Liposuction vs. tummy tuck - what's the difference?

Tummy tuck surgery involves 2 main components: Excising the excess skin typically from the level of the umbilicus to the suprapubic region (often in an elliptical fashion) Tightening of the abdominal wall fascia from xiphoid to the suprapubic region. Consider the typical case of a woman after several... more

Liposuction (whatever method is used) primarily removes fat from below the skin surface and provides a moderate amount of skin tightening due to scar contracture. A tummy tuck does several things: Removes abdominal skin that is in excess, and resets the tone to the remaining skin Removes some fat from... more

My medical philosophy is to do the least invasive procedure first, whenever possible.  It is pretty well established that tumescent liposuction of the abdomen (using only local anesthetic) has far fewer risks for the patient that a tummy tuck procedure (larger surgical procedure done under general... more

Almost without exception, women who have had children have some changes in the abdominal wall, or tummy.  In most cases, diet and exercise can improve the situation, but usually cannot correct all the changes.  Generally speaking these changes involve all three components of the abdomial wall: the... more

After several pregnancies, most women have a number of changes to the abdomen. The majority of these changes occur below the belly button. There has been localized stretching of the skin and of the muscle layer of the abdomen, resulting in stretch marks most of which are usually located between the... more

Many men and women are confused regarding the indications for a tummy tuck versus liposuction. Liposuction will only address the fat between the skin and the muscle, whereas, a tummy tuck addresses excess skin, fat and laxity of the muscle layer. The two most common indications for a tummy tuck are men and... more

A tummy tuck addresses three areas - skin, fat and muscle. Liposuction only addresses the fat and relies on your skin to shrink independently after the surgery and does not address the muscle at all. For liposuction you should have good skin tone and no looseness to the muscle covering or fascia of your... more

It really is difficult to say without an exam, but typcially, once you have had children, it is more likely that you will experience a better result from a tummy tuck. I have explained this in greater detail below.  LIPOSUCTION An office visit/consultation (complimentary) is mandatory... more

The two procedures are not interchangeable but are often complementary.  Here's how you can tell what you need.  First, in the standing position do you having skin and fat hanging like an apron below the belly button?  It doesn't have to be large.  Second when you really pinch the skin and... more

Hello,   If your tissues are already tight or you don't want them any tighter, then liposuction may be for you. For women after multiple pregnancies, a tummy tuck is far more often the best answer as it tightens that which childbirth has loosened. Patients have to be willing to have the surgery though as... more