Posted: April 1, 2024
If you’re interested in a procedure to help you achieve a slimmer, more toned abdomen, liposuction or a tummy tuck may be the ideal solution. But which option is right for you? This depends on your aesthetic goals, current figure, and Dr. Corey's recommendations. Here, we’ll look at the differences between a tummy tuck and liposuction to help you decide which option better suits your goals.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a procedure that removes unwanted fat in various areas of the body, including the stomach, hips, thighs and more. The procedure utilizes a small tube called a cannula to remove specific stubborn fat deposits that seem to never go away, while sculpting the area to achieve a slimmer figure. Again, it is very specific to those targeted treatment areas.
Recovery
Following the procedure, most patients can return to many aspects of their daily routine in about 5-7 days. However, you may have to wait 3-6 weeks before fully recovering from your procedure to return to more strenuous activities.
There is little scarring from liposuction, as the incisions are only about a 1/4 inch in length. With time and proper healing, these can fade and become nearly unnoticeable.
Results are immediate and long-lasting; however, it may take a few weeks for the swelling to subside and your results to be fully visible.
Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, aims to remove excess skin and fat deposits and tighten the abdominal muscles. It is much more agressive and involved than just Liposuction but most of the time, Liposuction is used as well during the Tummy Tuck surgery. This procedure may be ideal for patients looking to address loose skin and stretched out muscles (technically called Diastasis Recti) due to age, weight loss, or following pregnancy and childbirth. The target here is all abdominal wall structures, from just below the ribs to just above the pubic bone.
The procedure involves making an incision across the bottom of the stomach, removing excess fat and skin, tightening the abdominal muscles and skin, and then closing the incision.
Recovery
Since tummy tucks are more invasive, recovery time is a bit longer and you will need some help at home during this time. You can likely return to work in about 7-10 days if you work a sedentary job. However, your surgeon may recommend up to two weeks of rest. Like liposuction, you cannot participate in strenuous activities until around eight weeks post-op or until cleared by Dr. Corey.
The scar is more extensive for an abdominoplasty but can heal and fade with time and proper care. Plus, since it is located low along the bottom of the stomach ( even below a C-Section scar if present), it is easily concealed by pants, a bikini bottom and undergarments.
Your results are immediate and long-lasting with a tummy tuck and can be VERY dramatic. It can change things that many patients can't on their own, no matter how much they diet and exercise!
Schedule a Consultation With Dr. John J. Corey
If you’re unsure whether liposuction or tummy tuck is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Corey. He can discuss your goals and determine which procedure will provide the results you desire. Contact our office in Scottsdale, AZ, today at 480-767-7700 to get started.