Finding the right body contouring procedure for you is important. If you’re weighing the benefits of liposuction vs tummy tuck surgery, keep reading for tips and advice about choosing the best option for your goals. If you need customized advice, give us a call. We would love to schedule a personalized consultation for you with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gordon Lewis. Together, you can determine whether liposuction or tummy tuck will provide the results you’re seeking.
What’s the Difference Between Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction?
Liposuction and tummy tuck can both reduce the amount of fat in the abdominal area, leading to a smoother belly. Let’s take a quick look at each treatment to learn when each option may be appropriate.
Liposuction
Liposuction is less invasive than a tummy tuck, and recovery times are much shorter. Liposuction uses suction to remove stubborn fat permanently. It does not remove any excess skin or tighten abdominal muscles. If you want a smoother abdominal area, liposuction will likely only be effective if you have tight, elastic skin and if your abdominal muscles aren’t stretched out. Liposuction is also a good option if your problem fat areas aren’t located in the abdominal area.
Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck uses a specially placed incision to remove fat and tighten abdominal muscles and loose skin. This procedure is ideal if you have excess fat, loose skin, or stretched muscles. For women wanting to restore their bodies to pre-pregnancy condition, a tummy tuck is likely the best option. By removing excess skin, a tummy tuck may also reduce the number of stretch marks you have on the lower abdomen.
This option is more invasive than liposuction and requires a longer recovery time, but for most people, it is the more effective option. Removing excess fat through liposuction won’t provide the results you want if you have stretched out, excess skin.
Tummy Tuck With Liposuction: An Excellent Combination
While many make the choice between liposuction and tummy tuck, you don’t have to choose. You can opt for both procedures: a tummy tuck for the abdominal area and liposuction to remove excess fat in other areas like the thighs, neck, or arms. Many women include both of these procedures (and others) in a mommy makeover.
Do I Need a Tummy Tuck or Liposuction?
If you’re ready to take the next step toward either a tummy tuck or liposuction, call our office and schedule a consultation with Dr. Lewis. He’ll work with you to determine if your selected procedure will provide the results you want and offer customized advice about how to prepare and what to expect from recovery after surgery. With proper maintenance, the results of both procedures can be permanent, but if you’re planning future pregnancies, you may want to wait before having a tummy tuck.
Give us a call today at (804) 267-6009 and or request your consultation using our online form!