What is the Difference Between Liposuction and a Tummy Tuck?
Many people are interested in a flatter stomach, yet do not exactly understand the difference between a tummy tuck and a liposuction procedure. While both procedures are body contouring surgeries and can drastically improve the appearance of your abdominal area by creating a tighter and more toned midsection, they differ in the types of results they provide. A clinical examination can help determine whether a tummy tuck, liposuction (or sometimes a combination of both) will best help a specific patient achieve their personal goals.
Liposuction
Liposuction is ideal for people who generally have good skin and muscle tone, but have been unable to eliminate stubborn areas of fat with diet and exercise regimens. Liposuction can actually eliminate excess fat using a spot-reduction approach, making it less invasive than a tummy tuck. Though it removes localized fatty deposits, it does not remove any skin, stretch marks, or issues stemming from loose abdominal muscles. Those who do not have these issues are likely well-suited for this procedure. Liposuction is an effective way to remove excess fat on the face and body, including the cheeks, neck, breasts, abdomen, waist, flanks, sides, back, hips, thighs, and legs.
Tummy tuck
Pregnancy or significant weight loss can often result in skin that hangs or sags. A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty is an excellent procedure for removing excess, loose abdominal skin, as well as fat, while also tightening the underlying abdominal muscles. A tummy tuck procedure begins with an incision across the lower abdomen, which then allows the excess skin to be removed and slack muscles to be tightened. The skin that remains is then used to cover the abdominal area. The result? A flat, tight, firm abdominal area. A tummy tuck is likely the best solution for you if the main issue you are experiencing is loose skin or stretched muscle tissue rather than fat.
Deciding which procedure is best for you
While both liposuction and tummy tuck procedures are very effective body contouring surgeries, it's vital to determine what specific issues you would like to address in order to ensure you are following the best course of treatment. It is worth noting that neither liposuction nor tummy tuck surgery is intended as a long-term weight loss plan. For the best possible results, patients should be within 10% of their ideal body weight before undergoing their procedure of choice, and should also maintain their weight and follow a healthy lifestyle in order to maintain their results throughout time.
In the four weeks following both tummy tuck and liposuction procedures, refraining from strenuous activities such as exercise and heavy lifting is highly recommended, in addition to wearing an abdominal binder or compression garment for 4-6 weeks, as the case may be.
If you are interested in knowing more about body contouring procedures and what the best course of treatment is for your unique needs, contact us today!
