Many people don’t know which procedure will better meet their needs: liposuction or a tummy tuck. Both procedures improve body contours. While a tummy tuck (also known as abdominoplasty) may be the best solution for one patient, liposuction could be ideal for another. We’ll compare important aspects of each option in this post, looking at issues such as liposuction vs. tummy tuck results, cost, before-and-after pictures, and more. Hopefully, this comparison can help you better understand whether a tummy tuck, liposuction, or a combination of both could be right for you.
1. Good Candidates
Both surgeries require that you be at a healthy BMI and a stable weight. You must be physically and mentally healthy and have no medical conditions that put you at high risk during or after surgery. All cosmetic surgery patients should have realistic expectations for their results and understand that neither of these surgeries is intended for weight loss or a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise.
Liposuction
Tummy Tuck
To undergo liposuction, a person should have any medical conditions under control and retain good skin elasticity. When fat is removed, your skin must shrink to fit the new, slimmer contours. If a patient does not have good skin elasticity, sagging and contour irregularities can occur.
On the other hand, excess, sagging skin is the hallmark of most tummy tuck candidates. They may also have muscle laxity due to aging, genetics, pregnancy, or weight loss. Though not mandatory, it may be a good idea to wait until you are done having children to have a tummy tuck. Pregnancy may warrant a follow-up procedure.
2. Treatment Areas & Benefits
Liposuction
Tummy Tuck
Liposuction is versatile and suitable for several areas of the body. Men often get liposuction on the neck, chest, abdomen, and flanks. Women typically choose liposuction on the neck, upper arms, abdomen, butt, thighs, and calves. Learn more about areas that can benefit from this procedure in our related blog post.
A tummy tuck corrects a sagging, protruding abdominal area. It can restore a flat and firm tummy, give you a more defined waist, and improve the shape of your bellybutton. Read more about understanding which procedure addresses your concerns in our post Tummy Tuck or Liposuction: Which Is Right for Me?
3. Recovery
Liposuction
Tummy Tuck
After liposuction, you may feel stiff and sore for a few days. Bruising is normal. You will wear a compression garment for the first few weeks to control the swelling. You should begin walking around right away but avoid strenuous activity for several weeks. Some patients return to nonstrenuous work after a few days, depending on the extent of the treatment.
After your tummy tuck, you typically have bandages and drains for approximately a week. You will also wear a compression garment for several weeks to help with healing. You will not be able to stand upright at first, but you should begin walking as soon as possible. Many patients can return to a desk job after 10 to 14 days. Strenuous work or activities should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks.
4. Results
Liposuction
Tummy Tuck
Fat removal from liposuction is immediate, but you won’t be able to see the final results until the swelling goes down. After a few months, you’ll be able to enjoy your new body, and your most troublesome areas won’t be an issue anymore. Patients are often inspired by their new look and lose more weight or get into better physical shape.
After a few weeks of recovering from your surgery, you will be able to see your new, slimmer, flatter waist and abdomen. Often, patients express that their only regret is not having the procedure done sooner.
5. Before-and-After Pictures
Liposuction Before and After
Tummy Tuck Before and After
Liposuction & Tummy Tuck Combined
6. Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck Cost
Liposuction
Tummy Tuck
The cost of liposuction depends on the area you’re treating, the extent of the procedure and amount of fat removed, and a host of other factors. In general, though, you can expect to pay between $750 and $3,000 per area at Plastic Surgery Center of the South.
Tummy tuck prices range widely based on your surgeon’s expertise, practice location, the type of tummy tuck you have (mini, full, or extended), and various individual factors. Throughout the U.S., the average cost is about $8,200, according to RealSelf.
Do You Need Liposuction, a Tummy Tuck, or Both?
Take our quiz to learn more about whether liposuction or a tummy tuck is best for your goals. Then schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons—the best way to determine which of these two procedures is right for you.
If you’re ready to talk about your body contouring options, use our online form to request a consultation at our Marietta practice or call us at (770) 421-1242. Women and men come to us for liposuction and tummy tuck surgery from Atlanta, Roswell, and Woodstock, GA, and beyond for our surgeons’ skillful and compassionate care.
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