Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction: What Sets Them Apart?

When dieting and physical exercise haven’t paid off, it may be time to consider cosmetic alternatives, which can offer dramatic and permanent results. If you’ve continually battled with unwanted belly fat, you may be wondering whether liposuction or a tummy tuck is the answer. Maxwell Aesthetics encourages patients who are interested in getting liposuction or having a tummy tuck from the Nashville-area practice—or anywhere—to educate themselves on the ins and outs of both procedures.

From “spare tire” to muffin top, post-pregnancy belly pooch to middle-age spread to beer belly, the list of affectionate terms for unwanted abdominal fat and laxity is long, but they all refer to a similar problem. Many people are concerned or self-conscious about the appearance of their midsection. Some people are simply predisposed to storing more fat around the middle due to genetics, their naturally apple-shaped body, or hormones.

Men in particular are usually more prone to a rounded midriff, unlike women who tend to be heavier around the hips. That said, extra belly fat is often the result of alcohol consumption, pregnancy, aging, and a history of obesity. Unfortunately, working out and eating right can only take you so far. There are only so many crunches and sit-ups a person can do, and it may seem impossible to get rid of that frustrating bit of bulge.

To start with, it’s important to emphasize that each case is unique. The type of body contouring technique that’s right for you will depend on various factors such as the amount of fat you wish to remove, the cause of this excess stomach bulge, the level of elasticity of your skin, and your aesthetic goals.

There are some similarities between the two treatments. Both are designed to eliminate excess tissue from an area where you don’t want it. Neither liposuction nor tummy tucks are intended to be a weight loss method or a substitute for healthy eating habits and exercise. They’re not meant for patients who are obese, but rather for those with a stable and healthy weight and in a good state of overall health, with some extra stomach flab. Liposuction and tummy tucks can result in an improved self-image.

In some cases, the two are combined to further optimize results. Patients may opt for a tummy tuck to address stretched-out skin after having liposuction, which focuses solely on suctioning fat out from under the skin’s surface. But what are the main differences between the two procedures, and how can you know which one is right for you?

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is one way of getting a leaner look. The surgery is more involved than just fat removal. One of the key differences between a tummy tuck and liposuction is that a tummy tuck isn’t only a tool for fat removal. It also involves removing lax or excess skin for a tighter look, as well as repairing abdominal muscles that have separated.  During surgery, an incision is made below the bikini line, or underwear line in men, to allow the surgeon to stitch muscles back together, tighten tissues. The skin and fat is then removed up to the level of the belly button, and the remaining abdominal skin is pulled tightly to create a resulting look of a stomach that appears smoother and leaner. This procedure can also involve the creation of a new navel, if necessary, but usually just allows for the natural belly button to be stitched into place in the normal anatomical position.

The recovery timeline for a tummy tuck is a bit longer than that of liposuction. It typically takes around six weeks to fully recuperate from a tummy tuck, whereas it may only take up to two weeks for liposuction patients to be back on their feet again.

 

Liposuction

If your main concern is fat, liposuction may be the best choice. This procedure can benefit those who are hoping to sculpt their overall body proportions and contours. In addition to belly fat, it can reduce deposits on the hips, thighs, back, arms, and buttocks. It works best on patients who have strong muscle tone and firm skin.

There are several liposuction techniques, but all involve a hollow, thin, tube-like instrument called a cannula and a high-pressure vacuum. Variations determine how the fat is loosened or broken up prior to removal. Mechanical motion, heat, sound, or other energy waves may be employed.

To find out more about liposuction or a tummy tuck, contact Nashville-based Maxwell Aesthetics by calling 615-932-7700 or sending a message online.