What’s the difference between Vaser liposuction and a tummy tuck?

Hello destinylove1,
It’s a pleasure to answer your questions! VASER Liposuction is an advanced body contouring procedure that “selectively” remove unwanted body fat. This method uses minimally-invasive ultrasound technology to emulsify fat while leaving all other important tissues intact, resulting in significant desirable effects with minimal damage to surrounding tissues. Consequently, patients recover considerably quicker as they suffer reduced bleeding, bruising and swelling in the treated areas. The shorter recovery time needed for VASER Liposuction makes it very convenient and appealing to my patients, who may return to their regular lives 1-2 weeks after the surgery and sometimes sooner. However, in some cases, VASER Liposuction by itself won’t be sufficient to achieve optimal results. Therefore, depending on the presence of skin laxity and stretch marks, plastic surgeons might suggest getting an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) combined with VASER Liposuction. Abdominoplasty is popular following pregnancy and massive weight loss because it significantly improves the appearance of saggy skin. With  abdominoplasty patients can get rid of excess skin, stretch marks, fat around the abdomen and have their belly button fixed, all in one procedure. After surgery, they will have a firmer, flatter abdomen. You are most likely a good candidate for a tummy tuck if you do not smoke, are in good health (your weight is stable and your Body Mass Index is under 30), and you are finished having children. The muscles that are repaired during an abdominoplasty can separate again during future pregnancy. Generally, downtime for abdominoplasty is double than for VASER Liposuction. Hope this is helpful! Dr. De La Cruz.

These are 2 different approaches to body contouring.  Liposuction, whether ultrasonic assisted, vaser type, tumescent, etc., removes fat with suction, mechanical disruption of fat cells, and possibly ultrasonic or heat induced disruption of fat cells.  Although there can be slight firming of the skin after vaser or ultrasonic liposuction, due to heat induced changes in skin collagen, the amount of firming is limited.  So if you have a significant problem with loose, stretchy skin, with or without stretch marks, then the only way to achieve significant tightening of abdominal skin and muscles is with a tummy tuck.  Rest assured that any extra fat is also removed with the tummy tuck, either by suction or direct excision.  So choose liposuction if your problem is just extra fat, but if you have a lot of loose skin and/or muscle, then choose a tummy tuck with liposuction.

Thank you for the question.   
Generally, the tummy tuck operation involves removal of excess skin/adipose tissue of the lower abdominal wall and re approximation of the abdominal wall muscles that may have spread with pregnancies and/or weight gain/loss. Liposuctioning is often used as a tool during the procedure.
Generally speaking, the “ideal” patient for tummy tuck surgery is one who has completed pregnancies, is psycho socially/emotionally/financially stable, has an excellent social support system surrounding him/her, is capable of arranging enough recovery time, does not smoke and who has reached a long-term stable weight.
All types of liposuction surgery, on the other hand, refers to operations that essentially suctions out adipose tissue. The operation does not involve any skin removal or re approximation of abdominal wall muscles. The best candidates for liposuction surgery of the abdominal wall are patients with good quality skin elasticity and a moderate degree of diet and exercise resistant adipose tissue superficial to the abdominal wall muscle layer. Patients who are significantly overweight, have significant abdominal wall laxity, and/or have lost a significant amount of skin elasticity are not generally good candidates.
My best suggestion: seek consultation with board-certified plastic surgeons who can demonstrate significant experience helping you achieve the type of outcome you will be pleased with. Best wishes.