Difference Between A Tummy Tuck And Lipo -

In this guide, we find out the Difference Between A Tummy Tuck And Lipo, what is more painful tummy tuck or liposuction, lower abdomen liposuction cost, and what is the recovery time for tummy tuck and lipo.

A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that removes extra skin and fat to create a flat, toned stomach. A tummy tuck surgery is also referred to as abdominoplasty. Liposuction, on the other hand, is a cosmetic surgery that removes fat from specific areas by suctioning it out with a tube inserted into the body.

Difference Between A Tummy Tuck And Lipo

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes fat from deposits beneath the skin. The fat can be absorbed by your body over time or injected into other areas of your body to rebuild muscles. Tummy tuck surgery is usually combined with liposuction to reduce the fat and tighten the skin to create a flatter abdomen. A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is major surgery that takes at least 2-3 weeks for recovery.

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes fat from deposits beneath the skin.

You may have heard the term liposuction and wondered what it meant. Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes fat from deposits beneath the skin. It can be used to treat localized fat deposits, such as those around your thighs, knees, upper arms or abdomen.

It’s important to note that liposuction is not a weight loss procedure—it’s an aesthetic procedure that improves contours of your body by removing excess fat deposits so you look slimmer and leaner.

While traditional liposuction simply targets specific areas in which you want to lose some weight, ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty involves injecting ultrasound gel into the area around the target tissue before suctioning out the fatty material with a cannula attached via tubes through small incisions in your skin. This technique makes it easier for surgeons to remove stubborn pockets of fat without damaging muscle or nerves while also decreasing recovery time after surgery compared with traditional methods because there are no open wounds left behind on your body once everything has been properly cleaned up afterward (if any).

Tummy tuck surgery is usually combined with liposuction to reduce the fat and tighten the skin to create a flatter abdomen.

Tummy tuck surgery is usually combined with liposuction to reduce the fat and tighten the skin to create a flatter abdomen.
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes fat from deposits beneath the skin. It’s performed under local anesthesia and doesn’t require hospitalization.

A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is major surgery. It takes at least 2-3 weeks for recovery. Liposuction can be performed under local anesthesia and doesn’t require hospitalization.

A tummy tuck requires making an incision in the lower abdomen and removing fat on the abdomen, waistline and flank areas of your body through this area to tighten up loose skin. Liposuction involves inserting a small tube into the fatty layer of your skin through tiny openings made by a needle which then removes unwanted fat. You may need both surgeries depending on how much fat you want removed from each area or if you have other problems like excess skin that needs removal or stretch marks that need correction (such as after pregnancy).

Tummy tuck surgery is more invasive than liposuction.

Tummy tuck surgery is major surgery, and it can require a longer recovery time than liposuction. Tummy tuck surgery requires the surgeon to make an incision around the navel and remove excess skin and fat from below your belly button down to your pubic area. Liposuction is less invasive because the doctor makes one or more small incisions in your skin, suctions out fat from within that area, then closes up each incision with stitches or staples.

Tummy tuck procedures often require general anesthesia because they are complex and require large amounts of tissue removal; therefore, they usually require at least two days of hospitalization after surgery. Lipo procedures are typically performed under local anesthesia so you won’t need to stay overnight in a hospital after surgery.

what is more painful tummy tuck or liposuction

Quick Answer: Tummy tuck surgery (adominoplasty) is best at addressing excess skin and loose muscles. Liposuction targets isolated fat pockets that are resistant to diet and exercise. Tummy tuck procedures are more invasive, requiring general anesthesia and an extensive recovery period. In contracts, liposuction can be done under twilight anesthesia and features relatively little downtime. Continue reading to learn the differences between liposuction and tummy tuck surgery.

Many of our patients that are interested in a flatter stomach ask what the difference is between a tummy tuck and liposuction. After all both procedures can drastically help clients improve the abdominal area by creating a tone and tight midsection. However, liposuction and tummy tuck procedures are actually very different in terms of the results they provide.

Liposuction

Liposuction is ideal for removing localized fatty tissue that is centralized to specific areas (think “buldges”). The tumescent liposuction is specifically effective for safely removing excess stubborn fat. Liposuction is also far less invasive than a tummy tuck, which involves a scarring, general anesthesia, and long recovery times.

Additionally liposuction can be used on many other places of the body than the stomach, including the sides (love handles), arms, chin, legs, and butt.

Liposuction is perfect for people who generally have good skin and muscle tone. These are individuals who do not have issues like excess skin in the midsection or loose abdominal muscles. Often liposuction improves the shape of the patient’s stomach to a point where they look better in and out of clothes; solving the main concern of the patient.

However liposuction will not eliminate extra skin, stretch marks, and issues stemming from loose abdominal muscles. Often these issues can be associated with massive weight loss or pregnancy.

Before and After Liposuction

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a great procedure for removing excess abdominal skin while tightening the abdominal muscles.

The tummy tuck procedure starts with an incision across the lower abdomen allowing a surgeon to remove excess skin and tighten slack muscles. Any remaining skin is then re-draped over the abdominal area leaving a flat and tight stomach.

In short, a tummy tuck is the best solution if the main issue experienced by the patient is loose skin or stretched muscle tissue (not fat).

Before and After Tummy Tuck

The Key Indicator: Isolated Fat or Excess Skin and/or lax muscles?

Liposuction is commonly the best treatment for those with good skin tone and a relatively flat abdominal wall. Patients who do not have excess skin or lax muscles and just require the removal of isolated pockets of excess fat are ideal candidates for liposuction. Liposuction removes excess fat between the skin and abdominal wall through tiny incisions. A skilled surgeon won’t simply remove fat, but will sculpt an aesthetically pleasing contour.

Patients with excess skin or abdominal muscles which have become loose or stretched may need a tummy tuck procedure. In this case, a liposuction procedure could actually result in even more loose, sagging skin.

Otherwise known as abdominoplasty, tummy tucks can be performed instead of or in addition to liposuction. A tummy tuck involves surgical excision (removal) of fat or excess skin as well as the tightening of underlying muscle tissue. Tummy tuck results are often dramatic, transforming the entire abdominal area into a tighter and tone silhouette.

Liposuction vs Tummy Tuck: What’s the Difference?

Ultimately, the choice between a tummy tuck or liposuction procedure depends on the needs and desired final result of the patient. Liposuction does not address sagging skin, lax muscles, cellulite or stretch marks. The procedure is solely intended to remove isolated areas of unwanted fat and contour the treatment area. Tummy tuck surgery has the ability to tighten lax abdominal muscles and remove excess fat and skin in order to completely transform the appearance of the stomach.

Both procedures can provide permanent results as long as they are properly maintained by the patient post-surgery.

While both liposuction and tummy tuck techniques can vary, tummy tuck is often considered to be a more invasive procedure than liposuction. Lipo can be performed without the use of general anesthesia. The procedure requires several small incisions, which allow a small tube called a cannula to be inserted in order to suck out unwanted fat and contour the body.

A tummy tuck is a more invasive surgery which requires a larger incision. Tummy tuck incisions run horizontally between the hips and sometimes around the belly button. These larger incisions allow surgeons to surgically excise (remove) excess skin and tissue is removed, as well as manually tighten loose or lax muscle. Often the belly button is repositioned before the incisions are closed with sutures.

Recovery from liposuction is typically quicker than tummy tuck recovery. Most patients can resume light activity within 2-3 days of their surgery. Moderate to strenuous activity can resume after 2-3 weeks.

Tummy tuck recovery, on the other hand, often requires 2-3 weeks of rest before returning to work or light movement. A return to moderate or strenuous activity can take up to 3 months, at which point muscles and incisions have both fully healed.

While pain tolerance can differ from individual to individual, patients often say the process of recovering from tummy tuck surgery is more painful than liposuction. While liposuction requires small incisions in the skin only, many tummy tuck techniques involve incisions that penetrate the muscle. Additionally, the tightening of abdominal muscles during a tummy tuck procedure can cause pain and discomfort for several days after the procedure. However, any pain or discomfort from either procedure can be effectively managed via prescription pain medication.

Like any surgical procedure, both liposuction and tummy tuck surgery can result in scarring. However, the risk of developing a visible scar after liposuction is lower compared to a tummy tuck procedure. Most liposuction techniques involve incision sites are small and typically hidden where they will be covered by undergarments or bikini bottoms.

Experienced surgeons will also place tummy tuck incisions in areas where they can be hidden by clothing, but the larger incisions inherent to a tummy tuck procedure results in a greater risk of scarring. A traditional tummy tuck procedure, for example, can create scars extending from the right to left hip and around the belly button.

It’s important for patients to know that scars stemming from either procedure can be minimized with proper aftercare. Additionally, there are several effective scar removal treatments to minimize the appearance of scarring. These include steroid therapy, laser skin resurfacing, intense pulsed light therapy, and microneedling.

The cost of liposuction typically depends upon the size of the area(s) to be treated. A minor procedure could cost as low as $2,000, while treating several areas at once may cost up to $8,000. Liposuction in the abdominal area may include the lower belly below the navel, the waist and low back.

Tummy tuck surgery is not only more complex than liposuction, but requires general anesthesia, which adds to the expense. Depending on the type of abdominoplasty technique used, the cost of tummy tuck surgery can range anywhere from $6,000 – $10,000.

The final cost of any plastic surgery procedure is determined by several variables including the unique need of each patient and the surgical technique used. The only way to know exactly how much your procedure will cost is to get an in-person consultation, where a surgeon can assess your needs and create a treatment plan to provider your desired end result.

Patients with excess fat and sagging skin who are seeking dramatic results may actually benefit most from a combination of both tummy tuck and liposuction. Both procedures can also be done in conjunction with other popular plastic surgery treatments like breast lift or breast augmentation in what is often referred to as a “mommy makeover.” There are several advantages of doing multiple surgical procedures simultaneously including reductions in procedure cost and recovery time.

Which Procedure is better for you?

While both liposuction and tummy tuck are excellent body contouring procedures it’s extremely important to determine what specific issues must be corrected to determine the best course of treatment. If the problem is excess skin or loose abdominal muscles from excessive weight loss a tummy tuck may be your best option. For individuals who just need to improve isolated areas liposuction is usually the best course of treatment.

Still unsure which procedure would be best for you? Contact us today for a free no-obligation consultation.

Cameron Craven MD, FACS is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Craven specializes in the full spectrum of cosmetic surgery including breast augmentation, liposuction and body contouring, facial rejuvenation, laser surgery, eyelid surgery, and rhinoplasty, as well as reconstructive surgery for skin cancers.

lower abdomen liposuction cost

Liposuction Cost is an important factor when considering liposuction surgery. However, the quality of liposuction is more important than the liposuction cost. If the ultimate goal of liposuction is to have a happy patient, then the surgeon’s expertise and experience are probably more important than finding the cheapest liposuction surgeon. Liposuction prices are important, but it is not the most important factor to considering lipo surgery. Be careful not to put your body on the “Discount Rack”.

Lowest Liposuction Price Can Be Most Expensive

Choosing a liposuction surgeon based on the lowest price might ultimately be the most expensive choice, If the initial cosmetic results are so bad that another surgeon must be paid to repair the work of the first liposuction surgeon. Among the most common undesirable outcomes of liposuction are:

How to Use Liposuction Cost Table (Below)

The total cost for lipo surgery is a global fee that includes the sum of the non-surgical fee plus one or more surgical fees.

The non-surgical fees include the cost of the operating room, nursing staff, pre-operative laboratory tests, post-operative garments and supplies. The surgical fees represent the prices for lipo surgery of each individual area.

For example, the total cost for liposuction of the hips, outer thighs and buttocks might be the sum of the surgical fees for hips ($3,400), outer thighs ($3,000), and buttocks ($2,000), plus non-surgical fee ($1,800), which equals $9,400. However, usually these fees are bundled so you could be looking at a lower cost.

The following table is merely a rough estimate of the possible liposuction prices.

Factors That Determine Can Liposuction Cost

Factors that determine cost of liposuction include

Expected Time and Effort The expected time and effort that is required to accomplish a liposuction surgery is the most important factor in determining the cost of liposuction. Factors that typically affect the surgeon’s time and effort include:

Bundling areas and performing liposuction on 2-3 areas during one surgery saves money in non-surgical fees. Although the cost of liposuction of the abdomen alone is less than the cost of doing liposuction on both the abdomen as well as the inner thighs and knees, total dollars spent will be higher if the two areas are done during separate surgeries.

Similarly, the cost for abdominal liposuction on a patient who weighs 80 kilograms (176 pounds) might be more than the cost for liposuction of the abdomen of a patient who has never weighed more than 60 kilograms (132 pounds). Liposuction is more difficult and requires more time if the patient has previously gained and then lost a significant amount of weight. In any area previously treated with liposuction or other non-invasive technology like Coolsculpt, the fat often contains scar tissue which makes liposuction in the same area more difficult.

Other Variables Affecting Liposuction Price Other variables affecting price of liposuction include the

An expert liposuction surgeon who has done thousands of liposuction procedures, who consistently achieves outstanding results, and who is in great demand, will often charge more than a less experienced surgeon. Surgeons who have had unhappy patients and who do not have a good reputation might also lower liposuction prices in order to attract new patients. In geographic areas where rents and labor costs are high, one can expect higher prices for liposuction. Dr. Jeffrey Klein and Dr. Norma Kassardjian are two of the most experienced liposuction surgeons in the world. Both have excellent reputations, have never had a serious complication and maintain the highest standard of care.

Global Liposuction Costs Dr. Klein and Dr. Kassardjian quote a single global liposuction cost that includes almost every possible surgery-related expense in one lump sum. Typically, a global liposuction price is the sum of the surgical fees, plus the non-surgical fee. A global liposuction cost is commonly used when the liposuction surgery is done in the surgeon’s office or surgery center. There are no anesthesiologist fees or operating room fees with KleinLipo performed completely with local anesthesia in our in-office operating rooms. Compression garments are included.

When comparing costs to other surgeons, be certain to determine if the quote is for a global fee or merely the surgical fee. An office employee who answers the telephone might only give information about the surgeon’s fee and not mention other important items such as the anesthesiologist’s fee, and operating room fee.

Itemized Liposuction Prices Including Surgical Fees Some surgeons prefer to give prospective patients an itemized list of all the anticipated costs of liposuction. These separate costs might include the surgical fee (money paid to the surgeon for his services), anesthesiologist’s fee, operating room fee, pre-operative laboratory test fees, charges for post-operative elastic compression garments, and possibly prices for antibiotics and other recommended drugs.

Sometimes itemized prices are used when the surgeon cannot control all of the related expenses, such as when the lipo surgery is to be done in a hospital operating room with a hospital anesthesiologist. Itemized lipo prices are also used by surgeons who are in the habit of doing multiple unrelated surgical procedures at the same time that the liposuction is done.

Telephone Estimates are not Precise It is almost impossible to provide an accurate estimate of liposuction price unless the surgeon has had the opportunity to examine the patient. One can expect to be given a range of liposuction prices or at least the smallest fee charged for a specific area.

Dr. Klein always quotes an all-inclusive global price. For example, the receptionists usually state that “For most areas, the minimal price is $4800 and may be as much as $8000 for a very large abdomen. Additional areas usually start at $2000. Dr. Kassardjian typically quotes about $1000 less”.

Written Estimate A written estimate of total cost for the liposuction surgery is essential. Beware of any surgeon who is not completely candid, open and honest about all of the associated fees.

Financing and Loans Financing and loans for cosmetic surgery are available through private finance companies. Often, one can also pay for liposuction surgery using a credit card. Liposuction is generally regarded as a luxury and thus going into debt to have liposuction requires careful consideration.

what is the recovery time for tummy tuck and lipo

If you’re considering having a tummy tuck or have one planned, it’s important to consider what the recovery will involve. Your recuperation will depend on several factors, including your age, health, and body weight. It will also depend on the type of tummy tuck you have.

It’s natural to want to bounce back to normal after your surgery, but it’s important that you give your body time to heal. You may only need to stay in the hospital for a few hours after the surgery, or your surgeon may have you stay for one night or longer. And once you leave the hospital, the real recovery begins. Here’s what you need to know.

You’ll want to figure out a time frame for your recovery so you have ample time to heal and can take a break from certain aspects of your life. Make sure you make the proper arrangements and are fully prepared for your recovery period.

Your drains will be left in for a few days after the surgery. You’ll be shown how to take care of and empty the drains. You’ll likely need to take an antibiotic and an anticoagulant while your drains are in place.

You’ll wear an abdominal binder for about six weeks. This helps to avoid fluid buildup and helps to support your abdomen.

While the recovery period is usually shorter for a mini-tummy tuck, you’ll still need to avoid strenuous activity for at least six weeks. This includes any vigorous exercise or heavy lifting.

You’ll need to have someone who can drive you home from the hospital and help take care of you for at least the first few days after your surgery. You can shower 48 hours after you remove your drainage tubes. You may want to take a sponge bath until you can shower. You may be advised to use a chair when showering for some time.

You’ll be prescribed an antibiotic and possibly an anticoagulant. You may be given some type of medication to apply to the skin. Take any pain medication as directed. You shouldn’t take any medicine containing aspirin unless directed by your doctor.

You should also avoid alcohol if you’re taking pain medication, and avoid any form of nicotine for at least six weeks. Smoking can hinder the healing process and may cause complications.

You may need to sleep on an incline for the first few days after surgery. Keeping your upper body raised slightly with your knees bent at an angle can help reduce swelling. Putting pillows underneath your knees can also reduce pressure on your abdomen. Your doctor will advise you on this.

Keep moving after your surgery, even if it’s only a bit of walking. This will help to keep your blood flowing, which helps with the healing process and decreases the chances of a blood clot in your legs.

Your surgeon will also tell you how to find an optimal resting position that will be most comfortable. Rest as much as possible since you may feel tired for weeks or even months.

It’ll be several weeks before you are fully back to normal. You won’t be able to drive for a few weeks. You’ll also have to limit strenuous exercise and demanding physical activity for four to six weeks. Your doctor can help you decide what activities you can perform and how long you’ll need to take off work.

Most of the intense pain will be in the first few days following surgery. You can take pain medication to control the pain you are likely to experience. You may experience swelling for up to three months after the surgery.

Your tummy may feel like it’s being pulled when you try to stand up straight. You may feel numbness in your tummy for months or even years. It’s normal to have bruises in your abdominal area. You may have fluid-filled swelling above the scar, but this will go away. Your scar may be red and raised, but it will eventually fade.

Taking steps to ensure a healthy recovery is important. You’ll want to be as healthy as possible during this time.

Set up a comfortable space where you can relax and have your needs met. Allow yourself to rest fully for at least two weeks and make sure not to push yourself to do anything physically before you’re ready.

You’ll want to drink plenty of water to flush your body of toxins and reduce swelling. Keep your diet as healthy as possible. Include as many fresh fruits and vegetables as possible.

There’s a lot to consider as far as tummy tuck recovery goes, but all of it is attainable and manageable. It just requires that you consider and plan for all aspects of this healing process, including the time frame.

It’s a slow process, so focus on getting better each day as you move toward your intended goal of full recovery. Be sure to check in with your surgeon or nurse if you have any questions or concerns.

Difference Between A Tummy Tuck And Lipo