Liposuction and tummy tuck procedures are used to remove excess fat deposits. Both methods can result in a firmer and flatter abdomen, but their procedures and recovery times differ. What is the difference between liposuction and a tummy tuck? Check out the review in the following article.
What is the difference between liposuction and a tummy tuck?
Liposuction and tummy tucks are surgical procedures commonly used for cosmetic purposes. If you want your abdomen and waist area to look flatter, you should first understand the differences between the two procedures listed below:
Liposuction
Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty, lipectomy, or simply liposuction, aims to remove fat from specific areas of the body, including the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms, and neck. Liposuction can also "sculpt" these areas into the desired curves, a process referred to as contouring.
The liposuction procedure gets its name from the suction technique used to remove fat. Before performing liposuction, the doctor will inject medication into the area to be suctioned. The doctor will then use high vibrations to break up the fat. Once the fat has been broken down, it will be suctioned out with a strainer and a powerful suction device. The procedure may be repeated multiple times until the desired result is achieved.
Liposuction is commonly performed on people who are stable in weight but have excess fat in specific areas. It is not a recommended weight-loss procedure. It is typically used to remove fat deposits in areas that are difficult to reduce through diet. Liposuction can also be used to reduce excess breast tissue in men (gynecomastia).
Tummy Tuck
Unlike liposuction, which can be used to remove fat in multiple areas, a tummy tuck refers to the procedure of removing excess fat from the abdominal area. This surgery, known as abdominoplasty, not only removes excess fat and skin but also tightens the abdominal muscles.
This surgery is usually chosen to remove excess fat and sagging in the abdomen due to the following conditions:
- Significant changes due to drastic weight loss
- Pregnancy
- Caesarean section and other abdominal surgeries
- Aging process
- Natural body shape
If you have had a previous caesarean section, the doctor may incorporate the caesarean scar into the tummy tuck scar so that it is not visible.
As with liposuction, this procedure is not recommended for those looking to lose weight. Additionally, it is not recommended for the following groups:
- Planning to lose significant weight
- Planning to get pregnant in the future
- Have severe chronic conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes
- Have a body mass index (BMI) > 30
- Smoking
- Have had a previous abdominal surgery that left significant scarring
Liposuction and tummy tuck procedures are typically used to improve one's appearance rather than to treat obesity. Keep in mind that both are surgical procedures with risks and complications. If you are concerned about your belly fat, you should see a doctor and a nutritionist to get rid of it.
If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
Looking for more tips and health tricks, first aid, and home remedies? Click here!
- Sean Edbert Lim, MBBS
Watson, K. (2018). Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck: Which Option Is Better?. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/liposuction-vs-tummy-tuck
Mayo Clinic. Tummy Tuck. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/tummy-tuck/about/pac-20384892
Mayo Clinic. Liposuction. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/liposuction/about/pac-20384586#