Liposuction vs Tummy Tuck: Which Is Better for You?

A flat and flawless stomach is something many people desire, but not everyone can achieve it. There may be several things holding us back from getting the amazing body we’ve always wanted, and it can be especially frustrating if you’re just almost there, but not quite.

Thankfully, the world of plastic surgery offers several options for getting the perfect-looking stomach. Many people opt for liposuction and tummy tucks, so maybe you might want to follow in their footsteps.

This article will discuss the topic of liposuction vs tummy tuck so you can learn about the procedures and see which one suits your situation better.

What’s Liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgery that does belly fat removal; more specifically, it removes excess fat deposits, which means that it’s not meant for significant weight loss. It’s more for sculpting and addressing fat that doesn’t go away with diet and exercise.

The procedure is very safe, as only small incisions are made to suction out fat from a thin tube. There’s minimal scarring, and most people can return to their desk jobs within a few days, although bruising and swelling can last a few weeks.

What’s a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck is also known as abdominoplasty. It addresses loose skin, stretched or separated abdominal muscles, and excess lower belly fat.

The surgeon makes a horizontal incision along the lower abdomen, removes extra skin, and repairs the abdominal wall. This makes a tummy tuck great for people who have sagging belly skin or weakened core muscles.

It takes a bit longer to recover from a tummy tuck though. Most people need 2-4 weeks off work, and it can be months before you can do heavy lifting and intense activity.

What Is the Difference Between a Tummy Tuck and Liposuction?

The main difference between these two procedures is that a tummy tuck’s main purpose is to smooth out loose skin, while liposuction eliminates excess fat. While you can have fat removed with a tummy tuck, that’s not the main purpose.

As you can see from the above sections, a tummy tuck can tighten your abdominal muscles. However, a liposuction doesn’t do that.

Here are the other main differences between stomach liposuction vs a tummy tuck.

Scarring and Recovery

Because liposuction only needs small incisions for the thin tube to suck out fat, there’s very minimal scarring with this surgery. With a tummy tuck, you’ll have a more noticeable scar across your lower abdomen since the entirety of the skin is worked on.

Due to the smaller incisions, recovery is therefore much quicker for liposuction. You only need days to weeks, whereas you need weeks to months for a tummy tuck.

Overall Goal and Best Candidates

As discussed earlier, tummy tucks are fantastic for abdominal reshaping and tightening. As a result, this is best for people who:

• Have loose skin
• Have stretched muscles
• Are post-partum

On the other hand, liposuction is optimal for body contouring. Ideal candidates should have good skin elasticity and stubborn fat.

Possible Risks

All procedures carry potential risks, even if you get the best board-certified plastic surgeon possible. Of course, those with the most credentials and experience will have a higher chance of providing smoother results, so always do your research before picking your surgeon.

Possible risks for both procedures include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Scarring
• Anesthesia complications

Longevity of Results

The good news is that if you maintain a stable weight and live a healthy lifestyle, both procedures give you long-lasting results. Make sure you follow all instructions from your surgeon to ensure your results are as good as possible.

Lipo vs Tummy Tuck: Cost

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of a tummy tuck done in the US is $8,174. As for liposuction, the average cost is $4,711. 

Do keep in mind that these numbers are for the procedures themselves only, and don’t include other associated costs, such as medications, consultations, operating room facilities, etc. So your total cost can be much higher.

Also, do note that most health insurance plans don’t cover either surgeries, as they’re considered cosmetic, so take that into account. However, many plastic surgeons have patient financing plans, so ask if you’re interested in this option. 

If you think these prices are too high but still desire to have quality surgery done, then consider going south to Mexico. The cost of a tummy tuck is $3,000 to $7,000 there, and the cost of liposuction is $1,500 to $4,700.

The cost of plastic surgery in this country can be 50% to 80% cheaper, so even if you have to fly out and pay for accommodations, the total cost can still be significantly lower.

Abdominoplasty vs Liposuction: Combine the Two

There’s nothing stopping you from getting both surgeries if you like what they have to offer. In fact, many patients choose to combine a tummy tuck with liposuction for a “lipoabdominoplasty.” This achieves both fat reduction and skin tightening.

The important thing to know is that neither procedure is a weight-loss solution. They’re best for people who want to contour their bodies and are close to their target weight.

Liposuction vs Tummy Tuck: Weigh Your Options

When it comes to the liposuction vs tummy tuck debate, there’s no single best answer that fits everyone. Instead, it’s up to you to decide whether you want to get rid of excess fat or get a smoother belly.

If you want both, then the good news is that you can have both procedures done. In fact, it’s good to combine surgeries, as it can cut down costs, and you can consolidate your downtime so you won’t have to heal twice.

Just make sure you find an excellent surgeon who’s board-certified and has experience in both areas. That way, you’ll have a safer and smoother experience.

Are you interested in either procedure, or would you like to discuss your options with an experienced surgeon? Then contact us today. Dr. Valdez has over 17 years of experience and can help you choose the procedure that’s right for you.