Tummy tucks and liposuction share similar results, but there are some key differences between the two procedures.
Sanford Health’s team of board-certified plastic surgeons can help you understand the best option for your goals.
What is liposuction?
Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that removes fat from areas of the body like the stomach, hips, thighs, arms and more.
Ideal candidates are at a near-normal body weight and have skin that is not sagging. It’s not meant to be a weight loss procedure, but instead to remove small areas of stubborn fat.
What is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure used to flatten the stomach area, remove loose skin and tighten abdomen muscles.
It’s popular after pregnancy, which can stretch out the skin in your midsection. Other common causes of a loose or sagging abdomen are aging, heredity, prior surgery, and significant fluctuations in weight.
This procedure will create a flat and well-toned stomach.
For both liposuction and tummy tuck procedures, you’ll be seen by a plastic surgeon.
Liposuction procedure
After numbing the area, the surgeon will make small incisions around the site.
They will loosen the fat cells under your skin with a thin tube-shaped tool before using a medical vacuum to suck out the cells.
Tummy tuck procedure
After putting you to sleep with sedation, your surgeon will make a large incision across the bottom of your abdomen.
They will reconnect your stretched out abdomen muscles and then trim any excess skin.
Recovery time
It takes five to seven days to recover from liposuction.
Tummy tucks take around two to three weeks.
To learn more about how to look as good as you feel, visit a Sanford Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery location near you.
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Posted In Plastic Surgery, Specialty Care
