Liposuction vs. tummy tuck surgery—both procedures can sculpt the midsection and create more shapely contours. In many cases, they’re even combined to enhance patients’ results! If you’re wondering, “What’s the difference between liposuction and a tummy tuck?” this guide is here to help.
What Does a Tummy Tuck Do?
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that addresses sagging and excess skin and muscle separation in the abdomen (a common postpartum condition called diastasis recti).
The procedure typically involves two incisions: one between the hip bones near the pubic area and a circular one that “frees” the bellybutton stalk.
Excess skin is trimmed and, if necessary, the abdominal muscles are repaired to restore the core’s integrity and strength while eliminating the protruding “belly pooch” that diastasis recti can cause. The remaining abdominal skin is pulled down to the incision line, the bellybutton is pulled through its new opening, and the incision sites are sutured closed.
Recovery
Results
Tummy tuck recovery is more extensive than with liposuction. Surgical drains will be placed beneath your skin to collect excess serous (wound) fluid. They will be in place for 7 to 10 days. It may be difficult to stand upright for the first few days until the tightened abdominal skin and repaired muscles relax and allow greater movement.
You will need to wear compression garments for up to 6 weeks to minimize swelling and promote smooth, consistent contours as your body heals.
Keep in mind that your immediate post-operative result will not reflect your final appearance. Bruising and swelling will take time to subside, scars will lighten and fade, and your results will continue to improve over the next few months.
See some of our patients’ excellent tummy tuck transformations for yourself in the before-and-after photos below!
What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that removes specific areas of fat that resist diet and exercise. Wright Plastic Surgery and Med Spa offers two techniques: traditional tumescent liposuction and VASERlipo®, an ultrasound-assisted version that is gentler on the body.
Before the liposuction procedure, a tumescent solution is used to firm the fat deposits and act as an anesthetic. Traditional liposuction uses a thin cannula to break up the fat and suction it out. In contrast, VASERlipo uses a specialized probe that liquefies the fat before the cannula is introduced.
What It Does
Recovery & Results
Liposuction treatments offer targeted fat reduction in multiple areas of the body, depending on the patient’s goals. It can address the abdomen, hips, thighs, back, and various other areas.
Although liposuction doesn’t improve skin laxity, Renuvion® (formerly known as J-Plasma®) can complement the results of your procedure.
Learn more about how combining these procedures can give you the most comprehensive results in our related blog post.
Liposuction or VASERlipo recovery takes 1 to 2 weeks, but VASERlipo recovery is typically quicker than traditional liposuction. Most patients return to work and school within 10 to 12 days and need up to 4 weeks to resume strenuous activities.
Liposuction patients will need to wear compression garments for a minimum of 3 to 4 weeks. Swelling and soreness can persist from 3 to 5 days to several weeks.
Your results will continue to improve over the next 6 months and can be enjoyed indefinitely if you maintain a consistent weight.
Tummy Tuck vs. Lipo: Which Should You Choose?
Let’s take a quick look at the key differences between the two procedures:
Treatment Areas
- Tummy Tuck: Addresses the skin and musculature of the abdomen.
- Liposuction: Can address the abdomen, thighs, hips, back, arms, or chin.
Procedure Goal
- Tummy Tuck: Removes excess, lax skin; repairs separated abdominal muscles.
- Liposuction: Reduces targeted, stubborn fat deposits.
Candidates
- Tummy Tuck: Those who’ve experienced significant weight loss (through lifestyle changes, bariatric surgery, or after pregnancy) and struggle with stretched, loose skin and weakened core muscles.
- Liposuction: Those who want to contour specific areas of the body and reduce pockets of fat.
Incisions and Scarring
- Tummy Tuck: One long scar easily concealed by underwear and a discreet one around the bellybutton.
- Liposuction: Minimal, short incisions that leave faint scars.
Surgical Time
- Tummy Tuck: Can last around 2 to 5 hours, depending on the complexity of the case.
- Liposuction: Varies depending on the size and number of areas being treated; generally 1 to 3 hours.
Anesthesia
- Tummy Tuck: Usually requires general anesthesia due to the extent of muscle repair and skin removal.
- Liposuction: Usually performed under general anesthesia.
Recovery Time
- Tummy Tuck: 2 to 3 weeks
- Liposuction: 1 to 2 weeks
Cost
- Tummy Tuck: Tummy tuck surgery tends to cost more due to its extensive nature. The cost also varies based on factors like the extent of surgery and the surgeon’s experience.
- Liposuction: Generally, liposuction is less expensive than a tummy tuck because it is a less complex procedure. The cost can vary based on factors like the type of liposuction performed, the number of areas treated, and the geographic location.
Taking the Next Step
For many, choosing a body contouring procedure isn’t an either-or option. We often combine the two surgeries to give our patients enhanced results. We would love to discuss your unique cosmetic goals and how body contouring can give you the shapely physique you desire. To get started, please request a consultation or call us at (501) 575-0088.
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