Liposuction vs Tummy Tuck
Have you ever wanted a trimmer waistline? If so, you’re not alone. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, might be an option worth considering. Liposuction is another option to reduce stomach fat. But how do you decide which of these two options is best for you?
Our cosmetic surgery practice serving the Little Rock, Conway, and Hot Springs, AR,area offers both body contouring procedures. Dr. Michael A. Devlin compares liposuction and tummy tuck surgery, so you can find out which one would be right for you and your goals.
Reasons to Get a Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck specifically targets the lower abdominal area. This procedure primarily removes excess, sagging skin around the belly. Some small amount of fat deposits may be removed as well, but loose skin is the main focus.
An abdominoplasty can tighten your abdominal wall, leading to a trimmer waistline. Some reasons for getting a tummy tuck include:
- Major weight loss
- Loose skin after pregnancy
- Stretch marks
- Sagging skin from the aging process
Reasons to Get Liposuction
A liposuction removes small, unwanted fat deposits, leading to a slimmer figure and better contoured shape. In contrast to a tummy tuck, liposuction can be performed on multiple areas of the body in addition to the stomach and love handles. This includes the buttocks, hips, thighs, chest, upper arms, and neck.
When it comes to the stomach, liposuction can be effective in giving you a slimmer belly. Liposuction will not remove cellulite, however. Liposuction works best on those with firm skin elasticity. Looser skin could result in sagging after the procedure.
Candidacy for Each Surgery
Each procedure has its benefits and applications for specific needs. When figuring out whether you would like to proceed with a tummy tuck or liposuction, our team will discuss your goals and history, and work with you to determine the best option.
Can These Surgeries Help with Weight Loss?
No. The surgeries may result in minor weight loss, but neither procedure is specifically performed to aid in weight loss per se.
Liposuction is not an ideal procedure for weight loss. While liposuction is idealfor removing stubborn fat deposits, only a limited amount of body fat can be removed during surgery. Tummy tuck surgery removes loose skin and tissue, but it is not a weight loss surgery in and of itself.
That said, both liposuction and tummy tuck can play a role in improving body contour after a patient has lost a lot of weight, whether through natural means or through bariatric surgery. Many bariatric surgery patients undergo body lifts to improve overall appearance and self-image following major weight loss.
Which Option Is Right for Me?
Generally speaking, liposuction is a less invasive surgery designed to address pockets of unwanted body fat. Tummy tuck is designed to target loose skin of the abdominal region. Depending on the issues you face, one surgery may be more ideal than the other.
At Dr. Devlin’s practice, we treat every patient uniquely. During your consultation, we will determine the best course of action to achieve your desired results.
Give Us a Call Today
If you would like to learn more about liposuction or tummy tuck, our expert team is here for you. Give us a call today at (501) 222-1173 or schedule an appointment online today.
