Tummy Tuck vs Liposuction
What Is A Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tuck surgery addresses impaired (stretched) or torn abdominal muscles, stubborn pockets of fat, and excess sagging skin in the tummy area. Your plastic surgeon will make a horizontal incision above the pubic line, repair damaged muscle structures, remove unwanted skin and fat tissue, and then reposition the skin for a flatter, firmer, and more defined waist contour. Sometimes your surgeon will also refine and reposition your navel (belly button) for a more natural appearance. This surgery is performed under general anaesthetic and typically takes 1-2 hours.
To learn more about advanced surgical techniques for tummy tuck surgery, read How Your Plastic Surgeon Will Achieve The Most Natural-Looking Tummy Tuck Results.
Who Is An Ideal Candidate For Tummy Tuck Surgery?
The goal of tummy tuck surgery is to create a flatter firmer midsection by removing excess fat. This cosmetic procedure also removes excess skin and repairs damaged abdominal muscles. The ideal candidate for a tummy tuck:
- Has stubborn fat deposits that will not go away despite your best efforts with diet and exercise.
- Is within 10 pounds of their ideal weight and has maintained that weight for at least six months.
- Has stretched out, excess skin due to pregnancy, significant weight loss, genetics, or aging.
- Has a protruding belly due to impaired muscle structures.
- Does not plan to become pregnant again.
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgical procedure that also addresses stubborn pockets of fat. Your surgeon will access the target areas by making several small incisions, then inserting a thin tube (called a cannula). This cannula will be moved around the target area to loosen fat cells that can then be vacuumed out. Liposuction is not just for the abdominal area, but can also target deposits of fat in the hips, thighs, buttocks, arms, and even on the chin and face. There are several ways to perform liposuction; your surgeon will determine the best method for you. This procedure is safe and effective and may be performed under general anaesthesia, but can sometimes be done using local freezing. Liposuction permanently removes fat cells in the target area and those cells will never return. The length of the procedure will vary based on the size of the treatment area and the amount of fat to be removed.
To learn more about the safety and side effects of liposuction, read Liposuction-How It Works.
Who Is An Ideal Candidate For Liposuction?
Liposuction is ideal for someone who is looking to remove small deposits of fat in the abdominal area. Common areas of concern are love handles and flanks, a smaller, lower belly paunch, and fat accumulations around the belly button. For optimal liposuction results, the ideal candidate will:
- Have good skin elasticity (not stretched out, sagging skin).
- Have good underlying muscle tone.
- Be within 10 lbs of their target weight.
Making The Decision
Both of these cosmetic procedures are safe and transformative; helping you achieve a smoother, flatter waistline and appealing abdominal contour. Liposuction is preferred for those who want to address areas of stubborn fat and redefine their waist and abdomen. Tummy tuck surgery is preferred for patients who want to address areas of stubborn fat, but who also deal with excess skin and/or damaged abdominal muscle structures. And as previously mentioned, tummy tuck surgery and liposuction can be combined for even more significant results.
Tummy Tuck Or Liposuction: Your Choice At Alberta Plastic Surgery
If you are seeking a trimmer, flatter midsection, liposuction and a tummy tuck can each deliver transformative results. If you need to address stubborn fat deposits, liposuction alone can do the job. If the dissatisfaction with your tummy is due to excess skin and tissue, or if your abdominal muscles are damaged, a tummy tuck might be the better alternative. The best first step to exploring your options for abdominal contouring is to speak with your plastic surgeon about your goals. Your surgeon will be able to determine if your best results can be achieved through tummy tuck surgery, liposuction, or both!
If you are looking to smooth and contour your midsection the team at Alberta Plastic Surgery can guide you in exploring your options for tummy tuck surgery and liposuction. Book your complimentary consultation today.
Dr. Adil Ladak is a board-certified and top surgeon in Edmonton, Alberta, and is highly skilled in cosmetic plastic surgery and other non-surgical rejuvenating cosmetic procedures. Dr. Ladak is a fully qualified Fellow of the Royal Canadian College of Physicians and Surgeons and his team is committed to providing patients with the facts and education to make the most informed decisions about their appearance and health. To explore all of your options to help you feel and look your best, visit Alberta Plastic Surgery in Edmonton by booking your complimentary consultation. Call us at (780) 407-6691 or fill out the form below.
FAQ
Q: How many scars will I have after combining liposuction and a tummy tuck?
A: Liposuction will require several very small incisions to insert the cannula used for suctioning. These incisions are often only 1-3mm and your surgeon will be careful to place the incisions where they are mostly undetectable. For abdominoplasty, your surgeon will make an incision horizontally just above your pubic line to remove unwanted fat and skin and repair abdominal muscles. This incision will be closed with sutures and will require some special care. Follow your doctor’s post-surgical instructions to facilitate healing and minimize scarring. Once healed, your abdominoplasty scar will be easily hidden by your underwear or bathing suit.
Q: How much weight should I lose before having a tummy tuck?
A: It is ideal to be within 10 pounds of your desired goal weight and to maintain a stable weight for at least 6 months to achieve optimal results from a tummy tuck procedure. Abdominoplasty should not be considered a weight loss solution. To read more about this and other common myths read The Truth About Tummy Tucks.
Q: How long until I will be able to exercise after my tummy tuck surgery?
A: You may be anxious to put on the leggings and the sports bra and hit the gym with your new physique, but don’t rush your recovery. Returning to vigorous exercise too soon after surgery could jeopardize your results. To learn more about a safe return to your workouts, read Exercising After Abdominoplasty.
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