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If you’ve been eating healthy and working out but you’re still browsing the internet for clothing hacks to hide your belly, you may want to consider a body contouring procedure so you feel great in whatever you wear. When it comes to sculpting the feminine midsection, abdominal liposuction and tummy tuck (aka abdominoplasty) are two of the most popular procedures. Both probably sound familiar to you, but do you know how they differ? Lipo Vs. Tummy Tuck – See which is better and why below.
Before you get on the phone to schedule an appointment with a cosmetic plastic surgeon, read on for an overview of the differences between a tummy tuck and liposuction surgeries and how to decide which will give you the slim, trim abdomen you desire.
Liposuction Vs. Tummy Tuck Surgery: The Overview
Liposuction, or lipo, refers to the removal of excess fat in targeted areas of the body for more aesthetically pleasing contours. Lipo is often done in conjunction with other procedures, such as a facelift or a tummy tuck. But it can also be performed as a standalone procedure for more shapely arms, thighs, hips, buttocks, abdomen, back, and other areas of the body where isolated pockets of exercise-resistant fat are found.
You may want to opt for liposuction if you:
- Have firm, elastic skin and good muscle tone
- Are in good health
- Are within 30% of your ideal weight
- Are seeking to eliminate localized fat deposits
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a procedure that flattens the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat and tightening the muscles in the abdominal wall. The tummy tuck narrows your waist and gives your midsection a slimmer profile. It’s a popular procedure for women who want to return to their pre-pregnancy shape. Many women choose to combine it with a breast lift or breast augmentation for a comprehensive Mommy Makeover.
You may want to opt for a tummy tuck if you:
- Have significant muscle relaxation or exercise resistant bulging or weakness in your abdominal area
- Have loose wrinkled or sagging skin after one or more pregnancies
- Have a belly button hernia or midline muscle separation
- Are in good general health
- Have extra abdominal skin after weight loss
- Are finished having children
When comparing lipo vs. tummy tuck, there is no one-size-fits-all answer, but liposuction treats only extra fat, a tummy tuck removes extra fat, extra skin, and tightens the muscle and requires a horizontal scar across your lower abdomen. The one that’s best is the one that best helps you reach your beauty goals.
Liposuction Vs. Tummy Tuck: Results
Abdominal liposuction and tummy tuck both result in a flatter, more sculpted abdomen. Liposuction addresses the localized excess fat, like the small “pooch” beneath your belly button or the chunky love handles beneath your waistline. Tummy tuck removes fat as well, but it also tightens the muscles and pulls the skin taut. It’s important to maintain a stable weight after both procedures so you can enjoy your slim, trim midsection for as long as possible.
Liposuction Vs. Tummy Tuck: Cost
Abdominal liposuction costs between $3,500 and $10,000, while the cost of tummy tucks will range from $5,000 to $12,500. The costs vary depending on: the surgeon’s level of expertise, the volume of fat removed or the complexity of the surgery, hospital fees, anesthesia fees, necessary medical tests, and other factors specific to the circumstances of each surgery.
When comparing lipo vs. tummy tuck, it’s the age-old apples-to-oranges comparison. The two surgeries provide completely different results, so you should choose based first on the one that will help get you closer to your ideal figure. Cost should not play a role in your decision to choose one over the other. You can view our financing options.
Can you have lipo and tummy tuck at the same time?
Yes! Because a tummy tuck only removes the excess fat at the front of the abdomen, many women add liposuction to their tummy tuck procedure to sculpt their waist and love handles as well. In addition to the slim, firm midsection that looks great in whatever you wear, another benefit of combining the two procedures is that you’ll require only a single recovery period. Doing both at the same time can also save you money on facility fees, anesthesia fees, and other expenses.
Do you need lipo with a tummy tuck?
No. If you don’t have additional fat you’d like eliminated from the transition areas around your midsection, a tummy tuck by itself should be enough to give you a flatter and more toned abdomen. In fact, you may not even require a full tummy tuck. A mini tummy tuck can address the loose skin and stretch marks on the lower belly with a smaller incision and a quicker recovery time.
Get the sexy tummy of your dreams at Feel Beautiful in San Diego, CA
At Feel Beautiful Aesthetic Wellness and Plastic Surgery, we’ve seen first hand the impact a flat, sculpted abdomen can have on a woman’s confidence, self-esteem, and relationships. A tummy tuck or liposuction procedure in the hands of Dr. Laverson can give you attractive contours that you’ll want to show off. If you’re still having the tummy tuck vs. liposuction debate with yourself, give us a call and let us help you determine which is the best option for achieving the slim and sculpted midsection you desire.
Give Dr. Laverson a call at (858) 295-4001 to schedule your free consultation or book online here, and we’ll develop a customized treatment plan just for you.
