Stomach liposuction versus tummy tucks

When people have problems in the abdominal area, diet and exercise are often not enough. Loose skin and stubborn belly fat cannot always be treated with these ideal methods. Many times, fat has a genetic component and areas of it will remain no matter how fit a person is. Also, there is no magical diet or fitness regimen that will tighten skin that has been stretched beyond the point of elasticity. In any of these cases, people may choose to resort to plastic surgery and thus the debate between stomach liposuction and tummy tucks begins. There are many differences between the two that need to be considered in order to make an informed decision.

The question

Tummy tucks and stomach liposuction address two quite different problems. Liposuction is involved in removing pockets of stubborn fat from the body to aid in sculpting. However, it is not really a weight loss method; rather it is to help contour where diet and exercise fail. Abdominoplasties, or tummy tucks, address the skin rather than the fat. After drastic and often rapid weight loss, people are left with loose, baggy skin. While the scale may tell you that you are thin, excess skin can make you feel less attractive than when you were heavier. Tummy tucks are used to remove this extra skin, allowing for a more teased appearance.

The procedure

Another area where stomach liposuction and tummy tucks differ is in the procedures used. In liposuction, the area is filled with fluid through small incisions, and then the fluid and fat (usually 5 to 10 pounds of fat) are removed through those same openings. The procedure relies on the natural elasticity of the skin to tighten it. A tummy tuck is very different. A wide incision is made above the pubic area and another around the navel. The skin separates from the muscles below; if necessary, the muscles themselves can be tightened at this point with sutures. Excess skin is cut, a new hole is made for the navel, and everything is sewn shut.

the time involved

One more issue to consider in the stomach liposuction versus tummy tuck debate is the time involved in surgery and recovery. Liposuction is generally performed as an in-and-out procedure. This means that general anesthesia is usually not warranted and patients can resume normal activities immediately. A day or two away from work or school is considered the norm for liposuction. Abdominoplasties, on the other hand, are considered major abdominal surgery. They are usually done in some type of surgical center or hospital, and general anesthesia is not uncommon. The average recovery time for a tummy tuck is at least two weeks. In fact, doctors often recommend a couple of days of bed rest after the procedure.

As you can see, there is a lot to think about when deciding between stomach liposuction and a tummy tuck. Of course, some people are candidates for both, and in reality, liposuction is often performed to some extent with a tummy tuck to ensure proper contouring. However, knowing the details of both procedures can make it easier to talk to a board-certified plastic surgeon about which option is best for you.