Tummy Tuck vs. Lipo: What Is the Difference?

Tummy Tuck vs. Lipo: What Is the Difference?

Do you have stubborn skin on your belly that will not disappear even with dieting and daily exercise? Have you tried all the dieting and workout fads out there? If so, you are not alone. Even if you join a gym or hire a personal trainer, you might still fail to get the type of body you desire. 

Even after exercising and dieting, you might still find it challenging to reach your ideal fitness and weight. You might find yourself dogged by stubborn fat and loose skin on specific body areas. Tummy tucks and liposuction can help give you the body contour you desire. But how do you decide which cosmetic option is right for you?

Are They Similar?

Liposuction and abdominoplasty, also called a tummy tuck, are two different cosmetic surgical procedures. They aim to change the look or appearance of a patient’s midsection. They both aim to make a patient’s stomach appear smaller, tighter, and flatter. However, they involve critical differences in risks, recovery time, and the actual procedure. 

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

Also referred to as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure meant to improve the appearance and shape of the abdomen. During the process, your cosmetic surgeon will remove fat from your abdomen and tighten the fascia in your abdomen using sutures. The surgeon will then reposition your abdominal skin to create a toned look. 

What Is Liposuction?

On the other hand, liposuction is a procedure meant to get rid of stubborn fat from specific areas of your body. These include the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, arms, neck, and hips. It aims to contour or shape these areas of the body. Another name for this procedure is body contouring.

Differences

The first thing you need to understand is that both procedures are not weight-loss methods. That is especially so when it comes to belly fat. Are you overweight or have stubborn deposits of fat in certain areas of your body? Diet and exercise are the best solutions. If that does not work, you should consider liposuction or a tummy tuck.

Which Is the Best Option?

Depending on the area of your body you are looking to correct, you should consider undergoing both procedures. In most cases, liposuction goes together with a tummy tuck. Your cosmetic surgeon might recommend a tummy tuck for the upper part of your abdomen and liposuction to target stubborn fat deposits around your lower abdomen, hips, thighs, and lumbar regions. 

The Best Course of Action

If you are trying to decide whether to undergo liposuction or a tummy tuck, the first thing you need to do is talk to a cosmetic surgeon. Your surgeon should listen to you and give you a physical exam to determine whether you are a good candidate. 

That will help them determine the safest and most effective procedure to help you achieve your goals. After all, you want to undergo a process that will achieve your goals and give you newfound confidence for years to come.

For more on tummy tucks and liposuction or to schedule a consultation, call Scott Harris, MD, at (972) 736-9600 to reach our office in Plano, Texas.