Abdominal fat and skin solutions: Liposuction vs Tummy Tuck

The abdominal area is one of the most difficult areas on the body to tone. Having stubborn fat deposits which do not respond to proper diet and exercise, and/or having excess skin, frustrates many people. Excess fat and skin commonly occurs after pregnancy or after significant weight loss. Body contouring is popular in the aesthetic field because it can provide results beyond the realm of diet and exercise. Two of the most effective treatments provided by plastic surgeons are liposuction and abdominoplasty (also called a “tummy tuck”). While these treatments both target the midsection, there are some important differences to consider when choosing one of the two procedures.

What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgical treatment which removes excess fat, but is not intended as the sole weight loss solution. The best candidates are individuals who are at or near their goal weight but have small, stubborn fat deposits that don’t respond to proper diet and exercise. By targeting these areas of fat, the surgeon is able to remove and sculpt the fat.

During the surgery an incision is made in the abdomen, a cannula is inserted to dislodge and remove the fact using a suction process. The length of the procedure varies according to how much fat is removed. The recovery process takes around four to six weeks until the patient can return to normal activities, and three to four months until full results can be seen.

While frequently used for abdominal fat, liposuction is also used on other areas of the body, such as the thighs, back, arms, and neck/double chin.

What is a tummy tuck?
The focus of abdominoplasty is removing excess or hanging skin, rather than fat. The ideal candidates are those who have loose skin and weak abdominal muscles, but are at or close to their goal weight.

The surgical procedure involves an incision in the lower abdomen and around the belly button, the removal of excess skin, the tightening of the abdominal wall, and the closure of the skin. Tummy tuck recovery takes about two to three weeks for swelling to subside, and three to four months to see final results. Due to the tightening of the abdominal wall, and if a healthy lifestyle is maintained, the results from a tummy tuck can last a lifetime.

When two is better than one: a combination of treatments
While liposuction and tummy tuck are effective treatments on their own, the two also go well together because stubborn fat and excess skin often occur together. Liposuction is often included in tummy tuck procedures to remove fat deposits before tightening the abdominal wall and skin. Similarly, a tummy tuck may be required after liposuction to deal with excess skin left over once the fat was removed. Additionally, the two procedures are often part of  “mommy makeover” packages, where the areas that are affected by pregnancy are targeted with lifting and tightening procedures.

A combination approach is common in plastic surgery, and enables personalisation of the treatment to each patient’s specific requirements. When embarking on the process of a plastic surgery, it is essential to have your doctor’s guidance. At Clinique K, each patient is personally assessed and advised by Dr. Karl Schwarz, and each treatment is tailored for their needs.