Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck: Which Procedure is Right for You?
Liposuction and a tummy tuck (formally called abdominoplasty) are two popular cosmetic procedures people have to improve the contours and firmness of their bodies. There are lots of similarities between the two. They are both performed by cosmetic surgeons and involve the removal of body fat or loose skin to make the target area appear tighter, flatter and more toned. However, there are also a few key differences, particularly in terms of the likely candidates for each procedure, the target areas and the results you can achieve.
In this article, we’re going to discuss the tummy tuck vs. liposuction conundrum to help you better understand each procedure and choose the right option for you. And, if you’d like to know more, please pick up the phone, fill out our enquiry form or send us an email to speak to our team.
What is the difference between liposuction and a tummy tuck?
Many people assume that these two cosmetic procedures help people lose weight, but that’s not the case. Both procedures are best suited to men and women who are close to their ideal weight and want to feel more confident by sculpting and refining the areas they’re not happy with.
What is liposuction?
Liposuction is a procedure performed under general anaesthetic, local anaesthetic or light sedation (depending on the type of treatment you have) to remove stubborn pockets of fat and loose skin from the body, typically after weight loss.
Unlike a tummy tuck, you can target many different areas of the body with liposuction. Although it will not help you lose weight, liposuction removes areas of fat that are resistant to exercise and diet to create a more proportionate figure that may give the appearance of weight loss.
To perform the procedure, your surgeon will insert a small tube known as a cannula into the incisions they make to loosen stubborn fat cells that they then ‘vacuum’ out. If you maintain the same weight, those fat cells will not return. Up to three or four litres of fat can be removed in a single procedure. The typical recovery time following liposuction is four to six weeks.
What is a tummy tuck?
Like liposuction, a tummy tuck is not an alternative to weight loss. It’s a procedure that’s performed under general anaesthetic and often requires an overnight stay in hospital. It is the only procedure that removes loose, sagging skin around the stomach area that can result from extreme weight loss, the ageing process or following pregnancy. Your surgeon will recommend a full or mini tummy tuck depending on the amount of fat and sagging skin you have, with a mini tummy tuck typically focusing on the area under the belly button.
To perform a tummy tuck, your surgeon will make a horizontal incision above the pubic line. They then pull together the stretched or torn muscles and remove excess skin and fat tissue to create a tighter, firmer, flatter stomach. A tummy tuck is a more invasive procedure than liposuction, so the recovery time is a little longer, typically taking six to eight weeks.
What areas do liposuction and tummy tucks target?
A key difference between liposuction and a tummy tuck is the areas of the body you can target. A tummy tuck is only an option for those looking for a flat stomach. With liposuction, you can remove excess skin and fat from the stomach, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms, chin, neck, knees and even ankles.
What are the benefits of liposuction and tummy tucks?
Liposuction and tummy tucks are not interchangeable. Although the procedures have their similarities, they both offer distinct benefits to women and men facing different challenges.
Liposuction is well suited to those who want to shift stubborn fat and tone up in certain areas, while tummy tucks are for patients who want to tighten up their abdomen.
The benefits of liposuction
- It removes stubborn pockets of fat that don’t respond to exercise or diet
- It creates a body that is more in proportion
- Those who maintain their weight usually receive permanent results
- It can encourage and motivate you to continue exercising regularly and eating healthily
- Removing fat from knees, thighs, ankles and hips can enhance your mobility and improve your posture
- It boosts your self-esteem and can positively impact your quality of life
The benefits of a tummy tuck
- It changes the shape and tone of the stomach to create a firm, smooth profile
- You can wear more fitted clothes with confidence
- There are fewer skin infections and itching caused by excess skin
- Restoring weakened or separated muscles can strengthen your core
- Patients are generally more confident and feel less self-conscious about the appearance of their midriff and engaging in physical activity
Which procedure is right for you?
If you’re not sure whether liposuction or a tummy tuck is the right cosmetic procedure for you, here’s some straightforward advice to guide you.
Generally speaking, you are the ideal candidate for liposuction if you have stubborn deposits of fat you can’t remove. They could be in the abdominal area, such as love handles or a lower belly paunch, or in other areas, such as the buttocks or thighs. You should be close to your target weight, have no problems with skin elasticity and have good underlying muscle tone.
A tummy tuck is the right choice if you have stretched and saggy skin around the stomach area that’s typically due to significant weight loss, ageing or pregnancy. You may also have a protruding tummy due to weakened abdominal muscles. You should be close to your target weight and have no plans to become pregnant after the procedure.
Combined liposuction and tummy tuck surgery
Depending on your circumstances, you might not have to choose between liposuction and a tummy tuck. The best option might be to combine the two procedures to deliver comprehensive body contouring and firming results. Choosing to have liposuction and a tummy tuck offers superior results for patients with loose and sagging skin, weakened abdominal muscles and stubborn pockets of fat that do not respond to exercise or diet.
Get liposuction or a tummy tuck at the Enhance Medical Group
If you’re interested in liposuction or a tummy tuck, book a no-obligation consultation with our team. We will discuss your goals with you and offer expert guidance on the most appropriate procedure.
At Enhance Medical Group, liposuction starts at £2,995 for one area and rises to £5,995 for four areas. The price of a tummy tuck depends on the type of procedure but starts at £6,495, and financing is available. Industry-leading aftercare is included in the price, as is ongoing support and guidance from your surgeon. As the UK’s leading day-case breast enlargement provider, we guarantee you the highest standard of care.