Liposuction or Tummy Tuck: Which is Right for Me?

*Model

by Dr. Steven Wallach

The abdomen is easily the most common and stubborn aesthetic concern among people of all genders, ages, and lifestyles. Two of the best cosmetic treatments for addressing problems in this area are liposuction and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck surgery). However, these two treatments achieve significantly different results. Which one is best for different people will depend upon the nature of their aesthetic goals, and the type of work it will take to achieve them

Choosing Between a Tummy Tuck and Liposuction

There is one very important thing that both liposuction and tummy tuck surgeries have in common: both can help you achieve a flatter, slimmer, and all-around more defined midsection. While liposuction is focused on the removal of excess fat stores, tummy tucks are designed to address muscle and skin laxity as well. Abdominoplasty procedures are frequently chosen by those who have given birth to children to restore their midsections back to their smooth, flat, pre-baby bodies.

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a popular minimally invasive fat removal procedure that can be performed in many parts of the body, sometimes in combination with abdominoplasty. Liposuction is effective for reducing disproportionate stores of fat in areas like the thighs, the upper arms, the hips, buttocks, back, and under-chin area, as well as the abdomen. It is most helpful targeting fat stores that are not responsive to diet and exercise given that natural weight loss only produces uniform fat loss across the entire body.

With liposuction, patients can strategically slim and refine various aspects of their physiques in a completely targeted way that cardiovascular exercise, strength-training, and calorie-cutting cannot.

HOW IS LIPOSUCTION PERFORMED?

Throughout the years, liposuction procedures have been significantly streamlined to entail less risk, less downtime, and fewer possible side effects. During these treatments, a single, small-sized incision is made at the targeted area. Then, a thin, hollow surgical tool known as a cannula is placed inside of the incision. The cannula is used to suction out unwanted fat stores before the incision is sutured closed.

What is Abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck surgery, differs from liposuction in that it’s designed to target more than fat. During these treatments, small amounts of abdominal fat can be removed, as well as loose skin and excess tissues. These procedures also make it possible to reverse problems with muscle laxity at the lower abdominal area to create a more toned midsection overall.

Abominoplasty may be the preferred treatment for you if you’ve experienced significant loose or excess skin at the abdomen as the result of rapid weight loss, pregnancy, or as part of the normal aging process. While liposuction merely suctions away excess fat, abdominoplasty also promotes increased firmness and tone throughout the treatment area.

HOW IS A TUMMY TUCK SURGERY PERFORMED?

With liposuction, only a few, small-sized incisions need to be made at the treatment area. Conversely, abdominoplasty requires a larger incision that spans from one hip to the other across the pelvic region. Once this incision has been made, excess fat, skin, and tissues are excised. When additional fat removal is needed, liposuction can be performed as well, before the incision is sutured closed.

Which Option is Best for You?

Whether you’ll benefit mor from liposuction or abdominoplasty in order to meet your cosmetic goals largely depends upon the nature of your aesthetic concerns. Given its larger incision size, abdominoplasty is a more invasive procedure, and one that entails a longer and more uncomfortable period of recovery.

Abdominoplasty is often the best choice for anyone with skin and muscle laxity that’s contributing to a poor appearance of the abdomen. When modest amounts of fat removal are required, this can usually be safely accomplished as part of a tummy tuck procedure. However, when a person’s primary or sole concern is targeted fat removal in a specific area around the abdomen, liposuction is likely the best choice.

Abdominal Rejuvenation in New York City

Dr. Steven Wallach of Premier Plastic Surgery in New York can give you a customized plan for creating the slim, toned abdomen that you’ve always wanted. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Wallach has extensive experience in performing both abdominoplasty and liposuction procedures. To have your aesthetic concerns assessed by a seasoned professional, and to determine which treatment type is best for you, call us or contact us online today to set up a consultation appointment.