Lipo Or Tummy Tuck
Liposuction is a form of cosmetic surgery that removes fat from areas of the body. It’s commonly used to treat areas such as the thighs and buttocks. Tummy tucks can also be used to remove excess skin on your stomach after losing significant amounts of weight.
Tummy tucks are usually performed in conjunction with other procedures such as breast lifts or abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) to give you an overall hourglass shape. In some cases, doctors may recommend liposuction alone for patients who want to achieve a flatter stomach but do not want invasive surgery. In this post, we review the aspects of Lipo Or Tummy Tuck, what is more painful tummy tuck or liposuction, which is cheaper lipo or tummy tuck, and 360 lipo without tummy tuck.
Both procedures require general anesthesia and typically take about two hours to complete.
Lipo Or Tummy Tuck
The procedure is not for everyone. If you have too much fat or are overweight, liposuction may not be appropriate for you. Liposuction does not remove fat completely; rather it removes some excess fat and improves contours of your body. Also, liposuction does not cause rapid weight loss but only effects long-term weight loss when combined with proper dieting and exercise.
Tummy Tuck
What is Tummy Tuck?
Tummy Tuck is a surgical procedure which removes excess fat and skin from the abdomen, and then tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall. It can be performed under local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia. The procedure takes approximately 2 hours to perform and you will be able to go home after 1-2 days depending on your individual recovery time frame.
How does it work?
During your consultation with Dr Mark, we will discuss your expectations, as well as what you would like to achieve through this surgery. Dr Mark has extensive experience performing tummy tucks and will advise you accordingly based on his expertise, as well as what he knows about you personally (your medical history). He will take measurements of your current body shape and fat distribution prior to surgery so that he has an idea of what he is going in there for when it comes time for him to perform the operation itself!
To sum it up, liposuction is great for removing fat from places like the stomach and thighs. It can also be used to sculpt a body part after weight loss. Liposuction is not recommended for people who have lost large amounts of weight over time; they may still have excess skin and fat that needs to be removed via tummy tuck surgery.
Tummy tucks are performed to remove excess skin and fat in the abdominal area after significant weight loss, as well as tighten muscles around the abdomen. It can be combined with liposuction if needed, but this will increase the cost of surgery significantly since two procedures must be preformed instead of one.*
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.
The best candidates for liposuction generally fit the following profile:
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.
Ideal candidates for abdominoplasty generally fit the following profile:
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.
which is cheaper lipo or tummy tuck
If you are seeking a cosmetic treatment that will result in a flatter stomach, you’re most likely debating between liposuction vs. a tummy tuck. Liposuction and a tummy tuck (also known as an abdominoplasty) are two surgical procedures that work to remove excess fat and improve the appearance of the abdomen, resulting in a slimmer and more attractive appearance.
Do I need a Tummy Tuck or Liposuction?
You may wonder if you need lipo vs. tummy tuck to improve your shape. If you have loose skin in your abdominal area, such as love handles, hips, and thighs, liposuction may be beneficial. It can be helpful if you have fat deposits but are otherwise at a healthy weight.
You may need a tummy tuck if you have a bulge in your stomach and want it to be flatter. If your muscles need to be tightened and exercise isn’t working, a tuck can help you look thinner.
So, which is right for you? There are a few different factors to consider, but the best way to determine whether liposuction or a tummy tuck is the best procedure for you is to schedule a consultation with a respected plastic surgeon. During that consultation, the surgeon will listen to your goals, examine your body and medical history, and then use their expertise to suggest the best treatment for your needs. If you are not quite ready for a consultation, then read on to learn more about what differentiates liposuction vs. a tummy tuck.
What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction removes unwanted fat from problem areas located all over the body, including the chin, arms, hips, back, thighs, and abdomen. Liposuction is not a “weight loss” treatment, and all liposuction patients are expected to be in good physical condition. The pockets of fat that will be removed are located in areas that cannot be addressed by exercise and diet. A small incision will be made in the target area, and a tube, called a cannula, will be inserted into the incision to suck out excess fat.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that aims to remove excess skin, fat, and tissue from the stomach while also tightening abdominal muscles for a more toned midsection. The skin and tissue around the stomach can expand with weight gain, pregnancy, and age, so a tummy tuck aims to remove any unattractive hanging skin. During a tummy tuck, an incision will be made that goes from hip to hip, spanning the entire midsection. Then, excess tissue, skin, and fat will be removed and the abdominal muscles will be tightened and toned, resulting in a flat, firm stomach. In some cases, liposuction may also be utilized during a tummy tuck to remove additional fat.
Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck
Now that you have an understanding of the two procedures, it is time to identify some key differences between liposuction and a tummy tuck procedure.
Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck Candidates
While both liposuction and tummy tuck candidates are looking to trim excess fat from their midsection, there are some key differences between the ideal candidate for liposuction vs. a tummy tuck. Liposuction candidates should be individuals who have an unwanted accumulation of fat that will not go away regardless of fat and exercise. A tummy tuck candidate has excess fat around their midsection, but they also have excess skin and tissue around the stomach that they would like removed. Pregnancy, drastic weight gain or loss, and age can result in loose, hanging skin around the midsection, and a tummy tuck would remove this excess skin in order for patients to have a flat stomach.
Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck Results
Both liposuction and a tummy tuck produce amazing, long-lasting results. Liposuction results in less fat around the stomach, giving patients a flatter, better-proportioned midsection. Liposuction results are permanent, as the procedure completely removes existing fatty tissue from the stomach. However, if the patient gains weight, then new fatty tissue can develop.
Tummy tuck results in a slimmer, firmer, and more toned midsection. The abdominal wall will be significantly stronger, and combine that with the loss of excess skin and fat results in a flatter midsection. Results from a tummy tuck are permanent, but weight gain or pregnancy will restretch the skin around the stomach and reverse the results of the procedure.
Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck Recovery Time
It is only natural for any potential patient to want to limit the amount of recovery time following a procedure. A tummy tuck requires far more recovery time, as patients are expected to take somewhere between 2-3 weeks off from work and other activities to fully heal from the surgical procedure. Liposuction surgery has a much more speedy recovery time, as patients can usually return to their normal routine within 5-7 days.
Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck Scarring
One goal of any plastic surgeon during a cosmetic procedure is to minimize the appearance of any scars, strategically making incisions so that scarring will not be visible. However, regardless of a plastic surgeon’s skill, some scarring will occur following liposuction or a tummy tuck procedure.
Liposuction usually leaves patients with very small scars at the site of the cannula incision(s), but these scars tend to fade with time. A tummy tuck will result in a large scar spanning the lower abdomen, but the incision is strategically made during the surgery so that the scar can be easily hidden. A tummy tuck scar will be hidden by undergarments and bathing suits, meaning that as long as you are wearing clothing the scar will not be visible.
Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck Cost
The cost of a procedure is always an important factor to consider, which is why it is important to compare liposuction vs. tummy tuck costs. Since a tummy tuck is a more invasive and complicated procedure, it is more costly. A tummy tuck’s average cost is somewhere between $6,000 and $13,000, while liposuction’s average cost is between $4,500 and $10,000. Keep in mind that the only way to get an accurate cost estimate for any cosmetic surgery procedure is to schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon.
Can You Do Tummy Tuck and Lipo Together?
Doctors may recommend liposuction with a tummy tuck if you need to remove excess fat tissue and extra skin. Many patients who choose to have a tummy tuck want liposuction to help them achieve that hourglass shape.
Liposuction will remove the excess fat in the area being treated. Once the fat has been removed, the tummy tuck can tighten the surrounding muscles and get rid of loose skin. The results can be more dramatic with the two procedures combined.
Benefits of Tummy Tuck and Lipo Procedures?
Both tummy tucks and liposuction provide benefits based on your goals and needs. Liposuction provides fat removal for permanent results. A tummy tuck reduces loose and sagging skin and repairs the abdominal muscle.
If you have lost weight, a tummy tuck can get rid of the loose skin that’s left, which may help you have more self-confidence in your new body. This procedure can make your abdominal muscles stronger, ideal for anyone with weak or untoned muscles.
One advantage of liposuction is that it can be performed on various areas of the body. A doctor may recommend lipo for your buttocks, calves, arms, and other regions. It removes fatty tissue, which helps you reach your ideal weight and be healthier.
When you speak with Dr. Lapuerta, he will discuss the benefits of the two procedures with you for your situation. Armed with this information, you can make the decision about which procedure is right for you.
Risks of Tummy Tuck and Lipo
As with any procedure, tummy tucks and liposuction come with certain risks. The main risks with a tummy tuck are infection around the wound site and complications from the wound. You may also notice a change in sensation in the area, which can lead to numbness.
After a tummy tuck, pockets of fluid may form under the skin, which is temporary. The doctor will need to drain the pockets to help promote healing. Fatty tissue inside the abdominal area can get damaged and die. If this happens, the tissue must be removed through surgery.
Liposuction provides a different set of risks, including irregularities or waves in the skin, keeping it from being smooth. Just like with a tummy tuck, you may experience numbness in the area and pockets of fluid may build up.
You will be at a higher risk for infection around the incision. If the fat breaks away, it can be trapped in a blood vessel, which may travel to the lungs or brain and cause an embolism. The cannula used to remove the fat can penetrate too deeply and puncture an organ. It’s important to work with a board-certified and respected doctor who has many successful surgeries to their name – an experienced doctor who is familiar with risks can minimize them and provide a successful experience.
Request a Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck Consultation with Dr. Lapuerta
It can be tough to choose between liposuction and a tummy tuck. There are several different factors to consider, and that is why it is essential to consult an expert. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your midsection and stomach, it is time to schedule a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon.
Dr. Leo Lapuerta is a triple board-certified plastic surgeon with over two decades of experience performing liposuction and tummy tuck procedures for patients in Katy, Pearland, and Houston, Texas. During a consultation, Dr. Lapuerta will partner with you to help you reach your cosmetic goals, devising an individualized treatment plan to help you look and feel your best. Contact Dr. Lapuerta today to schedule a consultation via our contact form or by calling (713) 489-0169
360 lipo without tummy tuck
Many women don’t realize that diet and exercise, although important, have limitations to how they can alter the body’s shape and appearance, that surgery can help.
Dr. Cat Begovic is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in tummy tucks and 360 liposuction in Beverly Hills to help patients enhance their figure.
Cosmetic procedures like 360 liposuction or a tummy tuck can produce a slimmer, more toned figure through plastic surgery. While these two options can both help improve your figure, they are two very different treatment options. How do you know which one is best for you?
Read on to learn the differences between 360 liposuction and tummy tuck procedures.
What Is 360 Liposuction?
360 liposuction is a surgical procedure that aims to remove fat from the body through use of suction. It is a minimally invasive surgery that is intended for patients who have a small to moderate amount of excess weight in various areas of the body. This typically includes the stomach, back, thighs, and arms.
Dr. Cat explains her 360 Liposuction technique below:
“I cannot emphasize more how liposuction is not about fat removal, it’s really about shaping and blending what needs to be done in a very precise and meticulous way in order for all of the areas to blend properly into each other and avoid situations with dents, irregularities or shelves around different sections of the body.”
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
Also known as an abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that aims to remove excess skin around the midsection while repairing and tightening abdominal muscles.
It can be an extensive, invasive procedure that is intended for patients who are close to their ideal weight, but have excess loose skin of the abdomen. It is not a weight loss surgery. Instead, it is meant to enhance the appearance of the abdomen.
Diet and exercise, although important, often cannot repair or treat the skin and underlying muscles that have been stretched. Even some of the thinnest patients have excess skin that they just can’t remove that a tummy tuck can help with. If there is excess fat in addition to excess skin, patients may also need to have liposuction as an additional procedure. If the mons pubis is also hanging, patients may also need to have a pubic lift.
Tummy Tuck vs. 360 Liposuction in Beverly Hills
When patients are looking to get in better shape and have a slimmer, more toned figure, they may not know which procedure is best for them.
360 liposuction can remove fat cells, while a tummy tuck can enhance underlying muscle tone. You may think the ideal solution is to have both procedures performed at once, but this isn’t safe. Dr. Cat explains why she does not perform 360 lipo with tummy tucks below:
“I would never perform a tummy tuck and 360 liposuction together since the blood supply to the stomach skin runs through the fat so it is not recommended to do extensive or aggressive liposuction at the same time as a tummy tuck.”
Since these two procedures are not performed at once, Dr. Cat works with each patient to determine which of the two treatments will benefit them the most or if a combination of the two in separate surgeries would be the best plan. These two surgeries are very different in approach and outcomes, as well. The unique circumstances for each patient will dictate which procedure will be the better option for them.
Learn more about the differences between 360 liposuction and tummy tucks below.
360 Liposuction Procedure
360 liposuction is performed under general anesthesia in a plastic surgery center. The procedure begins with numbing the various treatment areas. For most patients, this includes some combination of the stomach, thighs, arms, and back.
Next, small incisions are made in these various areas around the body where there is excess fat. Dr. Cat goes above and beyond to make sure that these incisions are as discreet as possible with her special incision closure technique, resulting in nearly invisible scars.
A thin liposuction cannula is then inserted into each incision one at a time. This cannula is attached to a suction machine, which will provide the power to gently remove fat from the body.
Dr. Cat carefully maneuvers the cannula to suction away fat in a specific manner, essentially sculpting the body into a more desirable shape. The entire process can take anywhere from three to five hours, depending on the patient’s needs.
Tummy Tuck Procedure
Tummy tucks are performed under general anesthesia in a plastic surgical center. The procedure begins with the application of a numbing solution to the abdomen. Dr. Cat then makes a low, curved incision along an area that is marked prior to surgery.
Dr. Cat consults with the patient to determine exactly where they want their incision to be. It is usually just above the pubic area.
Once the incision is made, the skin and fat are lifted away from the abdominal wall, up to the edges of the ribs. A small circle is cut around the belly button and the skin around this is lifted, giving access to the abdominal muscles.
Excess skin and fat is removed and the underlying abdominal muscles are repaired and tightened. The skin is then lowered back down to cover the newly altered abdomen.
In many cases, the belly button will need to be reconstructed to fit the new appearance of the abdomen. Dr. Cat has developed a specialized technique to create a natural-looking innie belly button for her tummy tuck patients.
The entire tummy tuck process can take anywhere from four to seven hours, depending on the complexity of the patient’s needs.
360 Liposuction Recovery
The recovery from 360 liposuction is relatively simple. Patients are usually up and walking several hours after surgery. Most patients are discharged to return home that same night, but some may required to remain in the surgical aftercare center overnight before they can be discharged, depending on the number of areas of liposuction. Many patients return to work a few days after their procedure.
Patients may experience mild swelling and bruising for a few weeks after surgery. Patients are asked to wear a compression garment during this time to reduce swelling and promote healing.
Dr. Cat has developed specialized techniques that create minimal scarring, which means that your 360 lipo scars will be almost invisible.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
Recovery from a tummy tuck is more extensive than the recovery from liposuction. Patients are required to remain in the surgical aftercare center overnight before they can be discharged.
During the first two weeks, patients will need to walk bent over for optimal healing. They can typically return to work after this period.
Surgical drains will be in place for one to two weeks and compression garments will be required for six weeks to enable proper healing.