Are Tummy Tuck and Liposuction the Same Thing?
- Posted on: Oct 15 2024
Tummy tuck and liposuction both help you get the shape you desire, and each offers excellent results. Many people wonder if they’re the same thing, but these procedures are very different.
To understand why, you can rely on board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eric S. Schaffer, MD, FACS, a Harvard- and Yale-trained body contouring specialist with over three decades of experience, for expert guidance. Dr. Schaffer emphasizes patient education and strongly believes in taking the time to explain the facts about every procedure before patients commit to surgery. This blog is one aspect of that education. Below, we delve into the unique benefits of tummy tuck and liposuction to help you understand whether either (or both) could be right for you.
Understanding Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) removes excess skin in the abdominal area. The procedure can eliminate loose and hanging skin folds and create a new contour and streamlined appearance for the whole abdomen.
The treatment area for a tummy tuck generally starts under the ribs and goes down to the top of the pubic bone. Usually, a tummy tuck involves a long scar spanning the area from one hip to the other. Dr. Schaffer positions this incision as low on the pelvis as possible so it’s easily hidden.
During the surgery, he removes extra skin and tightens the underlying abdominal muscles that commonly weaken after pregnancy, weight gain, and aging. A tummy tuck doesn’t involve fat removal (except for the fat attached to the removed skin). That’s why many patients choose to combine a tummy tuck with liposuction.
Understanding Liposuction
While a tummy tuck removes skin and tightens muscles, liposuction reduces fat deposits. Liposuction targets areas where fat remains despite diet and exercise. Liposuction is most effective for:
- Removing Stubborn Fat Pockets
- Sculpting Specific Areas
- Slimmer Appearance
The abdomen is one of the most popular areas for liposuction, so, understandably, it’s sometimes confused with tummy tuck.
With liposuction, Dr. Schaffer creates a small group of tiny incisions in the abdomen. Liposuction doesn’t reduce loose skin. If you have excellent abdominal skin elasticity, that’s not a problem: The skin can retract after losing the fat.
But if you have loose skin and opt for liposuction alone, the skin will likely look even looser after fat removal. That’s another reason why our patients often combine tummy tuck and liposuction.
Combining Tummy Tuck and Liposuction
The combination of tummy tuck and liposuction gives you fat reduction, skin removal, and muscle tightening all at the same time. It’s a comprehensive solution to improve the abdominal area’s appearance. The two surgeries are great approaches that work even better together. In fact, tummy tuck and liposuction are frequently part of mommy makeovers, as the abdomen is a major area of concern for many moms.
Tummy Tuck and Lipo Consultations in San Antonio, TX
If you’re ready to learn more about abdominal contouring, call Dr. Eric S. Schaffer, MD, FACS, in San Antonio, at 210-227-3223 to book your consultation today.
Posted in: Liposuction
