Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck
The abdomen is known as a stubborn “trouble area” because so many people struggle with unwanted fat bulges and lax skin that tends to appear and accumulate there. When it comes to fat deposits, because the body is engineered to hang onto and store fat in that area, it can be extremely difficult to slim and tone the abs–which is why liposuction is such a popular procedure. As for lax skin that appears with age or after pregnancy and weight loss, there is nothing that can resolve this laxity except for a surgical procedure–the tummy tuck.
These two surgeries, liposuction and tummy tuck, are the most effective and dramatic cosmetic procedures available to address cosmetic issues and achieve your goals for a toned, tight, slim abdominal area. Sometimes performed at the same time to maximize results, each surgery is quite different from the other. But what are the differences? Let’s take a closer look.
The details of a tummy tuck procedure
A tummy tuck is designed to sculpt, tighten, and strengthen the abdominal area, removing loose skin and reshaping the waistline.
What aesthetic concerns are treated with a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck addresses the following concerns in the abdominal area:
Excess skin
Sagging or hanging skin
Small pockets of fat
A “pooched” tummy
Lack of abdominal contour
Weakened abdominal muscles
Diastasis recti (damaged or separated abdominal muscles).
Tummy tuck procedure:
Incision placement: A thin, straight incision is made from hip bone to hip bone across the lower abdomen. This incision is just above the pubic area, making it easy to conceal beneath underwear or a swimsuit.
Surgical steps: A tummy tuck is performed with general anesthesia. Permanent sutures are used to tighten the abdominal muscles. Loose skin is trimmed away, and small fat pockets are addressed. Finally, the upper skin of the abdomen is pulled downward to achieve a tight, firm contour. The belly button is newly created on the lower abdomen to appear natural and youthful.
Tummy tuck results: A toned, firm abdominal area and a more contoured, sculpted waistline.
Recovery time after a tummy tuck: You will need at least two weeks of downtime after a tummy tuck. To achieve a full recovery and the ability to exercise strenuously and continue your usual activities, most patients will need eight weeks.
Cost of a tummy tuck: The cost varies from patient to patient, depending on the extent of the required procedure. A tummy tuck is a detailed procedure that involves more complexity in terms of technique, which is why it costs more than liposuction.
The details of a liposuction procedure
Liposuction is performed to remove excess, stubborn fat from the abdomen (it can also be performed almost anywhere on the body).
What aesthetic concerns are treated with liposuction?
Liposuction is performed specifically to remove excess fat tissue. While it is not a weight loss procedure, it can remove up to 6-8 pounds of unwanted fat. When liposuction is performed on the abdominal area, the result is a flatter, more toned and sculpted appearance. However, it is important to note that it does not address loose skin or weakened muscles.
Liposuction procedure:
Incision placement: Tiny incisions are made in the abominable area. These incisions are only about the size of a freckle. Liposuction incisions usually heal well and fade very nicely, becoming nearly undetectable.
Surgical steps: Using the incisions, a cannula is inserted into the area to break up the fat tissues. These are then gently suctioned out.
Liposuction results: A more trim, slender abdomen and a smaller waistline.
Recovery time after liposuction: Liposuction requires several days to a week of downtime. You will need this time to heal and recuperate. A full recovery will take 3-4 weeks, at which point you will be able to exercise freely again.
Cost of liposuction: A liposuction procedure is a fairly simple procedure and is less invasive than a tummy tuck. This is why it costs less than a tummy tuck.
Both a tummy tuck and liposuction procedure will sculpt, shape and slim your physique
Both of these surgical procedures are popular with patients who want to improve and shape their physique for a slimmer, sculpted appearance. In some cases, a tummy tuck is combined with liposuction to achieve more significant effects. To find out which procedure is best for your specific needs, the best course of action is a consultation with Dr. Slenkovich.
Liposuction and tummy tuck with Dr. Shafa
Dr. Slenkovich will have a thoughtful consultation with you to help determine whether a tummy tuck, liposuction, or a combination of the two is right for you. He will examine your abdominal area and skin laxity and listen to your aesthetic concerns and goals. From there, he will walk you through the details of your options and recommend a personalized surgical plan to achieve your desired physique. Please call us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your body sculpting options with Dr. Slenkovich.
Until next time,
