What is the difference between liposuction and a tummy tuck?

Have you been considering a liposuction or an abdominoplasty recently? If so, have you been wondering what the difference between them are? If so, read on below to find out the answers to these, as plastic surgeon, Mr Navid Jallali, provides us with an informative guide.

What is the difference between liposuction and a tummy tuck?

Liposuction is a procedure performed in order to remove excess fat from a body area. It involves insertion of a metal rod into an area in order to extract the fat. A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a procedure that involves removing excess skin and fat as well as repairing splits of the abdominal muscles. It is a bigger operation than a liposuction as the incisions made are larger and recovery tends to be longer.

Which procedure is safer?

Both procedures are safe procedures. Liposuction generally tends to have a shorter operative time and a quicker recovery. Both procedures have a low complication rate.

Who is a candidate for liposuction? And for a tummy tuck?

Liposuction is generally used in patients who have areas of stubborn fat over the abdomen. It is best used in younger patients who have enough elastic quality in their skin to achieve good skin retraction following the removal of the fat. Abdominoplasty is suitable for patients who have undergone massive weight loss.

Can I get both procedures at the same time?

Liposuction is usually performed on its own, but abdominoplasty is often performed in combination with liposuction.

Which procedure has better long-term results?

Both procedures have good outcomes in the correct individual. Liposuction relies on elastic recoil and has better outcomes in young patients who have not given birth. It can also be successful in older patients if they have good quality skin.

Abdominoplasty generally achieves very good outcomes for patients who undergo. The majority of patients will have long-lasting results after undergoing an abdominoplasty.

Mr Navid Jallali is a revered consultant plastic surgeon. To book a consultation with him today, simply head on over to his Top Doctors profile here today.