Liposuction Vs Tummy Tuck: Which Is Best for Me?

We all work hard to keep our tummies flat and be it via a quality diet or regular exercise, that trim stomach look is much desired and maintained. Sometimes, however, things do not go according to plan and the section of our bodies which is notoriously hard to keep weight off of isn’t quite where we would like it. Cosmetic surgery can help get that abdomen to a shape that fills you with confidence via a range of methods. The two prominent ones being a tummy tuck or liposuction. But which do you choose? The definitive answer requires an assessment of your situation and goals which can be done with the ICCM team during a consultation. Before that, however, continue reading for some more information on the two procedures to help aid your decision.

How to deal with annoying stomach fat

Often after having children or losing significant amounts of weight, you can be left with excess skin or stubborn pockets of fat. Both men and women can suffer from genetically poor distributions of fat which mean a flat stomach isn’t always achievable through diet and exercise. The cosmetic surgery options of liposuction or tummy tuck are not weight loss methods. Rather, they fine-tune the results of weight loss, tightening and toning for an optimal look.

Is liposuction right for you?

Liposuction is a good way to target excess or stubborn pockets of fat, especially after weight loss. This procedure will contour areas unaffected by diet and exercise to put the finishing touches on the toning of your abdomen (and other areas as well). If you have a good skin tone and flat abdominal wall, the liposuction procedure, or one of its variants like liquid lipo, may be well suited to you. The key here is sculpting not removal.

Is the tummy tuck right for you?

The tummy tuck procedure is a procedure that can rectify a stretched or loose abdominal wall. More in-depth than liposuction, it involves an incision from hip to hip via which skin and fat are lifted and removed to tighten the abdominal wall. In some cases, liposuction is performed in conjunction with a tummy tuck if a more defined contour is required. This procedure is more often relevant for women who have undergone a pregnancy.

Comparing the recovery process between the two procedures

Another significant difference between these two procedures is the recovery requirements. In the case of liposuction, an outpatient procedure, restricted activities will be required for roughly 48 hours, you will also need to refrain from heavy lifting or intense workouts for a bit longer. There is minimal scarring involved in a mostly minimal pain-generating procedure. The tummy tuck is more involved and may require some time off work depending on your job role. Full recovery can take around six weeks however light activities and walking can be resumed within a few days. You will have a more significant scar as a result of the tummy tuck.

Which procedure is best for you?

While the primary goal is similar, these two procedures do have some significant differences and are each suited to specific requirements. This is not a decision you can make on your own, which is why a definitive answer will require you to book a consultation with the talented team at ICCM. An assessment of your situation, along with an understanding of your goals will shine a line of the best cosmetic surgery path to achieve your flatter stomach. With many years of experience, the team at ICCM are well-suited to find the answer, and step with you through the entire process to the end.