Tummy Tuck or Lipo – Which is Better?

Many patients seeking to eliminate excess fat and tighten loose, flabby skin around their midsection will ask which is better, a tummy tuck or liposuction? If you struggle to tone your abdominal area or experience difficulty shedding that belly pooch, you may have considered plastic surgery but aren’t sure which procedure is best for you. Today on the blog, Dr. Aviva Preminger, a top-rated female plastic surgeon in New York City, explores the differences between these two common body sliming procedures.

The first step in deciding which body contouring procedure is right for you is to look at what each procedure has to offer. Tummy tucks and liposuction are sometimes performed together to yield the best results.

What’s a Tummy Tuck?

Also known as an abdominoplasty, this procedure focuses on removing excess skin and tightening ab muscles. It also may involve removing a small amount of fat tissue. Tummy tucks are ideal for individuals who have loose abdominal skin and muscles as a result of pregnancy or excess weight loss. However, a tummy tuck is not meant to provide drastic weight loss results. In fact, candidates are encouraged to be within a modest range of their goal weight. However, a tummy tuck is an excellent choice if you not only want to remove stubborn abdominal fat but also want to tighten both the skin and muscles in this region.

What’s the recovery like for a tummy tuck?

Tummy tucks are usually an outpatient procedure, meaning you shouldn’t need to stay in the hospital. It requires at least two weeks off from work, and you are expected to rest and take it easy during that time. Light exercise can be resumed after about two weeks, while strenuous activity should be put on hold for six weeks. It will take about 8-12 weeks for the swelling to subside, at which time you should start seeing noticeable results.

What’s Liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that uses small tubes called cannulas to remove or suck out excess fat from specific areas of the body, like the abdominal area, thighs, back, saddlebags, love handles, and flanks. Many people experience stubborn fat deposits that are difficult to get rid of with diet and exercise. Liposuction can help you achieve the body confidence you’ve been looking for, although it won’t tighten loose skin or muscles.

What’s the recovery like for liposuction?

Liposuction recovery is a little easier and less painful than a tummy tuck, but similar restrictions apply. While the recovery period may still take up to two weeks, it is still recommended that you take it easy during this time. You can begin light exercise after two weeks but should wait until 8-12 weeks before starting a rigorous exercise regimen.

Which procedure is right for me?

The answer to this question depends on your individual needs. If you only need stubborn pockets of fat removed, then liposuction may be ideal. Plus, with a two-week recovery, you can undergo the procedure and have your new body before the start of the new year! But if you desire fat removal and a more toned midsection, talk to your Manhattan plastic surgeon about a tummy tuck. Other factors to consider when deciding on your body contouring procedure are your overall health, body type, and your expectations of the procedure.

Body Contouring in Manhattan, New York City

It’s the best time of the year to undergo plastic surgery. The winter season warrants hiding under comfy, bulky clothing, which means your body has plenty of time to heal before thinking about sporting a bathing suit or summer attire. Plus, many people take time off from work around the holidays, so you can use that time to heal from your surgery. If you’d like to learn more about liposuction in New York City or want to schedule a tummy tuck consultation in Manhattan, contact Preminger Plastic Surgery by calling (212) 706-1900.