What’s the Difference Between a Tummy Tuck & Liposuction?

Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction

Board Certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali has performed liposuction and tummy tucks on hundreds of men and women. In this article he discusses the differences between these two procedures – and the advantages and disadvantages of both.

Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction: Anesthetic

Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure, performed under local (numbing) anesthetic – while a Tummy Tuck is a more serious surgical procedure typically performed under general (unconscious) anesthetic.

Because a patient is awake during liposuction, there is not the risks associated with general anesthetic, as there are with a tummy tuck. However, when performed by a board certified plastic surgeon, the risks from anesthetic during a tummy tuck are extremely rare.

Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction: Procedure

A tummy tuck (also called abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure that in order to remove excess abdominal skin and tighten the abdominal muscles. This does result in some scaring, and a longer recovery time and more intense discomfort and soreness than liposuction.

Liposuction is a minimally invasive technique that only removes excess fat deposits located between the skin and muscle. In a liposuction procedure, excess skin is not removed – and the skin must tighten up on its own over the area of removed fat. Additionally, the liposuction procedure does not tighten the abdominal muscles.

Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction: Scarring

A full tummy tuck typically requires a larger incision across the lower abdomen (bikini line), in order to enable the plastic surgeon to remove excess abdominal skin, and suture the muscles to tighten them.

Liposuction, however, only results in extremely tiny scars less than 3 mm long – which are barely noticeable and typically face away over time.

An endoscopic tummy tuck, or a mini tummy tuck, result in less scarring than a full tummy tuck – but are still surgical procedures that leave more scarring than liposuction.

See the different types of abdominal scars from a tummy tuck HERE.

Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction: Which is Better for Me?

Liposuction is an excellent procedure for people who are at or near a healthy weight, with specific stubborn areas of fat that they wish to remove. Liposuction works best for people who have both good skin elasticity and muscle tone in the abdominal area.

Additionally, Lipo be performed on many other parts of the body including the love handles (flanks), arms, chin, thighs and buttocks.

A tummy tuck, however, is the best procedure for individuals with loose or excess skin in their midsection, or those who loose and weakened abdominal muscles.

There are a variety of different tummy tuck procedures – including a full tummy tuck, a partial tummy tuck (dermolipectomy) an endoscopic tummy tuck, and even a “mini-tummy tuck”. Which procedure will be best for you will depend upon whether you have just loose or excess skin, just poor abdominal muscle tone, or both.

Troy Area’s Best Tummy Tuck Surgeon

When performed by a board certified plastic surgeon, both liposuction and tummy tuck are excellent procedures for getting the “Abs” you want.  Dr. Ali will carefully assess your skin, muscles and overall body to help you determine the best procedure for your body.

Dr. Ali has helped hundreds of women and men across Oakland County get the body they want with liposuction and tummy tucks. He will be happy to offer you a consultation to help you understand your options and decide if liposuction or a tummy tuck is right for you.

And remember, financing options are also available!

Call Dr. Ali for a Tummy Tuck Consultation:  248-335-7200