The Age Old Question: Liposuction or Tummy Tuck?

Do I need a tummy tuck or liposuction? …one of the most common questions among interested patients.  Every patient is different, every procedure will be different, but there are some general guidelines doctors follow when patients ask; tummy tuck or liposuction?

Liposuction is best for patients with localized pockets of fat that cannot be lost through diet or exercise.  Another major consideration for doctors when they are examining a patient is his/her skin quality. If a patient is already experiencing loose skin, due to a pregnancy or weight loss, liposuction alone will not be recommended because liposuction does not address the excess skin.  An ideal liposuction candidate does not show signs of sun damage, is at or near normal weight, and has toned, tight skin.

An abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) addresses different issues – loose, sagging skin; stretch marks; weak, separated abdominal muscles (due to pregnancy) and excess fat. Tummy tucks are often suggested to women that expect no further pregnancies and are experiencing one or all of those issues.  A tummy tuck can also help a man or woman who has recently lost a significant amount of weight by removing the excess skin. (FYI, excess skin removal can be removed all over the body, not just the abdomen, those procedures are referred to as ‘body lifts’).

At the consultation, your body and your skin will be examined.  We will discuss the amount of fat you would like removed and any other issues which concern you before suggesting the best procedure. Liposuction and a tummy tuck are different procedures; each effective for the problem that they are designed to correct.  Some patients will require one and not the other and some will actually have both procedures at the same time.  Which method used for body rejuvenation is usually dictated by the specific nature of the problem.