A flatter and more contoured stomach can be achieved with either liposuction or tummy tuck. But which procedure is the right one for you?

During our life, our body changes and things like pregnancy, weight loss or aging can take a huge toll on our body. Most women will notice sagging skin or fatty deposits around their midsection that they can’t “shake off” no matter how hard they exercise or diet. So it’s time to look into other alternatives so you could have a flatter stomach again. The most promising ones are cosmetic surgeries.

However, just like with diet plans and exercise routines, there is an abundance of cosmetic procedures that promise you a flat belly. You can become overwhelmed, won’t understand the difference between the procedures and which one to pick. For example, both liposuction and tummy tuck procedures offer the same end result (flatter stomach) there are some key differences that you need to consider before making a decision.

At Body by Kotoske, we perform both procedures for women that want to regain their youthful look and as part of our Mommy Makeover package. If you’re unsure which procedure is the right one for you, we recommend that you schedule a consultation with Dr. Kotoske.

How are liposuction and tummy tuck different?

From all the procedures that can provide a flatter stomach, liposuction and tummy tuck and the two most popular ones. But what are the key difference?

Liposuction

Liposculpture or liposuction is the less invasive cosmetic procedure of the two. It’s most suitable for patients that have good, healthy and elastic skin and no abdominal muscle laxity. Through liposuction, we target minor to moderate amounts of those stubborn fat deposits and restore the contours of your body.

The most common areas where liposuction is performed are the abdomen, thighs, neck and flanks. There are several different techniques that can be combined in a liposuction, depending on the area where its performed and what effect the surgeon wants to achieve.

During this procedure, the cosmetic surgeon will make a small incision in your skin near the treated area and insert a thin rod (called the cannula). Through the cannula, the fat deposits will be loosened and suctioned out. Some liposuction procedures can use different methods to dislodge fat deposits, such as ultrasound technology or laser energy.

Tummy tuck

Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty (technical term) is a more extensive and more invasive cosmetic procedure than liposuction. Unlike liposuction, which focuses only on the fat deposits, tummy tuck also focuses on tightening the abdominal muscles and removal of excess skin. The end result is a flatter and well-toned abdomen.

This procedure, can also be part of other surgical packages like the mommy makeover. Now, depending on the end result you want to achieve, the cosmetic surgeon has a few types of tummy tuck procedures to choose from:

Full tummy tuck – targets largest excess skin folds around your entire abdominal wall

Mini tummy tuck – this is a less extensive form of a tummy tuck that focuses only on lower abdomen. It’s best for those women that have gone through pregnancy and have stretch marks under their belly button.

Extended tummy tuck – this isn’t limited only to your tummy, but it also removes fat deposits from your hips, lower back and those “love handle” areas.

Tummy tuck vs liposuction – Which one is the right one?

Tummy tuck is mostly recommended for those patients that:

  • Have excessive sagging skin after a significant weight loss
  • Are generally in good shape but have issues with their belly sticking out
  • Want to tighten their abdomen after pregnancy
  • Can’t get flatty stomach despite exercise and dieting

Liposuction is ideal if you:

  • Only have a small area of stubborn fat deposits
  • Have smaller bulging areas that are out of proportion with the rest of your body
  • Have good quality skin
  • Are on your ideal weight (or very close) so liposuction won’t be a weight loss procedure

Having any type of cosmetic surgery require careful research, thinking and consultation. Don’t take it lightly. Talk to other patients that gone through the procedure, ask about their experience and consult several cosmetic surgeons so you can be sure that you’ve chosen the right one.