As you try to decide between a tummy tuck and liposuction, it can feel difficult to know which will offer the best body contouring options. While both can help reshape your abdomen, the difference between liposuction and tummy tuck involves the procedure, recovery, and cost. Although the choice can prove challenging, you don’t have to decide alone.
Dr. George Landis creates personalized treatment for each of his patients, with the goal of complete satisfaction. As an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Landis specializes in both body contouring procedures, and he can help you choose which is better for you: tummy tuck or liposuction. Below, read about both procedures, their benefits, and how to get started on your rejuvenation journey.
Understanding the Key Differences Between Liposuction and Tummy Tuck
Tummy tucks and liposuction can each improve abdominal contours, but through different mechanisms. Liposuction removes excess fat without changing your skin, whereas a tummy tuck removes loose skin and tightens abdominal muscles.
During a tummy tuck, Dr. Landis removes excess fat and skin and can even tighten lax muscles, but liposuction focuses on extracting fat only. Liposuction recovery (1 to 2 weeks) is typically faster and easier than after a tummy tuck (2 to 3 weeks). Because of larger incisions, tummy tucks may involve more pain during recovery and may leave more noticeable scars.
Cost depends on the extent of each procedure, but overall, you can expect to pay more for tummy tuck vs liposuction.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tuck, medically known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes extra skin and fat around the abdomen. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. During a tummy tuck, Dr. Landis makes incisions under the pubic and bikini lines to eliminate excess sagging skin and fat deposits. Then, he meticulously closes the incisions, leaving you with a sculpted, more toned stomach.