What is the difference between reducing fat and removing skin?

Liposuction suctions subcutaneous fat to reduce circumference; a lift removes the loosened skin itself to set the line. They deal with different things.

How to read the table

Read the table across and you see the same fork repeating even as the area changes. Abdomen, arms or thighs, 'reducing fat' and 'removing skin' sit side by side, and which one applies is decided by your condition, not by the area.

What these figures do not mean

The two methods do not substitute for each other. When both apply, they are sometimes done together or in sequence.

What makes the difference?

• Whether elasticity remains — If elasticity remains, reducing fat alone tidies the line.
• Amount of loose skin — If there is a lot, excision is considered.
• Scars — Excision leaves a scar, and its position differs by area.

They deal with different things

Liposuction inserts a cannula through small incisions to suction subcutaneous fat and reduce circumference. A lift removes the loosened skin itself to set the line. So with excess fat and elasticity remaining, liposuction alone tidies the line, but once the skin has loosened, the loosened skin stays even when fat is reduced.

The fork is the same even when the area differs

For abdomen, arms and thighs alike, reducing fat and removing skin sit side by side, and which applies is decided by your condition, not by the area. The incision site and the movements restricted during recovery do differ by area — for the arms, how visible it is when the arm is raised is considered; for the thighs, the area that rubs while walking.

When both are done

When both apply, they are sometimes done together or in sequence. Doing them together means one recovery, but the operation is longer, and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons states that the longer the operation, the higher the chance of a blood clot. That enters the decision about how much to do in one session.

What to confirm at consultation

• Being told which side you fall on after direct examination
• If both are done, the order and scope

Asking about your own case

The table above gives general ranges and does not apply to you as it stands. Rephrasing the question like this at consultation gets you an answer for your own case.

Which side do I fall on? If both are done, what would the order and scope be?

Common misunderstandings

Do I have to choose just one?

There are cases where both apply, and then they are sometimes done together or in sequence. The starting point is decided by what the main problem is.

Does a different area mean a different method?

The fork is the same even when the area differs. For abdomen, arms and thighs alike, reducing fat and removing skin sit side by side, and which applies is decided by your condition, not by the area. The incision site and the movements restricted during recovery do differ by area.

Related questions

• Can loose skin be treated without an incision?
• When there are several methods for the same area, how do I decide?
• What is the difference between surgical and non-surgical procedures?