Tummy Tuck Or Liposuction?
Wondering whether a tummy tuck or liposuction is right for you?
When choosing between a tummy tuck or liposuction it is first important to assess what your real goals and desired outcome is.
For those purely seeking a flatter stomach that totally eliminates stretch marks and VERY loose skin, i.e., after say gastric bypass or massive weight loss, perhaps a tummy tuck is an option. Though it is normally only in rare cases where there is a large amount of excess loose skin from weight loss or multiple pregnancies that tummy tucks are actually really necessary.
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure which removes fat and a large portion of skin from the lower abdomen. This can require a broad incision, often up to two feet long and moving the belly button, most commonly all under general anesthesia.
While many women have had consults with various plastic and cosmetic surgeons who may recommend tummy tuck, please proceed with caution as you want to make sure your expectations are met. Make sure that whether it is a tummy tuck or liposuction being recommended it is because it is truly the best choice for you personally.
I have had many women from 130lbs to over 250lbs and more who “think” they need a tummy tuck but in most instances they really don’t “need” a tummy tuck
In contrast, liposuction can be used to remove unwanted fat for true body sculpting. Liposuction can be used on many areas of the body, though of course the upper and lower abdomen as well as love handles, flanks and back (bra roll area for women) are most commonly requested.
This enables patients to truly achieve that highly envied hour glass figure. So if a sexier and fitter looking contoured body is what you are looking for, then perhaps liposuction is for you. After all, what is the use in a flat lower stomach if your love handles and upper abdomen don’t match?
Unfortunately it is true that even if you eat right and exercise regularly there can be stubborn fat deposits that just seem to refuse to budge. This is when liposuction can really be your best friend and give you the flat tummy and curves you want to look your best.
Besides the sculpting advantages there are other factors that you should also consider when deciding whether a tummy tucks or liposuction is your best choice. These include scarring, risks, cost and recovery time.
Liposuction can often be performed using only local anesthetic, with minimal small incisions avoiding the scarring and potentially life threatening health risks that come with tummy tucks. This also enables patients to be up and walking within hours and normally back at work or doing the things you love most within 3 days or less. Plus you will find liposuction far more affordable.
What most don’t know is that after liposuction the skin also shrinks tightening up and revealing a much more toned body. In most cases this eliminates the need or desire for a tummy tuck. If still in doubt about whether a tummy tuck or liposuction is the right choice, you will find that most plastic surgeons will recommend tummy tucks first and most cosmetic surgeons will lean toward liposuction.
It is my advice to look at before and after photos and decide what your ultimate goal is. You can then see for yourself whether or not you really feel the need to go further with the tummy tuck vs. the liposuction.
A slimmer, sexier new you is within easy grasp and you can take the first step now by arranging a consultation with a professional who can help guide you to the best decision between a tummy tuck or liposuction and to help you in achieving your desired look.
“I am very pleased with my results of liposuction with Dr. Michael Carter! I so appreciate the staff and doctors for being helpful and informative. I will recommend them to anyone who wants to get rid of unwanted fat. You will be amazed with the results.


