If you have a bulge in your abdominal area or loose skin on or above your hips, often called love handles, you may be wondering if undergoing liposuction or a tummy tuck will remove the excess fat and give you a slimmer and more attractive appearance.
The answer is yes. But what’s the difference between liposuction and a tummy tuck – and which procedure is right for you?
Let’s shed some light on both of these cosmetic treatment solutions.
Key Differences Between Liposuction and Tummy Tuck
Liposuction is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that can remove unwanted fat from various parts of your body, including your chin, neck, arms, hips, back, or thighs, as well as your abdomen.
It is performed by making a small incision in the skin to allow the insertion of a tube called a cannula, which is then moved throughout the fatty deposit, loosening the tissue, and sucking the fat out through the tube. As a result, the trouble area becomes smooth and in proportion to the rest of the body.
It should be noted, however, that liposuction is not a weight-loss treatment, but instead a solution for those who are of normal weight but have a stubborn problem area that needs attention.
On the other hand, a tummy tuck (also known as an abdominoplasty) is a more invasive surgical procedure aimed at removing excess fat and improving the appearance of the abdomen, resulting in a slimmer and more attractive look. If you have a bulging stomach and want it to be flatter, or if you want to tighten your abdominal muscles for a more toned midsection and exercise isn’t working, a tummy tuck can help you achieve a thinner look.
During a tummy tuck procedure, an incision is made that spans the entire midsection. Next, excess tissue, skin, and fat are removed, and the abdominal muscles are tightened to create a flatter, firmer stomach. In some cases, additional fat can be removed during a tummy tuck using liposuction.
While both liposuction and a tummy tuck produce positive and long-lasting results, they may not be permanent under certain circumstances. For example, liposuction results in less fat around your stomach to give you a better-proportioned midsection, but if you gain weight, new fatty tissue may develop. By the same token, a tummy tuck will give you a slimmer, firmer, and more toned midsection, but weight gain or pregnancy could re-stretch the skin around your stomach and reverse these results.
In terms of recovery time, a tummy tuck requires two to three weeks off from work and other activities to fully heal, while liposuction surgery only takes five to seven days until you can return to your normal routine. Also, while liposuction usually leaves very small scars at the site of incision, which tend to fade with time, a tummy tuck results in a large scar spanning the lower abdomen that can easily be hidden by undergarments and bathing suits.
Ideal candidates for liposuction are those who have an unwanted accumulation of fat on any part of their body that will not disappear despite exercise. Appropriate candidates for a tummy tuck are those who not only have excess fat around their midsection, but also excess skin and tissue around the stomach due to age, pregnancy, or drastic weight gain or loss that they would like removed.
Cosmetic Body Procedures in Atlanta, Georgia
The best way to determine whether liposuction or a tummy tuck is the best procedure for you is to consult with a respected plastic surgeon. At Atlanta Plastic & Reconstructive Specialists, our board-certified doctors listen to your aesthetic goals, examine your body and medical history, and use their expertise to recommend the best treatment option for your needs.
We operate in a state-of-the-art outpatient surgical center that is specifically designed to meet our patients’ needs and is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. Our surgical center staff is knowledgeable and compassionate, and board-certified anesthesiologists administer medications and monitor your vitals throughout surgery. This ensures the highest degree of patient safety, complete privacy, and a positive operatory and recovery experience.
To find out if you are a suitable candidate for liposuction or a tummy tuck, contact our office today by calling (404) 777-9791 or to schedule a consultation or use our convenient online contact form.
