Patients often confuse two commonly performed cosmetic surgeries: tummy tuck surgery and liposuction.

In truth, these two procedures are quite different from one another. Each one addresses a unique problem. The surgical processes are distinct. And each procedure comes with a unique recovery experience as well.

Below, we’ll go through the main points patients should know about the difference between tummy tuck vs lipo.

Liposuction vs Tummy Tuck

“What is the difference between tummy tuck and lipo surgery?” This is a commonly asked question. The most important distinction between liposuction and tummy tuck surgery is the fact that each procedure addresses a unique cosmetic issue:

Abdominal liposuction addresses the problem of unwanted excess fat.
Tummy tuck surgery addresses the problem of unwanted loose excess skin.

What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction can be performed most anywhere on the body, but the most common place it is performed is on the abdomen — specifically, the lower abdomen.

Abdominal liposuction addresses unwanted excess fat on the tummy over the abdominal muscles and the abdominal wall. This is fat that the patient has been unable to remove with diet and exercise.

Although liposuction is an excess fat removal process, keep in mind that it is not a weight loss process. It can only remove small deposits of “stubborn fat”.

The liposuction process requires small incisions to be made on the area of the body where fat removal is desired. Your board certified plastic surgeon will then insert a cannula (thin metal instrument), which will be pushed and pulled back and forth to release the excess fat and suction it out. This is the most basic liposuction technique, though there are other variations that may be used as well.

What Is Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Tummy tuck surgery is used most often for weight loss patients (patients who have lost a large amount of body fat) and moms who are done having children. Of course, anyone can get a tummy tuck if they have excess skin on their abdomens and fit the other candidacy requirements.

The tummy tuck procedure itself requires making a medium-length incision laterally from hip to hip and a small incision around the belly button which may cause tummy tuck scars. Your board certified plastic surgeon will adjust the underlying abdominal muscles of the tummy, tightening and smoothing them. The skin will then be laid over the muscles and pulled down.

Finally, the excess skin will be removed from the bottom near the lower incision. Then, the navel will be repositioned into a new opening, and all incisions will be closed with care.

Liposuction vs Tummy Tuck Results and Recovery

Recovery from liposuction and recovery from tummy tuck surgery are quite different.

To begin with, patients should generally expect a lengthier and more taxing recovery from tummy tuck surgery. This is generally because of this surgery’s more invasive nature.

Tummy tucks require longer and more significant incisions. The abdominal muscles will also be adjusted.

During recovery, tummy tuck patients will not initially be able to walk fully upright. General discomfort and pain may be more significant, and sleeping may be more uncomfortable in general.

Liposuction, on the other hand, requires quite small incisions. Likewise, many liposuction procedures can be performed without general anesthesia, which is required for tummy tuck surgery. General anesthesia itself can make patients feel groggy, weak, and nauseous after waking up.

During recovery from liposuction, discomfort and pain will be more moderate. The main recovery symptoms will be swelling and bruising.

Total recovery time is usually about a week or less for liposuction. After a tummy tuck, it may take up to three weeks to feel fully healed and even longer for internal healing to complete. With both surgeries, some residual swelling may persist for several months after.

In terms of results, most patients will see complete results from liposuction after one to three months. Complete results from tummy tuck surgery may take as long as six months to achieve.

Tummy Tuck vs Lipo: What’s Right for Me?

So, is it better to get lipo or tummy tuck surgery?

The truth is, there’s not one right answer for everyone. Each individual patient must make this decision based on their needs and aesthetic goals.

Are you mainly trying to get rid of abdominal fat? Liposuction will likely be the best solution for you.

Are you mainly trying to get rid of excess abdominal skin? You’ll probably need to have a tummy tuck.

Are you trying to get rid of both fat and loose skin on the abdomen? A combination surgery of liposuction and a tummy tuck may work for you.

Questions and Answers

Is a tummy tuck worse than lipo?

In terms of general discomfort and pain, yes. Most patients say that tummy tuck recovery is more uncomfortable than liposuction recovery, and it is also longer.

Does lipo leave sagging skin?

Liposuction does not lead to the development of loose or sagging skin. The issue of tissue laxity is related to chemical imbalances rather than fat accumulation. As time passes, chemicals such as collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid play a role in enhancing the plumpness, firmness, and smoothness of the skin and superficial tissue.

Will lipo give me a flat stomach?

In broad terms, liposuction, a procedure designed to eliminate persistent fat from specific body areas, can yield a flat abdomen solely when a patient possesses adequate muscle tone and skin elasticity.

How long does liposuction or tummy tuck last?

Both procedures are considered permanent. However, this is contingent upon the patient not gaining and/or losing a large amount of weight after surgery.

If significant weight gain occurs, this could cause more fat in the abdomen (diminishing liposuction results). If significant weight gain, followed by weight loss, occurs, excess skin could recur as an issue as well (diminishing tummy tuck results).

What is the best surgery for belly fat?

Stubborn belly fat can be removed with liposuction. Just keep in mind that liposuction is not a “weight loss procedure”.

Which is cheaper lipo or tummy tuck?

The standard tummy tuck cost will usually be higher than the standard tummy liposuction cost. This depends on several factors, however.

What is a mini tummy tuck?

A mini tummy tuck is similar to a standard tummy tuck, but only excess skin below the belly button is addressed. In this way, only one incision is necessary (the lower incision beneath the bikini line, running from hip to hip). There is no belly button incision.

The lower incision may sometimes be shorter with a mini tummy tuck, but not always. Mini tummy tucks are actually quite rare because most patients who require loose skin removal below the belly button also need it above the belly button.

Book Your Tummy Tuck Consultation

For all of these options, the best way to move forward is to schedule a consultation appointment with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ashley Steinberg – Trouvaille Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery Houston to have all your questions about tummy tucks answerd. Also, take a moment to look at the liposuction vs tummy tuck pictures in our gallery.