Tummy Tuck vs Liposuction: Best Option for a Flatter Tummy?

by Vanessa Day

It’s a known fact that stomach fat can be stubborn, and for some it is a never ending battle. Liposuction and tummy tucks are the go-to plastic surgery procedures to remove unwanted fat in the abdominal area, but most prospective patients are uncertain which surgery is right for them. The decision between liposuction and tummy tucks is an ongoing debate, so here are some things to consider before going under the knife.

Liposuction vs Tummy Tucks: The Basics

These two procedures are the most common surgeries used to get rid of belly fat, but they are very different. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, involves the removal of a large amount of skin from the lower abdomen while simultaneously tightening the skin on the upper abdomen. Also, the surgery tightens the inner girdle, resulting in a flatter, more attractive midsection. Liposuction removes fat deposits through a series of small incisions using a hallow stainless steel tube and a vacuum mechanism. Liposuction can help reduce specific areas that seem to be immune to diets and exercise, such as hips, outer thighs and the lower abdomen.

When to get Liposuction

Liposuction suits those who are near their ideal body weight and have good abdominal muscle tone. Liposuction simply removes any excess fat under the skin and above the stomach muscles, aiding in the reduction of certain problem areas. It is not the best solution for those who are overweight or obese looking to drop pounds, since it is not safe to remove large amounts of fat in a single day. It can, however, be used as a solution to target trouble spots in one who is obese.

When to get a Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck is an extensive procedure that many may not want to suffer through, but there are times when it is the best option. If one is plagued by a large amount of excess skin around the abdomen, degrees of lower abdominal skin laxity, stretch marks or severely stretched stomach muscles (such as after a pregnancy), then a tummy tuck is the way to go. It produces a flatter stomach by tightening the inner girdle and stretching out the skin. The procedure can smooth out skin, reducing stretch marks and creating taut, toned abs that almost everyone desires.

Tummy Tuck vs Liposuction: Pre-Surgery Considerations

Before opting for one procedure over the other, prospective patients should be aware of the risks and side effects that may come with liposuction and tummy tucks. As mentioned before, tummy tucks can be substantial surgeries, with incisions extending all the way from one hip to the other. In some instances, this can lead to considerable scarring in the lower abdominal and pubic areas. Luckily, the scar will be below the waistline, invisible when wearing clothes or a swimsuit. Also, with a tummy tuck, the belly button has to be surgically repositioned and reconstructed, which can lead to a unnatural appearance in some cases. Liposuction has less severe scarring, since the incision sites are so small. Swelling, bruising and temporary numbness are common side effects of liposuction, and in some rare cases infection, bleeding and skin ulcers can also occur. All of the risks and side effects mentioned above can be greatly reduced by selecting an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon to perform your procedure.

Liposuction vs Tummy Tuck: Recovery Time

Both liposuction and tummy tucks have relatively similar recovery times; however, liposuction allows patients to return to moderate normal activity sooner. Usually, people who undergo liposuction can be back to work in a couple days, while tummy tucks may call for up to a week off work. It is suggested that physical activity for both procedures be avoided until about four weeks after surgery. A month is the standard amount of time for patients to start feeling normal and seeing the final results of their liposuction or tummy tuck.

If you are considering getting liposuction or a tummy tuck, you can contact us for a free consultation with a local plastic surgeon to learn about your options. You may be looking at a flatter, smoother stomach before you know it.

Schedule a consultation with a liposuction center to find out if liposuction is right for you. Plastic Surgery Portal can help match you top surgeons across the counter such as Sono Bello of Bellevue, WA.