Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck: What's The Difference?

We believe that everyone should feel emboldened by their body. 

If you don’t, there are a number of ways you can take control of your image and make changes that allow you to embrace your figure. 

For many people, stomachs hold the notorious “problem area” title. 

Whether you’ve lost or gained weight, delivered a baby, or simply aren’t happy with how your midsection looks, there are a number of options that can help you achieve your ideal appearance. 

In this blog, we’ll explore the difference between liposuction and a tummy tuck, as well as discuss which procedure may be right for your individual needs. 

Read on to learn how both of these procedures can help you achieve your dream midsection. 

What’s a Tummy Tuck?

This procedure is aimed at removing excess skin and fat from the belly region. Regardless of why you have excess stomach skin, this procedure can help you look and feel your best. 

In this surgical procedure, your tummy tuck Kansas City surgeon will remove the extra skin and tissue from your abdomen, while also tightening the underlying musculature. This results in a sculpted midsection through a safe, extremely popular procedure. 

While you will inevitably consult with your provider about whether you should pursue a tummy tuck, good candidates for this procedure generally fulfill these categories:

• Non-smoker
• Realistic expectations
• Stable weight 
• Physically healthy 

As this is a highly-individualized procedure, you will need to discuss the aforementioned criteria openly and honestly with a tummy tuck Kansas City provider. 

If you can easily tick all these boxes and are curious about the actual process behind a tummy tuck, we break down the three basic steps your provider will take below:

1. Anesthesia

To ensure your comfort during the procedure, your surgeon will have an anesthesiologist administer anesthesia. This can be done intravenously or generally, with your doctor recommending the right option for you. 

2. Incision

The process of a tummy tuck includes a horizontal incision between your pubic hairline and belly button. Once this cut is made, your surgeon will repair the weakened abdominal muscles. 

3. Suturing 

The upper excess skin of your abdomen is then trimmed and then sutured together using skin adhesives, tapes, clips, or sutures. 

Now that you have a better understanding of the process behind the tummy tuck, you’re probably wondering about recovery time and results. 

Given that the tummy tuck is a minorly invasive surgery, it will take several weeks before you’ve completely recovered. Your driving will be limited for a few weeks, as well your ability to conduct strenuous activity. 

Your doctor will guide you through post-surgery plans and what you can and cannot do in the weeks following your operation. 

While the initial results of your tummy tuck may not be visible due to swelling for a few weeks, soon you’ll be standing tall with your slimmer, more contoured figure. 

Although each individual will have different outcomes and expectations with their tummy tuck, one outcome should be the same: a renewed sense of self confidence. 

What’s Liposuction?

Unlike a tummy tuck, liposuction is not reserved for a specific area of the body. If you’re hoping to remove stubborn fat from your arms, belly, thighs, or elsewhere, this may be the procedure for you.

Also unlike a tummy tuck, your liposuction Kansas City provider will be able to offer you three different types of the procedure. While different in name and mode, they all still use a table to essentially vacuum fat from your body.

1. Tumescent Liposuction

The most common technique among liposuction Kansas City providers, in this procedure, your surgeon will inject a sterile solution into the area (or areas) you’ve selected for fat removal. This solution makes fat suction easier, less painful, and reduces overall blood loss. 

2. Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL)

This technique uses sound wave energy beneath the skin to rupture walls of fat, liquifying the fat to be suctioned out.

3. Laser-Assisted Liposuction or SmartLipo

This technique uses a laser to liquify the unwanted fat. 

Regardless of which options are available to you, to be a good candidate for liposuction, there are a few criteria you must meet, much like with a tummy tuck:

• Non-smoker
• Witjing 30% of your ideal weight 
• Have firm, elastic skin 

If this fat removal sounds more along the lines of what you’re after with cosmetic surgery, you’re probably wondering how much fat can be removed with liposuction. 

At most, you can anticipate listing 1-10 pounds of fat. While that may not seem like a lot on paper, that figure is actually extremely substantial and can have a drastic impact on your appearance. 

Which Procedure is Right for You?

Depending upon your goals for your appearance, only you can identify which of these two procedures is right for you. 

However, if you’re interested in both, liposuction can be conducted during a tummy tuck, allowing you to target all of your least favorite areas. 

After you decide which procedure is right for you, Dr. Quinn and his team are standing by at their Kansas City location to help make your appearance dreams a reality.  

View the gallery to see the incredible results the team at Quinn Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Center has made possible.