Liposuction vs. Abdominoplasty

Thousands of people each year choose to remove excess fat or achieve a slimmer look through cosmetic body sculpting  procedures. There are a variety of surgical techniques for achieving the figure you want and understanding the benefits of various procedures can help to get you the results you want. Two popular options for a thinner appearance are abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and liposuction.

Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)

People choose abdominoplasty- or tummy tuck surgery- which removes excess skin and fat from the waistline and tightens abdominal muscles, for various reasons. Some have lost a significant amount of weight already and want to get rid of sagging skin around their waist. Many women have a tummy tuck procedure to reverse the damage done to their figure by pregnancy. Other patients simply want a flatter stomach.

Tummy tuck surgery takes only a few hours and is usually done as an outpatient surgical procedure, though it sometimes requires an overnight stay. Full recovery usually takes about two months, though you may be able to drive and perform light work after a couple weeks. To learn more, read our frequently asked tummy tuck questions.

Liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat through a tube, or cannula, via a small incision. While abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgery focuses on the waistline, liposuction can also reduced localized excess fat from the abdomen, hips, back, thighs, arms, and other places. Unlike a tummy tuck, however, liposuction does not tighten the skin, so candidates with good skin elasticity may see better results.

Liposuction can be an excellent way to remove small deposits of fat from around the body, but is not recommended as a fix for obesity or large fat deposits. Healthy lifestyle changes and weight reduction programs are a better choice for getting rid of larger amounts of fat.

There are several methods used in liposuction surgery, including tumescent liposuction, ultrasound assisted liposuction (UAL), power assisted liposuction, and suction assisted liposuction. Philadelphia cosmetic surgeon Dr. Bottger will help you determine which technique is best suited to your needs and will help you achieve the best possible results.

Combining Abdominoplasty and Liposuction

For patients who want to remove excess fat from the waistline while also tightening skin and abdominal muscled may choose to have liposuction in addition to an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) procedure. This can help to create a slimmer look and a flatter stomach. To learn more, read our liposuction questions.

For more information about your options for abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and liposuction, contact Philadelphia plastic surgeon Dr. Bottger today to schedule a free consultation.