Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck
Child-bearing, genetics, and previous obesity can stretch your abdominal tissues to the point where burning off fat won’t create a flat stomach. If you have stubborn extra weight around your midsection that you can’t lose, even after sticking with a diet and exercise program, you might be considering plastic surgery to help you achieve your dreams of a flat and toned tummy.
Body contouring procedures may be the only solution to this problem, but you may wonder, “liposuction vs. tummy tuck, which is right for me?” First, it’s essential to know that these are not weight loss surgeries; these procedures are meant to sculpt your body, not reduce your weight. Second, you’ll need to figure out your aesthetic goal to choose the best body contouring method for you.
Different procedures, different results
Abdominoplasty, also known as a “tummy tuck,” and liposuction are two different surgical procedures that change the appearance of your midsection. A tummy tuck repairs your abdominal muscles and removes extra skin, while Liposuction removes fat deposits from beneath the skin using a hollow stainless steel tube and a powerful vacuum.
Some of what the surgeries have in common include:
- Both surgeries make your stomach appear flatter, tighter, and smaller
- Plastic surgeons perform both
- Both are considered “cosmetic,” meaning they aren’t covered by health insurance
Liposuction is a straightforward procedure with little downtime, while a tummy tuck is considered a more serious operation with considerable recovery time. A tummy tuck will give you the best results if you have loose skin. If you have small pockets of fat around your midsection that you want to remove, liposuction is likely your best choice.
Liposuction candidates vs. tummy tuck candidates
Liposuction may be the answer you’re looking for if you want to remove small fat deposits. The most popular treatment sites include the hips, thighs, buttocks, and stomach area. By releasing fat deposits from the targeted area, bulges are reduced, and body contours are redefined. An ideal liposuction candidate is a healthy person with persistent fat deposits that do not respond to diet or exercise.
A tummy tuck removes excess fat from the abdomen, as well as excess skin, to restore the look of a flat and contoured midsection. If your sit-up muscles have been stretched or separated by pregnancy, a tummy tuck will repair them by bringing them back together. An ideal tummy tuck candidate is not actively trying to lose weight and has no plans for getting pregnant in the future.
Criswell & Criswell can help you choose between liposuction and a tummy tuck
While liposuction and tummy tucks aim to improve the appearance of your midsection, these surgical procedures are considerably different in terms of their results and the way they work. When you’re ready to move forward with reshaping your tummy, you’ll want the expert advice of a trustworthy and knowledgeable plastic surgeon who listens to your concerns.
At Criswell & Criswell, we pride ourselves on every part of the practice. We’ve built everything around you, from the staff to the facility to the entire patient experience.
Dr. Bryan Criswell and Dr. Kara Criswell are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and have the necessary expertise and training to give you the best results possible. They will listen to your concerns and aesthetic goals and help you choose between liposuction and a tummy tuck.