Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck: Which is Right For Me?

When it comes to getting rid of excess belly fat, two procedures tend to reign supreme — liposuction and tummy tuck.

Though people tend to use these two words interchangeably, they’re very different procedures. Depending on the results you’re looking for and the amount of downtime you’re comfortable with, one procedure may be better for you than another.

Liposuction and Tummy Tuck — Similarities

We understand why people tend to confuse the two procedures, as they do have a lot in common. The ultimate goal of both procedures is to improve the appearance of your stomach by making it smaller, flatter, and tighter. Both procedures also have to be performed by a cosmetic surgeon and are considered elective surgeries, so they’re not covered by insurance.

Liposuction and Tummy Tuck — Differences

While the outcome may be similar, how you get to it via each procedure is very different.

The Procedure Itself

• Liposuction: During this procedure, your surgeon will use a thin tube to remove excess fat from your stomach. It may take a few sessions for you to see the results you’re hoping for.
• Tummy Tuck: During a tummy tuck procedure, your surgeon will make an incision on your stomach in order to expose the muscle underneath. Once the muscle is exposed, your surgeon will sew the muscles together, making them tighter and smaller. He or she will then pull your skin back over the area and remove any excess skin.  

Generally speaking, a tummy tuck is a more intense procedure performed on people who are looking for more drastic results.

Anesthesia

Liposuction typically only requires patients to be intravenously sedated. Your surgeon may even choose to just use a local anesthetic (like numbing cream) on your stomach. Because a tummy tuck is more invasive, patients are put to sleep via general anesthesia.

Recovery

The recovery time between both procedures also varies a great deal. While most patients can return to normal activities within a day of liposuction, a tummy tuck will require several days of rest. After a tummy tuck, you’ll likely need help standing, so it’s important to have a good support system present for your recovery.

 

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