Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck
Liposuction is the
#1 cosmetic surgery
in the U.S.
Liposuction and tummy tuck are combined
9 out of 10 times
in body contouring surgeries
On average, patients lose
2-3 pants sizes
after a tummy tuck
Each year, over
10% of Americans
are eligible for surgery
Liposuction and tummy tuck are two popular choices for body contouring, as they provide significant results that can immediately slim down a person’s silhouette. Patients frequently have questions about one or both procedures, wondering what they have in common and what sets them apart.
At Forefront, we always aim to equip those seeking an aesthetic change with the knowledge needed to choose the best procedure to help them on their journey of transformation. Read on to learn more about the fat-reducing effects of liposuction, the tissue-tightening impact of a tuck, and the combined power of both.
REQUEST NOWWhat is liposuction?
Liposuction involves inserting a specialized tube, known as a cannula, through the skin’s surface and into the fat-filled area between the dermis above and the muscle below. Moving the cannula back and forth dislodges the fat cells, which are then suctioned out through the tube. This reduces the volume in the treatment area, resulting in slimmer contours.
While liposuction is frequently used to remove fat from a patient’s abdomen, it is also ideal for eliminating fat deposits found on the:
- Chin and neck
- Waist and hips
- Upper and lower back
- Arms and legs (knees, calves, and ankles)
- Buttocks and thighs
Liposuction is strictly a fat-reduction procedure. It does not correct muscle laxity or loose skin present before or after the surgery. For this reason, lipo is recommended for patients who are already near their ideal weight and those who have healthy skin that can conform to the new, slimmer contours.
Fat reduction results from liposuction are technically visible right away. However, it may take some time to fully see results due to postsurgical swelling. Other side effects may include bruising and soreness in the treated areas. Depending on the scope of the procedure, it can take up to three months to be able to clearly see the final results after these post-surgical conditions resolve.
What is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is ideal for patients who have excess skin after weight loss, or sagging skin after pregnancy. Just as a facelift tightens skin on the face, and a thigh lift tightens the thighs, a tummy tuck addresses loose skin in the abdominal area.
The surgery involves making an incision in the lower abdomen, removing excess skin, and then stretching the skin that is left back together. Sometimes the tissue that needs to be removed is just below the navel, and sometimes it spans the entire abdomen. A tummy tuck may involve some liposuction to remove stubborn fat cells to help achieve natural-looking, slim contours. In patients who have weak or stretched abdominal muscles, which is common after pregnancy, we also tighten the abs during surgery.
Bruising, soreness, and swelling are common after a tummy tuck, and recovery is relatively quick. Most patients find they are able to resume a regular work or home schedule after about two weeks of rest, and can return to strenuous activity levels in about six weeks post-surgery.
Combining liposuction and tummy tuck surgeries
Patients who have liposuction around the waist are likely to find themselves with lax, bulging abdominal muscles and sagging, excess skin after fat is removed. Performing a tummy tuck at the same time as liposuction allows us to remove the excess skin and tighten the abdominal muscles, allowing the patient to:
- Achieve a beautiful, contoured mid-section all in one procedure
- Have only one recovery period rather than recovering from two separate surgeries
- Eliminate anesthesia cost from an extra procedure
What to expect at your body contouring consultation
During your consultation, Forefront physicians will listen to your aesthetic goals and discuss the best surgical method for reaching them. After determining whether liposuction, a tummy tuck, or a combination of the two will best yield desired results, you will hear information regarding how to prepare for surgery and what to expect during recovery.
Interested in Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck? Request a consultation with a skin specialist today.
*Treatment options may vary at each location.Please confirm your desired treatment is offered at your preferred location when scheduling. *Age Restriction.
For patients scheduling who are under 18 years of age (19 in Alabama) please make sure you have permission from your parent or legal guardian to schedule this appointment. Your parent or legal guardian must accompany you on your initial visit and on certain subsequent visits to provide appropriate informed consent.