Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck
Liposuction and a tummy tuck are two different surgical procedures that change the appearance of your midsection. Liposuction or a tummy tuck can be your solution if you are bothered or embarrassed by extra fat that just won’t go away with diet and exercise. Both procedures make your stomach appear flatter, tighter, and smaller. Additionally, both procedures are outpatient and performed under general anesthesia.
Regarding the actual procedure, ideal candidates, and results, the two have some critical differences. Find out which procedure can give you the best results and the body you’ve always wanted.
Liposuction and tummy tucks are different procedures
Many use the terms interchangeably, but liposuction and tummy tucks are two different procedures with different results.
Liposuction involves removing small fat deposits from the hips, thighs, butt, or stomach. This precisely contours the body while preserving essential tissue and nerve connections.
A tummy tuck (also called abdominoplasty) corrects stretched abdominal skin that has lost its firmness and elasticity. As a body contouring procedure, a tummy tuck can remove excess skin and fat deposits while also suturing the abdominal muscles. Additionally, a tummy tuck can repair muscles that have been stretched or separated by pregnancy.
Ideal candidates are different for liposuction and a tummy tuck
Candidates for liposuction want help to remove stubborn fat deposits and reduce bulges. In contrast, candidates for a tummy tuck want to restructure their midsection after significant changes in weight or pregnancy. Another difference is that liposuction is intended for patients already at or near their ideal weight, with good skin elasticity and muscle tone.
Results and benefits of liposuction vs. tummy tuck
Both liposuction and tummy tuck can give you a flatter stomach and smoother skin, helping you feel more confident if excessive skin and fat are some of your aesthetic concerns. The benefits and results of each procedure vary and include:
- Liposuction may require multiple sessions, while a tummy tuck is generally a one-time procedure
- Up to one year after liposuction, the fat deposits can reappear, while tummy tuck results are considered to be more permanent
- Liposuction is less expensive than a tummy tuck
- Liposuction has more immediately visible results, while a tummy tuck continues to produce results for up to one year
Which is right for me, liposuction or a tummy tuck?
If you wish to remove excess fat or sagging skin to flatten your stomach and enhance your natural contours, liposuction or a tummy tuck can help you achieve your aesthetic goals. When it is time to choose which procedure is right for you, consider whether you should pursue fat removal or skin removal as well as muscle repair.
Liposuction is right for you if you want to remove small amounts of stubborn fat from one or many different body areas. A tummy tuck is right for you if you have stretched or sagging skin in addition to extra fat or if your abdominal muscles have been stretched apart and require repair. During your consultation with Dr. Poulos, you will discuss your concerns and determine which procedure is right for you and your goal of achieving a shapelier appearance and flatter stomach.
Why choose Dr. Poulos for liposuction or a tummy tuck?
Whether you choose liposuction or a tummy tuck, Dr. Poulos is the board-certified surgeon who can give you optimal results through personalized care and treatment. With over 20 years of experience and education, Dr. Poulos has earned a reputation for delivering superior liposuction and tummy tucks. She will consider your anatomy when advising you on which procedure will help you achieve your goal of being comfortable and completely satisfied with your own body.
