Liposuction: Info, Prices, Photos, Reviews, Q&A

Abdominal liposuction and tummy tuck are entirely different things. Abdominal liposuction will remove fat only, and rely on the natural characteristics of the skin to shrink down after the fat is removed. This is a good option if you have good quality skin (no stretch marks, good elasticity, etc) and only have excess fat.

In many patients, abdominal liposuction can actually make them look worse if the skin is not able to shrink down.

If you have any excess skin or stretching out of the rectus muscles (such as after pregnancy or weight loss), this can only be removed by a tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck.

Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgery will recontour the entire abdomen by repairing any rectus diastasis (stretched out fascia between the muscles), removing excess skin and fat, removing lower abdominal stretch marks, and reshaping the belly button if needed.

If you have any abdominal wall hernias they can also be repaired at the time of surgery.

I would recommend consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon to see which procedure would be best for you. (Anita Patel, MD, FACS, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon)

Difference Between Abdominal Liposuction & Tummy Tuck

Liposuction and a tummy tuck are two different procedures, performed in different ways for different purposes, but are often used in conjunction to provide the best possible results. A tummy tuck is performed to remove excess skin around the abdomen after weight loss or pregnancy.

It is also performed to tighten weakened abdominal muscles. Liposuction is performed to remove excess stubborn fat in areas such as the abdomen, flanks, back, and thighs. These two procedures when performed together can achieve a more appealing contoured mid-section. (Tarick K. Smiley, MD, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon)

Liposuction is best for someone at their optimal weight who has good skin tone and excess abdominal fat. Tummy tucks are reserved for those who have excess skin. Skin excess may result from weight loss, pregnancy, and aging.

If liposuction is performed on someone with excess skin, the results may be disappointing.

Increased excess skin may be noted subsequent to fat reduction. (Malcolm A. Lesavoy, MD, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon)

Liposuction of the abdomen is different than a tummy tuck

Liposuction of the abdomen removes the excess fat from the abdominal skin, but it doesn’t tighten the abdominal muscles of the abdomen as is done in a tummy tuck. Also, a tummy tuck removes the excess skin below the umbilicus whcih is not done with liposuction. (Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS, Baltimore Plastic Surgeon)

Abdominal liposuction cannot accomplish what a TT can

Abdominal liposuction is not a good treatment for abdominal skin laxity. In fact, it makes it worse.

Proponents of ‘laser liposuction’ will tell you differently, and this recommendation is a disservice to patients.

A tummy tuck treats skin laxity, abdominal fascial laxity and excess fat. (Scott C. Sattler, MD, FACS, Seattle Plastic Surgeon)

Think of your tummy as a sandwich – with the muscle and skin on either side and the fat in the middle. With liposuction, only the center fat is removed.

With a tummy tuck, not only is the center fat removed, but the excess skin (with stretch marks) is removed and the muscle is tightened. An unacceptable tummy may need one or all layers treated.

If it’s just a fat problem, then liposuction will be fine. If the skin and/or the muscle is also a problem, then a tummy tuck will be needed. (Randy J. Buckspan, MD, Austin Plastic Surgeon)

Tummy Tuck surgery involves the removal of skin and fat as well as muscular tightening. Liposuction removes fat only but does it through small incisions and has a much shorter recovery afterward. (John P. Di Saia, MD, Orange Plastic Surgeon)

Liposuction removes the excess fat under the skin, Tummy Tuck removes the excess skin and fat in the abdomen. You can have both procedures done at the same time to get the optimal results. (Samir Shureih, MD, Baltimore Plastic Surgeon)

Tummy Tuck is a surgical procedure designed to permanently remove excess skin and tighten muscles. The incisions are around the belly button and from hip to hip. Drains are needed after surgery. Liposuction only removes excess fat.

If skin has not lost elasticity and has not started to hang liposuction works well. We combine power assisted tumescent lipo with laser lipo and perform it under local anesthesia, outpatient. Results are excellent. Which procedure is right for you? You should have a consult and discuss. (Edmond A. Zingaro, MD, San Francisco Plastic Surgeon)

Liposuction removes excess fat to contour specific areas. A perfect example would be the treatment of love handles. Liposuction does not remove excess skin or stretch marks. There may be some “shrinkage” of skin depending on a patient’s age and health status and preoperative anatomy.

A Tummy Tuck (aka abdominoplasty) is a procedure that directly removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen. In addition, a tummy tuck involves muscle tightening as well. Your surgeon will make the best recommendations based on your needs and goals. (C. Bob Basu, MD, FACS, Houston Plastic Surgeon)