When comparing tummy tucks and liposuction, there is no one procedure that is superior to the other – however, one procedure may be better suited to your specific case.

There is no such thing as a "better" procedure; only the procedure required to achieve your desired results. You should avoid having a tummy tuck if you don't need one – there are no additional benefits for patients who don't need one.

What exactly is a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin from the abdomen. It is intended for patients who have loose skin as a result of pregnancy or weight loss and want to "tighten up" the appearance of their stomach. While women are the majority of patients who have tummy tucks, men can also have tummy tucks.

To be a good candidate for a tummy tuck, patients must have a certain amount of excess skin. Some patients may require a full tummy tuck, while others may only require a mini abdominoplasty. Each will remove a different amount of excess skin – what is required will be determined by the individual case.

A tummy tuck will necessitate general anaesthesia due to the large incisions required. Skin is strategically removed from the lower abdomen during the procedure. The abdomen will be contoured using liposuction. Along the panty line, the remaining skin is stitched back together. For a more attractive appearance, the belly button is surgically removed and relocated. The procedure will leave a scar, but it will be hidden by most underwear or swimsuits.

Specific procedures may be performed as needed during a tummy tuck. A diastasis recti repair is the most common of these. Diastasis recti is a condition that most commonly affects pregnant women and can cause a stomach "pooch" that is not caused by fat (and therefore cannot be addressed by liposuction). This can be remedied by stitching the abdominal muscles together.

Tummy tucks require a lengthy and intensive recovery period and are more expensive than liposuction. As a result, unless a tummy tuck is required to achieve their goals, most patients will opt for abdominal liposuction.

How Does Liposuction Differ From a Tummy Tuck?

Liposuction is the surgical removal of fat from specific body areas. It can be combined with skin-tightening procedures (such as laser treatments or Radio Frequency treatments), but unlike a tummy tuck, it does not involve skin removal.

Liposuction can be performed on a variety of body areas other than the abdomen. These areas include the inner and outer thighs, hips and waist, back, arms, and even the male chest.

Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed under local anaesthesia. During the procedure, the skin is numbed and small cannulas are inserted to suction fat from the desired areas. Tiny keyholes are made with a circular punch and do not require any incisions. They are so small that they close on their own and do not require stitches. Liposuction recovery typically takes four weeks. There may be minor scarring – the size of a freckle – that will fade over the next few months.

Which is better for me, liposuction or a tummy tuck?

There is no one procedure that is superior to another in all circumstances. The real question is whether you need a tummy tuck or if liposuction alone will suffice. Liposuction is a great option if you don't have any loose or excess skin around your abdomen. If you don't need a tummy tuck, there's no point in getting one (your plastic surgeon will help you decide).

A tummy tuck is necessary if you have loose skin on your abdomen that hangs down. Even with skin tightening, liposuction will not be enough to tighten the skin, leaving you with a “flap” (panniculus). Skin must be removed in order to achieve a shapely abdomen.

If you have diastasis recti, you may need a tummy tuck. Liposuction alone can remove excess fat, but it cannot surgically repair the abdominal wall, resulting in the aesthetic results most patients desire.

There will be some cases where there is a bit of a grey area. It is entirely up to you in these cases. Consider what kind of results you want and whether you're willing to go through the more invasive tummy tuck procedure to get a tight abdomen.

Call 9930998023 to book your consultation with Dr Siddharth Prakash.

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