Abdomen Liposuction or Tummy Tuck – Which is the Right Option for You?

Tummy tuck surgery, otherwise known as abdominoplasty and liposuction are two different procedures that can make your stomach appear flatter, tighter, and smaller. Liposuction removes excess, stubborn fat from hips, thighs, buttocks, stomach and other areas and improves body contour. On the other hand, a tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin from the middle and lower abdomen to tighten the muscles and fascia of the abdominal wall. This procedure will restore a flat and well-contoured midsection. Leading plastic surgery practices offer both abdomen liposuction and tummy tuck in NYC personalized to meet individual needs. Knowing the differences between what these treatments can achieve is necessary to understand which would be the right option for you.

Candidature for Liposuction and Tummy Tuck Surgery

In general, candidates for abdominal liposuction, tummy tuck surgery and other body contouring procedures must meet the following criteria:

• Have stubborn abdominal fat that is resistant to diet or exercise
• Have a stable weight

• Are within 30% of their ideal weight

• Do not have medical conditions that could impair healing
• Do not smoke
• Are committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle
• Have realistic expectations about the outcome

Liposuction vs Tummy Tuck Candidates – Key Differences

Candidate for Liposuction

You may be a good candidate for liposuction, if you

• Have firm, elastic skin and good muscle tone
• Are bothered by stubborn deposits of fat in the abdominal area that do not respond to diet or exercise
• If the abdominal muscle is still relatively tight and there’s only concerns about excess fat

Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery

 You may be a candidate for tummy tuck, if you

• Have excessive skin, laxity of muscle as well as excessive fat in the abdominal area due to aging, heredity, prior surgery, weight fluctuations or pregnancy
• Want to restore the look of a flat and contoured midsection
• Skin that surrounds the stomach has been stretched out due to pregnancy or significant shifts in your weight

Though the outcome of a tummy tuck is technically permanent, significant fluctuations in weight may greatly affect the outcome. Individuals who are planning on losing weight or women planning to get pregnant in future should postpone tummy tuck surgery.

Liposuction vs Tummy Tuck – How the Procedures are Performed

Both these procedures require incisions and anesthesia.

Liposuction

In recent years minimally-invasive techniques such as Smartlipo Triplex (laser-assisted), VASER (ultrasound) and BodyTite (radiofrequency assisted) have made liposuction safer, easier, and less painful. With these FDA approved, energy-assisted lipolysis devices, the procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis.  These safe and effective fat removal treatments come with great skin tightening effects. Based on your anatomical considerations and aesthetic goals, your plastic surgeon will recommend the option that will provide the best results.

Tummy Tuck Surgery

Various surgical techniques are used to perform tummy tuck procedures:

• Complete or Full Abdominoplasty – This procedure is ideal for those patients who need the most correction.
• Partial Abdominoplasty or Mini Tummy Tuck – This procedure is designed for those patients who have a lesser degree of skin laxity and mild lower abdominal skin excess.
• Liposuction-only Abdominoplasty – This option is for younger patients with good skin elasticity and moderate fatty deposits.
• Brazilian Tummy Tuck – In this procedure, the incision will be placed very low on the pubic area, so that the surgical scar will not be visible even when a low-cut bikini is worn. This treatment pulls the waist in and gets rid of excess skin, providing a smaller looking waist. It also pulls up the pubic area that is likely to drop with age and pregnancy. This option is generally recommended when there is more excess fat than skin.

Expected Results

Liposuction

People who had liposuction on their abdomen tend to see a flatter, more proportioned midsection once they recover from the procedure.

Tummy tuck

Your abdominal wall will be more stable and strong, after a tummy tuck. The excess skin that has been removed will not return unless there is a significant shift in your weight or a subsequent pregnancy that stretches out the area again.

To determine which procedure is right for you, schedule a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon in NYC. A reliable surgeon will assess your specific aesthetic concerns and determine which procedure will work to meet your goals. Undergoing treatment in an AAAASF-accredited plastic surgery practice is important for your safety.