Abdominoplasty or Liposuction: Which Is Right for You?

Patients seeking a more contoured, aesthetically pleasing abdomen often seek plastic surgery to help them reach their goals. Read on to learn whether you should focus on liposuction or abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) for your flat tummy goals.

Hundreds of thousands of people seek out plastic surgery to achieve a flatter, more toned abdomen. Abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, and liposuction are two popular ways to achieve a slim midsection, but which one is better?

Both procedures are effective for body contouring, but the one that’s right for you depends on your specific case. Here at Dr. Brandon Plastic Surgery, we want you to understand the distinctions between the two so you can make the best decision for your body and physique.

The details on liposuction

Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that removes excess fat from specific regions of your body, such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, and arms. You may be a good candidate for liposuction if you:

Have good skin elasticity and minimal loose skin
Are close to your ideal weight but have pockets of excess fat
Want a faster recovery time
Don’t have significant muscle laxity or sagging skin in your abdominal area

During the procedure, our surgeon, Brandon Elnekaveh, MD, makes small incisions, through which he inserts a thin tube – called a cannula – to suction out the fat. You generally recover relatively quickly from liposuction; most patients can return to most normal activities within a few weeks.

About abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, is more comprehensive than liposuction. During the surgery, Dr. Brandon removes excess skin and tightens weakened abdominal muscles. You may consider abdominoplasty if:

You have excess or sagging skin in the abdominal area
You experience muscle separation (often seen after pregnancy)
You’re seeking a more dramatic change in the contour of your abdomen

During a tummy tuck, Dr. Brandon places an incision across the lower abdomen, so he can repair and tighten your abdominal muscles and remove excess skin. Recovery from a tummy tuck is generally longer, as it involves both skin removal and muscle repair. Expect to need several weeks for a full recovery.

Combining abdominoplasty and liposuction

In some cases, Dr. Brandon may recommend you combine both procedures. This can be beneficial if you have loose skin and weakened muscles but also small pockets of excess fat.

In these cases, liposuction in conjunction with abdominoplasty helps you to achieve optimal contouring results. You get both fat removal and skin tightening, leading to a smoother and more defined abdominal area.

Knowing the right option for your goals

When advising whether a tummy tuck or liposuction (or both) is right for you, Dr. Brandon considers your body’s current condition, your aesthetic goals, and the time you’re willing to invest in recovery.

He assesses factors like skin elasticity, muscle tone, and the amount of excess fat to determine how each procedure can help you achieve your goals for your midsection.

Contact Dr. Brandon Plastic Surgery today to schedule a consultation. We can help you decide how best to achieve your aesthetic goals and achieve a slim, taut abdomen.