What Is the Difference Between Liposuction and Tummy Tuck?
Many people are drawn to body contouring procedures for the transformative, slim, and sculpted results they can provide. However, some people may not be aware of the differences between popular procedures such as liposuction and tummy tuck surgery. This blog discusses liposuction and tummy tucks, what they can achieve, and how to determine which procedure is right for you.
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Understanding Different Types of Body Contouring Procedures
The struggle to lose stubborn fat is very common. Many people try various diets and exercise routines to shed extra pounds, often because the excess fat can highlight self-consciousness and make clothes fit poorly. Yet even when weight loss methods are effective, many still do not receive the sculpted contours they desire. It can be especially frustrating to put all this time and effort into losing weight but feel your body’s appearance does not reflect all of your hard work.
Body contouring procedures provide an opportunity for people to remove stubborn remaining fat and get the slimmer, sculpted results they desire. Liposuction and tummy tuck surgery are two popular body contouring options that are constantly in demand. While both procedures remove stubborn fat (to a certain extent), they use different techniques and serve their own purposes.
Before committing to a body contouring procedure, it’s important to understand how it works and the results it produces so you can make an informed decision.
What Is Liposuction?
Stubborn fat can accumulate nearly anywhere on the body, yet it often builds in the stomach, hips, thighs, and buttocks. Losing fat in these body areas is often more difficult because they tend to resist diet and exercise. Having stubborn fat can make your body look disproportionate, especially if you’ve lost weight in other areas but still have stubborn pockets of fat in certain regions.
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that can remove stubborn fat from virtually any body area. One popular technique is the tumescent liposuction method, which involves injecting a tumescent fluid into the body to break up the stubborn fat, making it easier to remove. Your surgeon will make small incisions around the chosen area, allowing them to insert a cannula—a thin, hollow tube—that will be used to suction the fat out of the body. Once the appropriate amount of fat has been removed, your surgeon will close the incisions.
What Can Liposuction Achieve?
With liposuction, patients are able to eliminate stubborn fat deposits and highlight their slim, sculpted body contours. It can be a huge relief for people to no longer feel worried or self-conscious about excess fat, especially if it has been a long-harbored insecurity for them.
Many liposuction patients enjoy the following benefits after their procedure:
- Improved and proportionate body contours
- Permanently removed fat from targeted areas
- More wardrobe options since it is easier to find clothing that fits well
- Enhanced self-confidence
It is important to note that while liposuction can remove fat, it does not remove excess skin. The best liposuction candidates are people with good skin elasticity, as this will allow the skin to conform to the new body contours post-surgery. However, people with poor skin elasticity or those who want to remove a significant amount of fat may need to combine their liposuction with a different body contouring procedure to get the best results.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
The abdomen is one of the toughest areas in which to lose body fat. Some people are genetically more susceptible to developing stubborn fat in the abdominal area, while others may gain excess fat due to pregnancy or the natural aging process. Often, when a large amount of excess fat develops, the skin must stretch to accommodate the larger size; this means that even if that fat is lost later on, the stretched skin will remain and create a sagging, droopy appearance.
Tummy Tuck surgery allows patients to eliminate excess fat and skin in the stomach region. During a tummy tuck, a surgeon will create incisions around the abdomen, allowing them to access the underlying fat, tissues, and muscles. Excess subcutaneous fat will be removed, and the abdominal muscles will be tightened to create a stronger core. The skin will be pulled taut over the abdomen, and excess skin will be trimmed to eliminate sagging. If needed, the belly button will be repositioned to complement the new abdominal contours.
What Can Tummy Tuck Surgery Achieve?
A tummy tuck can significantly transform the abdominal area. This procedure is especially beneficial for patients who struggle with excess stomach skin after significant weight loss.
After a tummy tuck, patients often notice the following benefits:
- A smoother, slimmer stomach
- Tightened abdominal muscles
- More clothing options
- Confidence in appearance
Which Procedure Is Right for You?
Everyone has their own areas of concern for their bodies and aesthetic goals. When determining whether liposuction or tummy tuck surgery is the procedure for you, it’s important to consider your anatomy and desired results. Are you seeking a treatment that removes stubborn fat from various body areas? Or are you only concerned with excess fat in the abdomen? Do you have excess skin that you want to remove in addition to excess fat?
Liposuction is generally a good choice for people who want to remove excess fat and have good skin elasticity. On the other hand, a tummy tuck can be a better choice for those mainly concerned with excess skin, stomach fat, and separated/loose muscles.
Some patients may be good candidates for combining liposuction with a mini tummy tuck. If this interests you, ask your surgeon during your consultation so they can help determine your candidacy.
Schedule Your Liposuction or Tummy Tuck Consultation in Ladera Ranch, CA
Prospective patients ready to embark on their body contouring journeys can look forward to getting the slim, sculpted results they desire. Before you can have your chosen procedure, you’ll need to consult with a board-certified surgeon to discuss your candidacy for the procedure and your aesthetic vision.
Dr. Doezie is board certified and has served the Ladera Ranch, CA, area for two decades. He performs liposuction and tummy tuck surgery at Misson Plastic Surgery. Dr. Doezie prioritizes patient care and wants his patients to feel comfortable and confident in their bodies.
To learn more about liposuction and tummy tuck surgery or to schedule your consultation with Dr. Doezie, call (949) 481-9850 or fill out our online contact form.