Tummy Tuck vs Liposuction: Which one is right for you?

What is a Tummy Tuck?

An abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin, fat, unwanted scars, and stretch marks from the abdomen. Depending on the type of tummy tuck procedure, the surgeon may also tighten and repair the abdominal muscles to give a flatter appearance and improve the shape of the stomach and abdominal wall. 

What is a modified Tummy Tuck?

Modified (also known as Mini) tummy tucks are typically suitable for those who have good quality muscle tone and are looking to remove small amounts of excess lax skin from the abdomen. This procedure involves making an incision in the lower abdomen to remove small amounts of excess skin. 

What is a Fleur de Lis Tummy Tuck?

A fleur de lis tummy tuck is suitable for patients who have excessive fat deposits, excessive abdominal skin folds and poor muscle tone. This procedure involves the surgeon making a vertical incision as well as a horizontal incision hip to hip and an incision around the umbilicus (tummy button), which is repositioned during the procedure.

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction targets stubborn areas of fat by removing pockets of fat from areas of the body pockets of fat from areas of the body that are resistant to diet and exercise.  Fat removal is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat cells beneath the skin using a hollow stainless-steel tube, with the assistance of a powerful vacuum to reshape and contour the area of treatment to give a shapely appearance.

Combining Tummy Tuck and Liposuction

It is very common for liposuction to be performed during a Tummy Tuck procedure to produce a better result. Fat Removal (liposuction) is used to contour and redefine areas such as the abdomen, flans and buttocks. Whilst the Tummy Tuck procedure removes any excess skin and tightens stomach muscles.  Pairing Liposuction and Tummy Tucks together, can help create a flatter and more toned look.

What is the difference between Tummy tuck and liposuction?

Tummy tuck is best for addressing excess skin and loose muscles It requires general anaesthesia and has a longer recovery period. Whereas, Liposuction targets isolated fat pockets resistant to diet and exercise. It is less invasive and has a shorter recovery time.

Who is a candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

The ideal candidates for a tummy tuck typically have excess skin and fat that’s hasn’t responded well to diet and exercise. Most common candidates for an abdominoplasty are those who have lost a significant amount of weight and have loose skin and excess fat deposits, and women who have their abdominal muscles damaged and skin stretched due to pregnancy.

Who is a candidate for Liposuction?

Liposuction is most effective in patients who have gained excess weight following pregnancy or due to ageing but still have good skin quality and elasticity. Liposuction is not an effective procedure for patients with excess loose skin, or those looking to improve cellulite dimpling or stretch marks.

It's important to note that liposuction surgery can only be offered to those who are a healthy weight and have stubborn areas of fat that can't be removed with lifestyle changes.

Which procedure is best for me?

Although liposuction and tummy tucks both aim to improve the appearance of your midsection, both procedures are very different in their results and how they are performed. If you are interested in having cosmetic surgery but don’t know which procedure would be the best option for you, book your FREE consultation with us and speak to one of our expert advisors who will help you start your journey!