If you exercise and eat well but still struggle to tone up your stomach area you may want to consider a tummy tuck or liposuction.
But before doing that you need to know the differences between these procedures.
They are two completely different procedures that can give you similar-looking results. However, it is important that you know the difference between them.
In the UK women underwent 93% of all cosmetic procedures recorded in 2022, a rise of 101% from 2021.
Tummy tuck (up 130%) and liposuction (up 134%) made the top five most popular procedures.
In this article, we’ll discuss both procedures and also how they differ from each other.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tucks (abdominoplasty) are used to improve the shape and appearance of your abdomen area.
If someone has lost large amounts of weight or has been pregnant they might gain excess skin.
This excess skin can start to sag and can be very difficult to tone.
A tummy tuck involves removing this excess skin and fat from the abdomen area.
Then the connective tissue which resides in the abdomen area under your skin is tightened up with sutures.
Two types of tummy tuck procedures are available:
Partial Abdominoplasty
Also known as a mini tuck. This is a less extensive procedure compared to a full tummy tuck.
It’s typically recommended if you have moderate abdominal laxity and a small amount of excess skin and fat, usually below the belly button.
The incision made during a mini tummy tuck is shorter and may not require repositioning of the belly button.
Excess skin and fat are removed, and the lower abdominal muscles may be tightened if needed.
Recovery time for a mini tummy tuck is generally shorter compared to a full tummy tuck.
Full Abdominoplasty
This is the most common type of tummy tuck procedure.
It involves making a horizontal incision across the lower abdomen, usually from hip to hip, as well as around the navel in some cases.
Excess skin and fat are removed, and the abdominal muscles are tightened if necessary.
The remaining skin is repositioned and sutured into place for a smoother, firmer abdominal contour.
This procedure is suitable for individuals with significant abdominal laxity and excess skin.
What is Liposuction?
The liposuction procedure is used to remove stubborn fat in areas of your body. It is not just for your abdominal region but can be utilised all over your body.
Although the abdominal area would be one of the most common parts of your body to receive liposuction.
Liposuction involves sucking out fat deposits that can collect in certain areas of your body. These areas tend to be:
- Thighs.
- Hips.
- Tummy.
- Flanks.
A traditional liposuction procedure will involve going under general anaesthesia and then your surgeon would make small incisions into selected areas of your body.
Then they will insert a small tube (cannula) into the incisions. This tube is connected to a vacuum which sucks out the built-up fat in these areas of your body.
Find out how a traditional liposuction is different from vaser liposuction and which one to choose.
Learn more about the recovery process for a liposuction surgery to know how long it can take to heal.
Other liposuction procedures include:
Tumescent Liposuction
Tumescent liposuction involves the injection of a tumescent solution into the fatty tissue before fat removal.
The solution contains a mixture of saline (sterile salt water), lidocaine (a local anaesthetic), and epinephrine (a vasoconstrictor).
Find out all about tumescent liposuction, its benefits and how it’s different from other procedures.
The tumescent solution helps to numb the area, minimise bleeding, and facilitate fat removal, making the procedure safer and more comfortable.
Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)
Power-assisted liposuction utilises a specialised cannula that vibrates or oscillates mechanically to break up fat cells and facilitate their removal.
The mechanical movement of the cannula makes the fat-removal process more efficient and may reduce trauma to surrounding tissues.
Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL)
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction uses ultrasound energy to liquefy fat cells before they are removed.
A specialised cannula emits ultrasonic waves that target and break down fat cells, making them easier to suction out.
UAL is particularly useful for areas with dense or fibrous fat deposits, such as the upper back or male chest (gynecomastia).
Laser-Assisted Liposuction (LAL)
Laser-assisted liposuction, also known as laser lipolysis or laser lipo, involves the use of laser energy to liquefy fat cells before suctioning them out.
A laser fibre is inserted through small incisions and delivers thermal energy to the fat cells, causing them to rupture.
LAL may also stimulate collagen production, leading to skin tightening in some cases.
Key Differences Between Tummy Tuck and Liposuction
Technique
A tummy tuck procedure involves making an incision across the abdomen and potentially repositioning the belly button.
Liposuction requires making smaller incisions across the body. This means there is less scar tissue with liposuction.
Purpose
A tummy tuck primarily focuses on removing excess skin and fat from the abdominal area while also tightening the abdominal muscles.
Liposuction targets localised fat deposits in specific areas of the body, including the abdomen. It does not address excess skin or muscle laxity.
Suitability
If you want to get rid of excess skin then you are more suited to a tummy tuck.
It is often recommended for patients who have undergone significant weight loss or pregnancy and are left with loose, sagging skin.
When it comes to getting rid of fat you should choose liposuction. It is not intended for weight loss but rather for body contouring and enhancing overall body proportions.
Results
A tummy tuck can produce dramatic improvements in abdominal contour, resulting in a flatter, firmer abdomen with reduced skin laxity and improved muscle tone.
The results of a tummy tuck are long-lasting, provided the patient maintains a stable weight and follows a healthy lifestyle.
Liposuction can lead to significant improvements in body contour by removing stubborn fat deposits and creating a more sculpted appearance.
However, it does not address excess skin or muscle laxity, so optimal results depend on the elasticity of the skin and underlying muscle tone.
Recovery
The recovery period for a tummy tuck is typically longer compared to liposuction due to the more extensive nature of the procedure.
You may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort for several weeks, and strenuous activities should be avoided during the initial recovery phase.
The recovery time for liposuction varies depending on the extent of the procedure and the techniques used.
While some swelling and bruising are common, you can resume normal activities within a few days to weeks following liposuction.
Get Your Next Liposuction or Tummy Tuck With Us
Tummy tucks and liposuction are both very popular procedures to get when it comes to changing how your body appears.
As mentioned, the procedures are different when it comes to how they are carried out.
At the New Birkdale Clinic, we have been conducting both of these procedures successfully for many years.
We have achieved amazing results for our clients over the years thanks to our world class surgeons and first class facilities.
If you are interested in getting one of these two procedures then contact us today.
