Liposuction vs Tummy Tuck

If you are frustrated with nagging belly flab, you might consider liposuction or a tummy tuck to achieve the body you desire. Excess skin and fat can accumulate on the stomach due to pregnancy, weight fluctuations, poor diet and exercise habits, and aging. Determining which plastic surgery procedure is right for you will depend on a few factors. Liposuction and tummy tucks are two popular solutions for belly flab, however, there are ideal candidates for each plastic surgery procedure.

Liposuction

Liposuction is performed to remove excess stubborn fat pockets from the body. While liposuction can remove excess fat, it cannot tighten loose or sagging skin. So, if your belly pooch involves saggy skin, liposuction alone may not be the solution. Liposuction candidates will have good skin quality and elasticity, and localized areas of fat that need to be removed.

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck is used to remove excess skin, and tighten weakened abdominal muscles. This procedure is often necessary for women who have experienced childbirth, as pregnancy can cause the abdominal muscles to weaken and even separate, leading to a protruding belly. If you are dealing with sagging skin and excess fat on the abdomen, a tummy tuck may be able to help.

Joseph T Cruise, MD performs four different types of tummy tucks – mini, standard, extended, and circumferential. The type of tummy tuck needed will depend on how far the loose skin extends around the body.

Tummy Tuck with Liposuction

For those with excess fat and sagging skin, the combination of a tummy tuck and liposuction are ideal for achieving a flat stomach and improved body shape. The two procedures are routinely performed at the same time, requiring just one surgery and one recovery.

Schedule A Consultation

The procedure that is right for you will depend on your individual cosmetic goals and your individual anatomy. If you are interested in learning more about these procedures for a slimmer abdomen, contact our Newport Beach, CA office today to schedule a consultation with Joseph T Cruise, MD.