If you are considering losing weight through a cosmetic procedure, there are several options at your disposal. However, the two most common procedures that patients typically ask about are tummy tuck vs. liposuction. While both of these procedures offer unique benefits to patients, there are significant differences in side effects, recovery time and what to expect from the procedure itself. A trained plastic surgeon will be able to comprehensively explain both options to you and help you determine which procedure is best for your unique circumstances. Learning more about these options before your consultation is one of the best ways to ensure that you ask the right questions and make the best medical decision for yourself.
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What is the procedure like?
While both tummy tucks and liposuctions are performed by a plastic surgeon, the procedures themselves are quite different. Both procedures require incisions and anesthesia, but how they achieve the desired results are unique.
Tummy tuck procedure overview
The plastic surgeon will put the patient to sleep via general anesthesia. The patient is sedated. Then, the plastic surgeon then makes an incision at the bottom of the skin that covers the entire abdominal wall.
Once the muscles are exposed, the surgeon sews the muscles in the abdominal wall together if they have become stretched out. He or she will then pull tight the skin over the patient’s abdomen, trim off excess skin, and close the incision with sutures.
A tummy tuck is done in one procedure. The entire surgery typically takes two to three hours.
Liposuction procedure overview
The patient may be intravenously sedated for this procedure. In some cases, the plastic surgeon will apply a local anesthetic to the patient’s midsection.
Once the area is numb, the plastic surgeon will make small incisions around the site of the fat deposits. A thin tube (cannula) will be moved underneath the skin to loosen the fat cells. He or she will then use a medical vacuum to suction out the dislodged fat deposits.
It may take several sessions to achieve the desired result.
Who is a good candidate?
For both of these procedures, the overall health condition of the patient is a top factor in determining candidacy. However, the cause of the procedure is what might dictate the necessity of one over the other.
Tummy tuck
In addition to removing excess fat from the abdomen, a tummy tuck also removes excess skin.
Pregnancy or significant shifts in the patient’s weight can stretch out the skin that surrounds the stomach. A tummy tuck can be used to restore the look of a flat and contoured midsection. This procedure may involve bringing the rectus abdominus, or sit-up muscles, back together if they’ve been stretched or separated by pregnancy.
If you have any of the following attributes, a tummy tuck is likely NOT the right procedure for you.
- A body mass index is over 30
- A desire to get pregnant in the future
- An active lifestyle to try to lose weight
- A chronic heart condition
Liposuction
Liposuction may be a good fit if you’re looking to remove small fat deposits. This treatment is good for the hips, thighs, buttocks, or stomach area.
The procedure will remove fat deposits from the targeted area, reducing bulges, and improving contour. However, medical professionals do not recommend liposuction specifically as a weight-loss tool. You shouldn’t get liposuction if you’re looking to lose large quantities of weight. In other words, you shouldn’t get liposuction if you are obese.
What are the possible complications?
Tummy tucks have been shown to carry more complication risks than some other cosmetic procedures. According to a study on tummy tuck complication rates and risk factors conducted by the ASPS..
Possible risks include:
- Fluid accumulation. As with liposuction, temporary pockets of fluid may form under the skin. Your doctor will need to drain these.
- Changes in sensation. Repositioning your abdominal tissue may affect the superficial sensory nerves in this area, as well as in your upper thighs. You may feel numbness in these areas.
- Tissue necrosis. In some cases, damage may occur to the fatty tissue deep within the abdominal area. Your surgeon will have to remove any tissue that doesn’t heal or dies.
With liposuction, your risk of complication increases if the targeted treatment area is large. Performing multiple procedures during the same operation can also increase your risk.
Possible risks include:
- Contour irregularities. Sometimes when your surgeon removes fat, it creates a wavy or jagged impression on the top layer of your skin. This can make the skin appear less smooth.
- Numbness. You may feel numbness in the affected area. Although this is often temporary, it may become permanent.
- Fluid accumulation. Seromas — temporary pockets of fluid — may form under the skin. Your doctor will need to drain these.
Rare risks include:
- Infection. Infections may occur at the site of your liposuction incision.
- Internal organ puncture. If the cannula penetrates too deeply, it may puncture an organ.
- Fat embolism. An embolism occurs when a loosened piece of fat breaks away, becomes trapped in a blood vessel and travels to the lungs or brain.
What are the recovery timelines like?
When the patient wakes up after the procedure, the incision will be covered in surgical dressing. The surgeon will also provide the patient with a compression garment or “belly binder.”
Within one day, the patient should be up and walking (with assistance) to prevent the formation of blood clots. The patient will likely be taking prescription pain relievers and antibiotics to help ease any discomfort and reduce the risk of infection.
Surgical drains may also be in place for up to two weeks.
It takes six weeks for the initial recovery phase of a tummy tuck to pass. Several follow-up appointments with your doctor are required to check on how the incision is healing. During this time, the patient should avoid any position that involves abdominal extension or bending backward. This may pull or place too much tension on the incision.
The patient should also hold off on any strenuous physical activity or exercise until the doctor gives his or her approval.
The recovery process depends on the number of treated areas, and whether additional liposuction sessions are necessary.
After the procedure, the patient may experience:
- swelling at the site of the fat removal
- draining and bleeding at the site of the incision
The plastic surgeon may recommend that the patient wear a compression garment to help reduce swelling and help the skin heal smoothly.
Because liposuction is an outpatient procedure, regular activity can be resumed fairly quickly. The patient should be able to do anything he or she usually does within the next 48 hours. However, hold off on heavy weight lifting and extensive cardio until the doctor gives his or her approval.
Questions to ask your plastic surgeon
If you are considering between tummy tuck vs liposuction, make sure you ask your plastic surgeon the right questions. To make the best medical decision possible, you should know the answers to the following.
- What is your experience with tummy tuck procedures?
- How long is recovery from a tummy tuck?
- What is your experience with liposuction?
- How long is recovery like for liposuction?
- In your opinion, is there anything else that I should know about either procedure?
- Which procedure do you think will help me achieve the body goals that I outlined?
Dr. Anthony Berlet Can Help You!
Dr. Anthony Berlet has been performing cosmetic weight loss procedures for over 20 years. He helps patients in the northern New Jersey and New York City areas determine which procedure is right for them, deciphering their unique circumstances and guiding them to a healthier lifestyle.
Along with his team of caring and dedicated medical professionals, Dr. Berlet keeps your desired outcome at the forefront of his mind while ensuring your comfort and safety throughout the journey. From your initial consultation to your healthy recovery, the team at Berlet will be alongside you the entire way. Request an appointment to learn more about tummy tuck vs. liposuction and which procedure might be right for you!
