Achieving a flat, toned midsection is a goal many of us spend years trying to reach. Even with consistent diet and exercise, several factors could make it difficult if not impossible to get the look you desire. Abdominoplasty, also known as a “tummy tuck,” and liposuction are two different procedures that surgically alter the appearance of your abdominal area to give you a smaller, flatter, and tighter profile. The procedures differ in various ways, so understanding the differences between liposuction and a tummy tuck will help you make the best decision for your body and lifestyle.

What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a spot treatment that removes fatty tissue concentrated in one or more specific areas, typically where the patient has “bulges” or other problem fat features that are resistant to diet and exercise. Liposuction is commonly used to remove fat from the:

• Abdomen
• Buttocks
• Calves and ankles
• Chest and back
• Chin and neck
• Hips and thighs
• Upper arms

How Does Liposuction Work?

There are a few different types of liposuction that you can choose from, with the best one depending on your specific needs.

Tumescent Liposuction

This type of liposuction is also called “fluid injection,” and it is the most common form of liposuction. During the procedure, the surgeon injects a significant amount of a medicated solution into the parts of the body where the fat will be removed. In some cases, the volume of solution may constitute up to three times the amount of fat that will be removed. The solution combines a local anesthetic with epinephrine and an intravenous salt solution.

The anesthetic works to numb the area during surgery and the first few hours afterward. In some cases, it may be the only anesthetic necessary throughout the procedure. The epinephrine contracts blood vessels, reducing blood loss as well as bruising and swelling after the procedure is over. The IV salt solution makes it easier to remove fat, and it comes out with the fat during the suction step. This liposuction technique tends to take longer than other methods.

Super-Wet Technique

The super-wet technique is similar to the tumescent technique but uses less fluid during the procedure. It uses an amount of fluid equal to the fat that is removed from the body. The super-wet method does not take as long, but it does often require that the patient be sedated. Sometimes, anesthesia is used to make the procedure more pain-free.

Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction

The ultrasound-assisted technique (UAL) liquefies the fat cells using ultrasonic vibrations. This breaks down the cells into a consistency that can be suctioned out. There are two forms of UAL. One is the external method, which uses an ultrasound emitter on the surface of the skin. The internal method involves taking a small cannula and heating it, then inserting it underneath the surface of the skin.

UAL is ideal for areas where the fat is dense and fibrous. It is frequently used to remove fat deposits caused by gynecomastia in men. It is also commonly used in conjunction with the tumescent method. UAL may be beneficial for follow-up or secondary procedures, to obtain more fine-tuned results. This technique is more time-intensive than the super-wet method.

Laser-Assisted Liposuction

Laser-assisted liposuction (LAL) also liquefies fat cells, but it does so with the use of laser energy. Once fat cells have been liquefied, they may be suctioned out or be left to drain away. The tube for LAL is significantly smaller than those involved in other types of liposuction. For that reason, LAL is best suited to smaller areas of the body such as the face. LAL may be particularly beneficial in improving the appearance of skin where it is used, as the laser can increase the skin’s production of the protein collagen. Collagen is an essential structural component of skin, keeping it firm and elastic.

The Liposuction Process

A tumescent liposuction procedure uses a suction machine and tubes called cannulas. The first thing that happens is the surgical team prepares the areas to be treated. Depending on the type of liposuction you are receiving, you will get a local anesthetic or be put to sleep under general anesthesia. Next, the surgeon will make one or more small incisions in the skin through which the tumescent fluid is injected.

Once the solution starts working, fat is detached from the body and the vacuum pump carries the fat out of the body. Some blood and leftover fluid may persist in the days immediately following surgery, so you may experience drainage from the small excisions for a period of time.

After the procedure is finished, you will need to wear a compression garment to ensure optimal healing.

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck removes extra tissue, which may include both fat and skin. It also helps tighten up abdominal muscles that may be sagging. Circumstances like pregnancy and fluctuations in weight cause the abdominal wall to weaken, and a tummy tuck involves stitching the abdominal muscles back together. A tummy tuck makes the abdomen significantly flatter as well as more firm. The procedure may take three to five hours, depending on how much work is necessary to achieve the desired results.

Types of Tummy Tuck

There are two types of tummy tuck your surgeon may recommend.

Mini-Tummy Tuck

Mini-tummy tucks are ideal for those who have loose skin or a pouch in the abdomen. It’s also a good option for stretch marks underneath the belly button. The mini-tummy tuck procedure uses one incision that starts right above the pubic mound. Through this incision, the surgeon may tighten loose muscles in the lower abdomen if necessary.  The surgeon will also remove any excess skin in the area to create a flat and smooth lower abdomen.

The scar from this procedure is relatively inconspicuous. It is a horizontal line that can often be hidden easily.

Classic or “Full” Tummy Tuck

The traditional tummy tuck method is also called “classic” or “full.” It is used when the area around more of the abdomen, including the belly button, is bulging or features excess folds of skin. The surgeon will address the whole length of the abdominal wall, which produces the most dramatic change in appearance.

The incision made above the pubic mound is either U-shaped or horizontal. Like a mini-tummy tuck, the surgeon often tightens muscles in the abdomen and removes excess skin, but the entire abdomen can be addressed. However, a full tummy tuck typically requires a second incision around the navel to improve the appearance of the skin above the belly button. A classic tummy tuck produces results that look more natural.

As the procedure is more involved, the scar resulting from it is typically more extensive, although it can often be concealed with the right swimsuit. The scar usually runs from one hip bone to the other. The extended scope of the procedure results in more obvious results, including a flatter and smoother abdomen with a reduction in stretch mark visibility.

Do I Need a Tummy Tuck or Liposuction?

Choosing between liposuction vs. tummy tuck often comes down to one single factor: How much your skin is sagging or loose around your stomach. If you have a lot of excess skin that hangs, a tummy tuck is going to be your best option. Liposuction is only meant to reduce fat and does not do much to tighten skin that is already loose. The best candidates for liposuction are those with only moderate amounts of sagging or loose skin who just need to get rid of excess fat.

Scarring is a significant factor in choosing stomach liposuction over a tummy tuck. Both procedures are intended to improve the appearance of your midsection, but you may find that the idea of scarring does not match your goals. Liposuction leaves very small scars that are reddish in appearance and only remain noticeable for a few days after the procedure. After that, they typically fade away rapidly and become almost totally invisible. If minimal scarring is one of your highest priorities, liposuction will be the best option.

A tummy tuck will leave a longer scar across your lower abdomen/pubic area, and it will be very conspicuous for many months after the procedure. Over time, the bright pink of the scar will likely fade. Everyone has a different type of skin, so some scars fade more rapidly and completely than others. You have likely acquired a few cuts in your life, and you are familiar with the way your skin heals. If you know you want a tummy tuck but are concerned about the level of scarring, you can reduce the visual impact of scarring by opting for a mini-tummy tuck rather than a full one.

Health Requirements

Not everyone is a good candidate for a tummy tuck due to the invasive nature of the procedure. The ideal candidate is within 10 to 15 pounds of their ideal weight to produce the best result. If you are still losing significant amounts of weight or are prone to rapid weight gain, you will not see the best outcomes from the procedure. Women who may have children in the future should reconsider a tummy tuck, as the muscles repaired in the process may separate again during pregnancy.

Those with underlying health conditions and smokers should be cautious about getting a tummy tuck, as either or both can cause delays or complications in the healing process.

Recovery Time

Many people who are considering liposuction vs. tummy tuck have busy lives, making the recovery time a significant factor in the decision. Liposuction is less invasive compared to a tummy tuck. At most, the cannula will be inserted just below the skin. With a tummy tuck, on the other hand, skin is actually separated from the muscle, and the muscle often needs to be stitched together. While you can be up and walking around almost immediately after a liposuction procedure, the timeline for a tummy tuck recovery is much longer.

After the surgery, you will likely have drains left in your body to ensure all excess fluids can drain out. Drains are typically left in for several days to weeks and need to be emptied regularly. To avoid a buildup of fluid after the drains are out, you will need to continue to wear an abdominal binder or some form of compression. During this period, you will also need to avoid strenuous activity that involves any heavy lifting or vigorous exercise.

Talk to your surgeon about finding a safe and comfortable resting position. You might need to sleep on an incline with your knees bent to keep swelling to a minimum. You will also need to avoid some daily activities such as driving for a few weeks. Consult your surgeon or physician on what you can safely do. A tummy tuck will transform the way you look and feel, but it does come with significant recovery requirements.

Cost Comparison

The cost of these procedures is often a deciding factor in the choice between liposuction and tummy tucks. The costs of liposuction average around $3,500, with varying prices according to the extent of the procedure. The average national cost of a tummy tuck is around $7,000, with a range of about $4,000 to $15,000. Costs are higher in certain regions of the country, and there may be additional fees depending on what other procedures you elect to have done. Unless the procedure is necessary to repair a pregnancy complication or hernia, insurance does not generally pay for either procedure, so it’s important to discuss the estimate with your surgeon or staff. Be aware that the cost of an elective procedure may come with fees to cover:

• Lab tests
• Medication
• Surgical center or hospital costs
• Post-surgery binding garments

If a tummy tuck is not an option for financial reasons, choosing liposuction is one way you can still get results on a budget.

Opting for Both

In many cases, patients can benefit from having stomach liposuction and an abdominoplasty at the same time. Combining the two procedures may produce the best results in terms of appearance and allows you to minimize the time spent recovering. For those who are looking for a very specific outcome, planning a combination liposuction and tummy tuck procedure is most likely to yield the desired results.

Contact Southern Plastic & Reconstructive Surgical Institute Today

When considering a liposuction or tummy tuck procedure, it’s essential to work with a surgeon you can trust. If you’re looking for a dedicated surgeon and care team in the Franklin, Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville or Chattanooga region, come to Dr. Nathan Brought at the Southern Plastic & Reconstructive Surgical Institute (SPRSI). Dr. Brought is a board-certified plastic surgeon with a team that focuses on providing the best experience for all patients undergoing cosmetic or reconstructive surgeries.

To learn more about the procedures and care available at SPRSI, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Brought by calling our office at 615.791.9090 or reaching out through our contact form.