Comparing Liposuction & Tummy Tuck

Liposuction and tummy tuck are two powerfully effective plastic surgery procedures that target pockets of fat and improve body contours. When choosing which option is right for you, there are many factors to consider, including muscle integrity, locations of fat, and your own expectations.

Below, experienced Scottsdale and Mesa plastic surgeon Dr. Genaro Valladolid reviews the similarities and key differences between these two popular body contouring surgeries.

Apart from the fact that both liposuction and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) reshape the body by removing loose skin and shrinking pockets of fat, the main similarity these procedures share is that neither is a remedy for obesity, a substitute for exercise and a healthy diet, or a cure for some of the imperfections that often appear as we age. In fact, it is important that you give diet and exercise a chance before you consider liposuction or tummy tuck surgery. 

Tummy Tuck

Tummy tuck is often a good choice for patients whose loss of skin elasticity created folds in the skin after they gave birth or lost weight. With tummy tuck, the stomach benefits from a smooth, “tucked-in” profile after the removal of excess skin and fat and the tightening of the abdominal muscles. 

Studies have shown that the best candidates for abdominoplasty have loose skin but not much belly fat. Overweight individuals are advised to lose as much weight as possible before considering tummy tuck. For patients whose fat is located mostly below the belly button, a partial abdominoplasty, or “mini tummy tuck,” may be advisable.

Liposuction

Liposuction may be the preferred choice when creating a more natural-looking body shape requires the removal of a significant amount of fat in targeted areas. It is ideal for those areas of the body that seem immune to traditional lifestyle approaches. If you exercise regularly and lose weight through a balanced diet and still retain excess fat in the hips or thighs, liposuction may be an appropriate option.

The best candidate is healthy, not significantly overweight, with skin that is elastic. The vitality of your skin will affect your satisfaction with the procedure, as firm skin will smoothly cover the newly trim areas of your body.

Patients commonly seek reductions in the abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks, arms, neck or back. Men may also choose liposuction as a way to treat “male breasts.” Liposuction is also sometimes used to treat jowls and cheeks.

Combining Both

For some patients who believe they are candidates for tummy tuck, accumulation of fat in the abdominal area is significant, and this is where Dr. Valladolid may recommend lipoabdominoplasty. This procedure allows both the removal of substantial volumes of fat and the reconstruction of the abdominal wall and tucking of the skin.

For more information on liposuction, tummy tuck or other body contouring procedures, please call (480) 770-5015 or email Valladolid Plastic Surgery today.