Achieving a Sculpted Abdomen: Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck
A flat, toned stomach is something many people strive for but struggle to achieve despite maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise routine. A tummy tuck can create a sculpted appearance by removing stubborn abdominal fat and loose skin.
Although tummy tuck surgery is highly effective at flattening the stomach, some patients would prefer a less invasive treatment and may want to consider liposuction to achieve their desired contours.
When deciding which procedure is best for achieving a sculpted abdomen, liposuction versus tummy tuck, cosmetic surgeon Michael A. Devlin helps patients from Little Rock, AR, Conway, AR, Hot Springs, AR, and surrounding areas understand the advantages and disadvantages of each procedure.
About Liposuction
Liposuction is a significantly less invasive surgical procedure than a tummy tuck. Only a few small incisions are made in discreet areas of the abdomen. A thin tube connected to a vacuum is inserted through the incisions to suction out unwanted fat and create a sculpted, flatter stomach.
Fat cells are permanently removed with liposuction, but patients should be prepared to maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet to maintain their results.
Because liposuction is minimally invasive, recovery is typically easier than recovering from a tummy tuck. Liposuction patients are usually well enough to return to work within a few days of treatment but will need several weeks to fully recover.
Liposuction Results
Liposuction is an effective means of removing stubborn fat from the abdomen to create a flatter, more sculpted stomach.
One important thing to keep in mind when considering liposuction is that it only removes fat and not excess skin. Additionally, the best liposuction results are seen in people who do not need a significant amount of fat removed from their stomach and have good skin elasticity.
About the Tummy Tuck Procedure
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure used to achieve a sculpted, flat abdomen by removing loose skin and tightening the underlying muscles. During a tummy tuck, an incision is made across the lower abdomen in the area beneath the belly button and above the pubic area. The underlying tissues and muscles are tightened, excess skin is removed, and tissues are sutured in place.
Tummy tuck surgery is more invasive than liposuction and requires more time for recovery. The amount of time will depend on the extent of tummy tuck surgery.
Tummy Tuck Results
Like liposuction, tummy tuck surgery improves the appearance of the abdomen, creating a smoother, more defined stomach.
Unlike liposuction, the tummy tuck procedure removes excess skin and tightens weakened abdominal muscles. This makes it a better option for people who have unwanted, drooping abdominal skin.
Additionally, the tummy tuck procedure can remove stretch marks in areas where excess tissue is removed from the stomach.
Choosing the Right Treatment for You
Both liposuction and tummy tuck surgery can help people who want a flatter stomach achieve a more sculpted, contoured appearance.
Choosing the right treatment to pursue largely depends on the needs of each patient and desired outcomes. Generally, those with loose or excessive abdominal skin are better served by tummy tuck surgery while those who have good skin elasticity and a minimal to moderate amount of unwanted belly fat may achieve their desired results with liposuction. In addition, the two procedures can be combined.
It’s important to speak with a cosmetic surgeon when considering liposuction or tummy tuck surgery to determine which treatment is best for your aesthetic goals.
Schedule a Consultation
For more information about the tummy tuck procedure and liposuction, please call (501) 227-8811 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Devlin.
