Liposuction vs Tummy Tuck, which one do I need to get the desired midsection area?
It becomes one of the most frequent questions for plastic surgeons regarding body contouring and improving the abdomen’s appearance.
If you have a problem determining which is best for you, understanding these two procedures can empower you to choose the approach that best suits your body’s goals and expectations.
At our Park Plaza Plastic Surgery Center in New York, patients may undergo both, liposuction procedures and tummy tucks.
Contents
What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgical procedure created to remove excess fat deposits from different body parts using suction.
It is crucial to understand that liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure, but a body sculpting technique that aims to enhance the overall shape and proportions of the body. Liposuction can effectively target and remove unwanted fat on thighs, knees, hips, arms, buttocks, neck and abdomen, and midsection areas.
This procedure is perfect for those already near their ideal weight but have stubborn fat localized in certain body areas, that can’t be affected with traditional diets and exercises.
Liposuction is usually an outpatient procedure, performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon in a surgical facility that usually takes 1- 3 hours.
At Park Plaza Plastic Surgery Center, our board-certified plastic surgeon provides a range of liposuction treatments to meet diverse patient needs. Focusing on natural-looking results, Dr. Lefkovits can help you gain a smoother appearance by removing pockets of fat to create smoother body contours and improve the underlying muscle structures.
What’s A Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and muscle laxity in the abdominal area.
Tummy Tuck is very effective for those with fatty tissue on the abdominal wall and weakened abdominal muscles. It can be a good choice for women after pregnancy or those who lost weight and suffer from excess and sagging skin in this area.
The primary goal of a tummy tuck procedure is to restore a firmer, flatter, and more toned appearance to the abdominal region and to back it o previous condition.
You can also choose between a full tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck, depending on your needs and the abdominal area you want to treat.
It is typically a same-day outpatient procedure. The tummy tuck procedure includes an incision on the lower abdominal area through which a surgeon easily removes excess fat and skin. After elevating the abdominal skin, the doctor tightens the abdominal tissue to get a smooth and toned abdominal contour.
Difference Between Liposuction and Tummy Tuck
Even liposuction and tummy tuck can be good choices and bring desired results to achieve flat and more toned abdominal, there are some differences between these procedures.
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that targets localized areas of excess fat deposits in different body parts, including the abdominal.
On the other hand, a tummy tuck addresses excess skin, sagging skin, and muscle laxity in the abdominal area.
The liposuction procedure includes making a small incision on the target area and inserting the tube to suction the fat. There are several types and liposuction techniques, such as the tumescent liposuction technique, laser-assisted technique, and ultrasound-assisted liposuction.
During the tummy tuck procedure, the surgeon makes a horizontal incision along the lower abdomen, just above the pubic area, within the bikini line. The surgeon removes stubborn fat from this area and repairs and tightens the abdominal muscles through an incision. Also, the surgeon removes hanging skin and fat tissue around the belly button. In some cases, it is necessary to adjust and reposition the belly button after removing excess fat and shagging skin, to get a smoother abdomen.
Liposuction results in body contouring through fat deposit reduction from targeted areas and does not address loose skin or muscle laxity, focusing solely on fat removal.
It is one of the reasons why liposuction requires less recovery time and results in minimal scarring compared to a tummy tuck.
With a tummy tuck procedure, you get a flatter, firmer stomach and abdominal area, and tightening abdominal muscles. The focus of tummy tuck is not on unwanted fat removal but on the reconstruction of the midsection area.
With a tummy tuck, you need more time for recovery and get more noticeable scarring compared to liposuction.
Benefits of tummy tuck and liposuction
- Body Contouring
- Precision and Customization
- Permanent Fat Cells Removal
- Combined Procedures
- Improved Abdominal Contours
- Muscle Tightening
- Enhanced Body Proportions
- Correction of Post-Pregnancy Changes
- Improved Clothing Fit
Liposuction vs Tummy Tuck Cost
The cost of both procedures will depend on various factors, including the complexity of the case, geographical location, surgeon’s experience, and additional fees.
Generally, liposuction tends to be less expensive than a tummy tuck due to the complexity and invasiveness of the latter procedure. The average liposuction cost is $6,000, whereas a tummy tuck’s average cost is $8,000.
You can always consult your health insurance provider because insurance may cover a part of the cost of the tummy tuck if deemed medically necessary, such as in cases of severe abdominal muscle separation or hernias.
Tummy Tuck Vs. Liposuction: Which one to choose?
If you are still in doubt about which one of the two procedures to choose, you should start with your specific concerns, desired outcomes, skin elasticity, and for sure, consultation with a qualified and certified surgeon.
For those who lost a certain amount of weight in the past and have loose and excess skin, a tummy tuck may be the solution. Also, it is a great option to back the abdominal area to its previous condition after pregnancy, because a tummy tuck removes excess skin, a typical condition that fallow postpregnancy.
People having unwanted fat localized in a specific body area, including the midsection, and who want to contour their body may choose liposuction.
Skin elasticity is crucial when you decide between a tummy tuck vs. liposuction. You can achieve the best result with liposuction if you have elastic skin that can naturally conform to the body’s new contours.
If this is not the case, a tummy tuck is necessary for those with significant skin laxity.
Recovery is also critical in this decision, especially if you have a busy schedule. Liposuction offers quicker recovery times than a tummy tuck, and most patients can return to normal activities within a shorter period.
Conclusion
Both procedures can bring transformative results in body contouring, getting a flat stomach, and a better-looking abdominal area.
The choice between a tummy tuck and liposuction can be easy when you have full support from a doctor. At Park Plaza NYC we are with our patients throughout the journey from making decisions to recovery.
If you are looking for an experienced doctor to provide comprehensive guidance throughout your plastic surgery journey, Dr. Lefkovits is the ideal choice. With a remarkable 35-year tradition in plastic surgery, our surgeon holds Double Board Certification from both the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Schedule Free Open Liposuction and Tummy Tuck Consultation In Manhattan New York Plastic Surgery Office
Contact our plastic surgery center if you would like to schedule a FREE consultation regarding liposuction or tummy tuck surgery in NYC. Request initial consultation by calling (212) 750-9494.
