening the abdominal muscles. In addition, stretch marks and old scarred areas may also be removed along with the sagging skin.

The tummy tuck operation can take several hours. Most often, you can expect to remain in the hospital for days afterward. You can also expect to undergo several weeks of healing before returning to your full daily activities. You may be bruised and swollen for some time, but these side effects will subside with time so that you can enjoy the full benefits offered by the procedure.

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is another surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the abdomen. During the surgery, small areas of body fat are suctioned out and removed. The surgeon first makes small incisions on the abdomen and breaks up the fat cells before removing them with a suction tube.

Unlike abdominoplasty, liposuction is not used to remove excess skin. Therefore, stretch marks and scarring cannot be removed, nor does the procedure tighten the abdominal muscles. It only removes the fat.

Liposuction tends to work best for people who already have tightened abdominal muscles and supple skin, and who are already at a normal weight.

Like the tummy tuck, liposuction is usually performed under general anesthetic, though epidural anesthesia is also an option. If only a small area is being worked on, local anesthesia will generally suffice. The surgery is typically completed in under an hour.

When opting for liposuction, you may have to stay in the hospital for a night following the operation. The total recovery time tends to be as little as two to six weeks.

Keep in mind that liposuction isn’t just confined to the abdomen, as it can be performed on other parts of the body as well, such as the arms, hips, and thighs.

Which is Better: Liposuction or Tummy Tuck?

Both the tummy tuck and liposuction can help patients achieve their body contouring goals. When it comes to which procedure is right for you, it all depends on the goals you hold to be most important.

The tummy tuck is ideal if you have a body mass index of over 30, you are considering getting pregnant in the future, and if you are actively trying to lose weight.

Your surgeon may also recommend a tummy tuck over liposuction if you have a chronic heart condition.

Liposuction is the best fit if you are only looking to remove small deposits of fat that are most commonly found on the hips, thighs, buttocks, and stomach areas. The procedure removes fat deposits from the targeted area, which reduces bulges and improves the body’s contour.

Another thing to keep in mind about liposuction is that the procedure is not recommended as a weight loss tool. As in, you shouldn’t get liposuction if you are obese.
How Much Do the Tummy Tuck and Liposuction Procedures Cost?

The average cost of a tummy tuck is around $5,798 while liposuction costs $3,200.

Do You Lose Weight After a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck is designed to flatten the tummy and tighten the abdominal muscles but should not be used for weight loss. You should, however, plan to change your lifestyle following surgery, which includes a high protein diet and exercise. Doing so will help you maintain the results you gain for the long-term.

For best results, you should be as close as possible to your ideal weight before opting for the tummy tuck procedure.

How Painful is a Tummy Tuck?

The tummy tuck procedure itself is not painful, as you will be under anesthesia as the surgery happens. Afterward, you may feel slight discomfort in the abdomen, particularly if you also had the ab muscles tightened.

If your surgeon placed a drainage tube around the surgery site, you may experience discomfort around this area. The tube is usually left in for about a week after surgery. The soreness around this area is normal but swelling and bleeding are not. Contact your surgeon if you notice blood or swelling around the drainage tube.

The most intense discomfort typically comes right after surgery and will subside within about a week. You should plan on resting during this time. After the first week, you should begin to notice a decrease in discomfort around the surgical site, though you may still feel sore or tight for a few more weeks.

You may also feel some soreness when engaging in your everyday activities, like getting out of bed and standing up straight. This is completely normal. Your body will adjust and react to your smaller tummy area in no time.

If you think the discomfort will be too much for you, your surgeon may recommend a “mini” tummy tuck. This procedure removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdominal area with no drainage tube, minimal pain levels, and less downtime.

How Long Does a Tummy Tuck Last?

The surgery itself takes around two to six hours, depending on the extent of the procedure being performed. For instance, if you are just having your tummy flattened, you can expect the procedure to be shorter than it would be if you also had your abdominal muscles tightened.

Healing generally takes the longest when opting for a tummy tuck. In addition to healing time, when you should allow your body to rest, you can expect full healing to take about a year’s time.

Does the Fat Come Back after Lipo?

Many patients want to know if liposuction permanently removes fat. The answer is yes, liposuctions out fat cells so that they are no longer in your body. However, it is possible for fat to return after lipo, but only if you allow it to come back.

The fact is that patients who succeed in maintaining their “post-liposuction weight” tend to experience the most dramatic results. For these patients, the fat will not return, and the ideal results will remain intact.

Who is a Good Candidate for Liposuction?

The best candidates for liposuction include adults who are within 30% of their ideal weight and who have firm, elastic skin along with good muscle tone.

Before your surgeon can recommend lipo, he or she will need to ensure that you are not suffering from a life-threatening illness or medical condition that can impair the healing process. You must also be a non-smoker.

Ideally, you will have a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for body contouring before your surgeon will recommend the procedure for long-term fat loss.

How do I Prepare for a Tummy Tuck?

Your surgeon will likely recommend that you schedule an initial consultation before you can opt for the tummy tuck procedure. During this process, your surgeon will examine you and assess your medical history to determine if you are indeed a good candidate for the procedure. He or she will also give you strict instructions to follow to prepare for the surgery.

Preparation for a tummy tuck can include taking certain medications or adjusting your current medications. If you are a smoker, you will probably be advised to stop smoking. Your surgeon will also tell you not to use aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or herbal supplements, as these can increase bleeding.

In addition, if your tummy tuck is performed on an outpatient basis, you should arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery. You might want to plan to have that person stay with you for at least the initial night following the surgical procedure.

How Dangerous is a Tummy Tuck?

All surgeries come with risks, but millions of people have undergone the tummy tuck procedure without any significant or lifelong problems.

The risks of tummy tuck include risks of anesthesia, bleeding, and infection, though these are similar risks associated with most surgeries accompanied by anesthesia.

There may be fluid accumulation, also known as seroma, poor wound healing, skin loss, and numbness or other changes to skin sensations. Some patients may experience skin discoloration, prolonged swelling, unfavorable scarring, recurrent looseness of skin, and deep vein thrombosis.

Other risks can include asymmetry, suboptimal aesthetic results, the possibility of revisional surgery, and persistent pain.

Talk with your surgeon about the risks involved with tummy tuck procedures so that you can have a better understanding of what to expect when opting for abdominoplasty.

Is Getting a Tummy Tuck Worth It?

Many people have had excellent success with the tummy tuck procedure. Talk to your surgeon about maintaining realistic results when opting for surgery.

Can an Obese Person Have a Tummy Tuck?

Ideally, you should be within ten pounds of your ideal weight when undergoing the tummy tuck procedure.

As such, your surgeon may recommend the body contouring surgery after engaging in a procedure like the gastric sleeve, which can help to bring the weight down to a more manageable level.

How Much Fat Can Lipo Remove?

Surgical guidelines state that a surgeon is only allowed to extract a maximum of 5,000 milliliters of fat from a patient. That comes out to around eleven pounds for all patients, regardless of variations in body weight or body fat status.

How Many Pounds are Removed in a Tummy Tuck?

Once again, the tummy tuck procedure is not intended for weight loss. However, you can expect to lose around 6.6 pounds of unsightly fat and sagging skin. Your results may vary, depending on how much excess fat there is to gather and how much sagging skin there is.

Find Out if a Tummy Tuck or Liposuction Procedure is Right for You

Now that you know more about the tummy tuck procedure and liposuction, it’s time to determine if one or maybe both procedures are right for you. This isn’t a decision to make lightly, nor is it one to make on your own.

To make your decision easier, you should first determine if you are a good candidate for abdominoplasty or lipo. You can do that by scheduling an appointment with an experienced body contouring surgeon like Dr. Moeinolmolki at Moein Surgical Arts.

If you have a high BMI, Dr. Moein may recommend that you lose weight first before you can opt for surgery. The doctor has scientifically backed processes to help you lose excess weight, which will make the surgical procedures safer while yielding superior results.

An initial consultation with Dr. Moein can help you better understand the differences between these two surgeries and put you on track to help you achieve your body contouring goals.

It is during the consult that you can have your questions answered and learn if the tummy tuck or liposuction is the perfect procedure for your needs and goals.

You can schedule your appointment by calling the friendly staff at Moein Surgical Arts in Los Angeles, California.

Laser hair removal is an attractive option for those who hate shaving and despise unwanted hair. The act of shaving brings with it all sorts of headaches. Razors are expensive, you can get razor burn and ingrown hairs, and shaving takes precious time out of your day that you can never get back. Who wants all that when you can have the hair lasered away in record time?

Before you toss out your razor and opt for this effective form of hair removal, it pays to educate yourself about the procedure and any side effects you may experience to make sure the treatment is the right fit for you.

Laser Hair Removal Facts You Should Know

You Must Have Patience

Laser hair removal takes multiple treatments to receive the full benefit. If you want your unwanted hair to be eradicated, be regular with your appointments so that each hair has a chance to get zapped.

The Appointments are Fast

Most people are surprised to find that laser hair removal doesn’t take much time at all. Depending on the amount of hair, and the area of the body, treatment can take as little as twenty minutes.

More Benefits Than Just Hair Removal

Laser hair removal won’t just get rid of your unwanted hair, but you can also say goodbye to pesky ingrown hairs. Imagine having clearer and smoother skin with permanent hair reduction and less irritation! That is reason enough to throw out every single razor you have.

There May Be Discomfort

Many people are hesitant to sign up for laser hair removal because they think that the laser burns or otherwise hurts. It is true that hair removal works through a powerful laser, and a small amount of heat is involved, but the irritation is not unbearable.

Laser therapy utilizes high-heat laser beams to provide a mild form of radiation. The light of the laser is sent through the pigment in the hair. The light converts to heat, which damages the hair follicle and bulb. While this sounds like it could be painful, it’s more of a discomfort and doesn’t last long.

How Painful is Laser Hair Removal?

You may be dismayed by the term “discomfort.” After all, pain tolerances vary. What may feel uncomfortable to one person may be downright painful to another. So, let’s get right down to it. How painful is laser hair removal, really?

Most patients will tell you that the procedure doesn’t hurt nearly as bad as waxing. The technician can also adjust the power of the machine to lessen the intensity of the laser if your pain tolerance is low.

The discomfort tends to be less intense on areas where the skin is thicker, like the stomach and arms, and more intense on areas with thinner skin like the underarms and upper lip.

Is Permanent Hair Removal Really Permanent?

You often hear the word “permanent” used in conjunction with “laser hair removal,” but the permanence is really a misnomer. Hair removal using lasers only reduces the number of unwanted hairs on your legs, arms, and other areas. The procedure will not eradicate the hairs forever.

The hair follicles and bulbs are only temporarily disabled. The hair follicles will eventually heal, resulting in new hair production. This is why multiple sessions are recommended if you want unwanted hair removed for extended periods of time.

How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of laser hair removal is around $429. However, costs will vary depending on the areas you want to be treated and where you go. Face and neck hair removal can cost as little as $600 and as high as $900. Chest hair removal can range from $350 to $600, and the bikini area can range from $350 to $500.

How Many Treatments Does the Average Person Require for Laser Hair Removal?

While single laser treatment can remove much of the unwanted hair in any given area, more treatments are required to maintain hair loss. The follicles will begin to shed over the following days and weeks after your initial appointment. Experts then recommend that you have another treatment in around four to six weeks. With these multiple appointments, you will see a significant reduction in the number of hair follicles your body produces in the treated area.

All in all, you may find that 4 to 6 treatments are needed to rid your body of the unwanted hair completely. Others may require 5 to 7 treatments. The number of treatments you require will depend on your hair and skin color, hair texture, and the hormones your body produces that are driving the unwanted hair growth. Everyone is different, so your treatment frequency may vary.

Are There Any Downsides to Laser Hair Removal?

When you schedule a consultation with your laser hair removal technician, you will be evaluated to determine your risk of developing side effects. Side effect risks will vary depending on your skin type, treatment plan, and hair color and texture.

The laser is designed to attack the pigment of the hair. This is why the procedure works best on darker hair. The procedure doesn’t work as well for individuals with hair colors that don’t absorb light well, such as gray, blond, white, red, and white hair.

The risk of damage to the skin is greater in patients with little contrast between the color of their hair and skin. However, laser technology has come a long way in recent years, which means that even those with darker skin can enjoy the benefits of laser hair removal without painful or annoying effects.

The most common side effects of laser hair removal are skin irritation and skin pigment changes. The skin could develop temporary discomfort and turn red or swollen following your laser hair removal treatment. Your skin might also darken or lighten, but these effects are temporary and should resolve themselves in just a few days. In most cases, skin lightening will affect individuals who fail to avoid sun exposure right before or after treatment, but it can also occur in those with darker skin.

In rare cases, lasering the hair away can cause crusting, blistering, and scarring of the skin. Your technician will ensure you the right fit for the procedure before scheduling your appointment to keep the chances of side effects to an absolute minimum.

Can You Get Cancer From Laser Hair Removal?

Many myths prevail about laser hair removal. One of the most shocking myths we’ve heard is that having the hair lasered away causes cancer. These rumors are completely unfounded, as the lasers are designed to pass through skin cells and only target the hair follicles deep within the skin.

The lasers only produce a slight amount of radiation. However, this radiation is not thought to be harmful, and there is no evidence at all that laser hair removal therapy causes skin cancer. In fact, millions of people have undergone the procedure without issue since the FDA approved laser hair treatments as safe in 1997.

Do You Need to Do Anything to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal?

The first thing you should do when considering laser hair removal is to schedule an appointment with a board-certified specialist who is experienced in cosmetic laser procedures.

During your consultation, you will be asked about your medical history to determine if you have allergies or health problems that can complicate the procedure. You will also be evaluated to see if you are a good fit for the laser removal procedure. If you tend to scar easily or you have recently gotten a tan, you may not be recommended. You could also be a poor candidate for the procedure if you are prone to herpes or cold sore outbreaks and if you have ever taken isotretinoin (Accutane).

Your laser hair removal technician will also discuss the risks of the procedure so that you are well-informed before opting for the treatment. As with any medical procedure, lasering your unwanted hair away can come with some risks. These include burns, scars, and permanent skin color changes, though these effects are rare.

Your technician will let you know how many treatments are recommended and will discuss payment options with you.

After scheduling your appointment, there are some things you can do to prepare.

First of all, stay away from sunbeds or excessive amounts of sun exposure for six weeks leading up to your procedure. If your technician recommends that you use a bleaching cream, make sure you use the topical ointment as recommended. This may be the case if you have recently gotten a tan.

Don’t pluck or wax your skin for six weeks before the procedure and avoid chemical peels or collagen injections. You should also stay away from blood thinning medication or aspirin for at least a few days before your procedure. Be sure and tell your technician if you have taken prescription or over the counter medications recently, as these could cause side effects when used in conjunction with laser hair removal.

Finally, it is recommended that you shower and shave the area before your appointment. When shaving the treatment area, use a new razor, shaving cream, and warm water so that you get the closest shave.

The only thing left to do is show up for your appointment. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and have a great time as your unwanted hair gets zapped away.

Does Hair Really Grow Back Thicker After Laser Hair Removal?

Most people find that laser hair removal causes their hair to grow back thinner and lighter. In very rare cases, the procedure can stimulate hair growth. Experts don’t truly understand the reason for this phenomenon, but the technical term for the hair growing back thicker is called hypertrichosis.

According to studies on hypertrichosis, only 1% to 10% of patients develop thicker hair following laser hair removal. Discuss this possibility with your technician during your consultation to alleviate any concerns you may have.

Other Common Questions About Laser Hair Removal

Is Electrolysis Better Than Laser for Hair Removal?

Both electrolysis and laser hair removal are effective for removing unwanted hair. Electrolysis involves an electrical current that is passed through each hair follicle. The hair follicle becomes damaged, preventing future hair growth. Electrolysis is permanent and can come with side effects. Of the two procedures, laser hair removal is currently the most popular in the nation.

Is It Okay to Pull Your Hair Out After Having it Laser Removed?

It is best to leave all the treatment areas alone following your treatment. If you still notice hair in the areas you wish were bare, have patience. Your follow up appointments will get rid of the problem in due time.

Should You Shave Before Your Laser Hair Removal Appointment?

We do recommend shaving and showering before the appointment for the best results.

Will Laser Hair Removal Affect Your Teeth?

The laser involved with the removal process doesn’t penetrate deep enough to affect your teeth or gums, so undergoing treatment won’t anger your dentist.

Does Laser Hair Removal Affect Tattoos?

Since the laser involved with removal is attracted by the pigment in the hair follicles, your tattoos may be affected. The laser cannot distinguish between tattoo dye and hair pigment, so treatments may cause your tattoo ink to scatter or otherwise lighten.

Are There Age Requirements for Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is safe for any age. Many parents take their teens to get their lips and even legs waxed. However, it is up to the discretion of the doctor or technician on whether a person is a good candidate for laser hair removal.

Is Laser Hair Removal Approved by the FDA?

The United States Food and Drug Administration approved lasers as safe and effective for hair removal in 1997.

Can Laser Hair Removal Cause a Hormonal Imbalance?

Laser hair removal can’t cause a hormonal imbalance, but you may experience effects related to a hormonal imbalance if you have one. This is seen in the rare cases of paradoxical hypertrichosis, where the hair grows back thicker following laser therapy. Talk to your doctor or technician if you have a hormonal imbalance during your consultation.

Why is My Hair Still Growing After Laser Hair Removal?

Laser removal takes a few sessions before the hair is completely eradicated. As long as you stay consistent and remain vigilant with your follow up appointments, the areas can be freed of hair without shaving or waxing.

What Happens if I Stop Laser Hair Removal?

Over time, the hair will grow back like normal. Laser hair removal is semi-permanent, which means you can get rid of your unwanted hair in various problem areas for the long-term. Once you stop treatment, the damaged hair will eventually heal, leading to a continuance of the standard hair growth cycle.

How Many Laser Hair Removal Sessions Are Required for Underarm Hair?

The underarm area can take around three to five treatment sessions to achieve maximum results.

Schedule Your First Hair Removal Appointment Today!

Where on your body do you have unwanted hair? By now, you know more about the procedure and how it works. Your next step is to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Moeinolmolki. Dr. Moein is also certified in the use of lasers for cosmetic purposes, including hair removal.
Schedule now if you want to:

Start Small

Many patients start out by trying a tiny problem area like the upper lip, sideburns, nipples, chin, abdominal line, or eyebrows.

Larger Areas

You can then move up to the underarms, bikini line, inner thighs, buttocks, lower legs, shoulders, back, and arms.

Call Moein Surgical Arts now for a free and private consultation.

Fat grafting provides people with a way to restore lost facial volume and fill in unsightly facial folds. The procedure is perfect for addressing the common signs of aging that rob the face of its natural beauty.

The first step of the process is harvesting the fat from an area of the body with an abundant amount of body fat. The fat is purified by placing it inside a centrifuge. The purified fat is then ready to be injected into areas of the face that have taken on a hollowed appearance due to aging.

If you want to restore the natural beauty of your face using fat grafting, contact Möein Surgical Arts to schedule a consultation. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Babak Moein can provide you with the personalized aesthetic care you need.

Sometimes, all it takes is a small aesthetic flaw to ruin the beauty of your appearance. Take your eyes, for example. When crow’s feet start to from around the corners of your eyes, they can make your eyes appear tired and aged, which detracts from the beauty of your overall appearance.

When it comes to reducing the appearance of crow’s feet, Botox is your ideal choice. Botox injections are safe to use around the sensitive tissue surrounding your eyes and make rejuvenating the youthful beauty of your eyes easy and quick. Regular injections with Botox can keep your eyes looking vibrant and youthful for years.

Don’t let crow’s feet diminish the beauty of your face – contact Möein Surgical Arts today to schedule a consultation for your Botox injections. We can provide your eyes with the personalized care they need so that you can feel confident about your appearance.

Aging can cause a number of aesthetic issues, with the most noticeable ones occurring on the face. The aging process affects the strength of your skin and can cause facial volume to diminish. When both of these issues occur on the face, it can cause noticeable wrinkles and folds to form on your face.

The best way to restore the youthful look of your face and reduce the appearance of wrinkles is with cosmetic fillers like Juvederm and Restylane. These products restore subtle amounts of volume and nourish the skin to fill in noticeable folds and lines. The injections produce minimal discomfort and do not require a lengthy recovery period.

Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Babak Moein will carefully examine your face in order to determine how much product will be needed to provide you with the aesthetic results you are after. If cosmetic fillers sound like your ideal solution to your aesthetic issues, contact us to schedule a consultation.

A majority of women who are unhappy with the appearance of their breasts feel that their breasts are either too small or too large for their figure. However, for another group of women, the issue is not the size of their breasts – it is the lack of symmetry.

Breast asymmetry is a condition where the size and shape of one breast is noticeably different from the other. This can make it difficult to find properly fitting clothing. Many of these women also suffer from self-esteem issues due to the embarrassment they feel over the appearance of their breasts.

Surgical procedures like a breast augmentation, breast reduction, and breast lift can bring balance to the breasts. Each of these procedures can focus on creating symmetrical and natural-looking breasts that complement your figure.

Contact Möein Surgical Arts to schedule a consultation with cosmetic surgeon Dr. Babak Moein. Our staff can provide you with results that can restore your comfort with your appearance.

Non-surgical rejuvenation options offer incredible results thanks to advancements in science, medicine, and technology. Research and extensive testing has shown that non-surgical options like dermal fillers offer a number of benefits.

A majority of dermal filler procedures are relatively comfortable. Some feature tissue-numbing agents to increase patient comfort, and topical creams can be applied to help numb the area as well. Dermal fillers do not require extensive recovery periods, and most allow the patient to return to their daily activities immediately. The procedure time for most dermal fillers is also incredibly short.

If you are interested in using dermal fillers to rejuvenate your appearance, please contact our office to schedule a consultation. Dr. Babak Moein is a highly skilled cosmetic surgeon who can deliver excellent results using dermal fillers.