Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) and Liposuction are two different procedures for your mid-section. Liposuction or Tummy Tuck are procedures of interest for people with similar goals, but there are key differences between them. They both help to make your stomach appear flatter, tighter and smaller.

 

Basics of Liposuction and Tummy Tuck

Liposuction

Liposuction may be a good fit if you’re looking to remove fat deposits. These are commonly found on the stomach area or hips, thighs, buttocks. The procedure will help to reduce bulges and improve contour.

 

Tummy Tuck

In addition to removing excess fat from the abdomen, a tummy tuck also removes excess skin. Pregnancy or significant shifts in your weight can stretch out the skin that surrounds your stomach. If rectus abdominus, or sit-up muscles have been stretched or separated by pregnancy, this procedure may involve bringing them back together.

 

What are the possible results?

Liposuction

You will see a flatter abdomen and more proportioned midsection once you have recovered from the procedure.

 

Tummy Tuck

Your abdominal wall will be more stable and stronger. The excess skin that has been removed won’t return unless significant fluctuation in weight or a subsequent pregnancy stretches out the area again.

 

What’s the recovery process?

Liposuction

Your recovery process will depend on how many areas were operated on, and whether additional liposuction sessions are needed. Your surgeon may recommend that you wear a compression garment. You can resume regular activity in few days, however heavy lifting should be avoided until your doctor gives you a go ahead.

 

Tummy Tuck

Your incision will be covered in surgical dressing, which will need to be changed few times. Your surgeon will also provide you with a compression garment. Surgical drains may also be in place for up to two weeks. It takes 5-6 weeks for the initial recovery phase of a tummy tuck. Heavy lifting or strenuous activity should be started only when Doctor okays it. 

As a recap, both procedures target the mid section, but are different in many ways. 

 

For more information, feel free to contact our Premier Surgical Plastic Surgery Office in Knoxville at (865) 306-5680 for personalized advice or to SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION with Dr. David Lo, our Plastic Surgeon.