Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck 2024: Which One is Right for You?

Most people dream of having a toned midsection. And it doesn’t matter what your goal is – whether you are trying to fit beautifully in that wedding gown, get rid of those obstinate fats, or remove excess fat and skin after childbirth. After all, having a smooth, firm and toned midsection can certainly boost your self-esteem and quality of life, according to research.

So it’s really not surprising to know that there were 17.5 million cosmetic procedures performed in the United States in 2017.

Among the top five surgical procedures for women are tummy tuck and liposuction. Both are safe and highly effective body contouring methods but nevertheless are distinctly different from each other.

Liposuction vs. tummy tuck – which is best for you? How do they differ from one another? What are their pros and cons? How much do they cost?

You’ve got all the facts you need right here. So keep reading.

Comparison Chart: Liposuction & Tummy Tuck

Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck: How Do They work?

Liposuction

During liposuction, the surgeon makes tiny incisions on the skin and inserts a hollow, stainless-steel tube called ‘canula’. This tube is attached to a vacuum-like device that is responsible for removing fat deposits (particularly the deep fat layer) through suction.

Apart from the abdomen, you can have liposuction completed on other parts of your body, such as your neck, arms, thighs, back, and buttocks. There are different types of liposuction. Tumescent, power-assisted, laser, and Vaser Lipo are among the most popular.

Tummy Tuck

Liposuction and tummy tuck are both done to remove fats. However, the key difference is that abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is also performed to remove excess skin from the abdomen. It is also more invasive than liposuction. During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the lower part of the abdomen, just above the pubic area. The purpose of this cosmetic treatment is to repair torn and weak muscles, tighten them, and remove extra skin.

How Much Do Liposuction & Tummy Tuck Cost?

Liposuction vs. tummy tuck cost is a very important thing to know. Take note, however, that body contouring costs generally depend on where you live, the surgeon, and the scope of treatment you wish to have.

Liposuction Prices

Based on the 2018 statistics from the ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons), liposuction prices average $3,518. This is exclusive of the anesthesia, operating room facilities, and other medical expenses.

Tummy Tuck Prices

Tummy tuck prices range from $3,000 to $12,000. On average, tummy tuck costs $6,154, according to 2020 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

What Are The Advantages?

More than giving you a flatter and more toned abdomen, liposuction and tummy tuck has medical benefits too.

Liposuction

Apart from giving you a smooth, firmer, and slimmer contours, liposuction can also remove benign fatty tumors and correct fat metabolism issues within the body. This mini-invasive treatment also helps reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck can help some women deal with Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) after giving birth. It’s also beneficial for those who had extreme weight loss or multiple pregnancies because removing excess skin and fats in the abdomen helps support better posture and relieve certain types of back pain. A tummy tuck is also used to treat a ventral hernia.

Results – What Can You Expect?

Liposuction vs. tummy tuck, what results can you expect? Both liposuction and tummy tuck can give you amazing results. However, these treatments should not be considered a weight-loss solution but more like reshaping option that can significantly improve your appearance.

Liposuction

When fat deposits are removed through liposuction, those fat cells are gone forever. Once the swelling subsides, you can expect a slimmer, more toned appearance in areas of your body where the procedure was done. In a study published in the Plastic Reconstructive Surgery journal, 80 percent of those who undergo liposuction were satisfied with the results. 79.7% said they would have the procedure again and 86% will recommend the treatment to their friends and relatives.

Tummy Tuck

According to a report in Statista, 96% of people who had tummy tuck were satisfied with their results. With a tummy tuck, you can expect a flatter and firmer abdominal contour but the final results may not be noticed until the temporary swelling subsides. However, if you have previously undergone abdominal surgery (like for example, a cesarean section), the potential results of a tummy tuck may be limited in your case.

In either procedure, following your doctor’s instructions is critical to the success of your surgery.

Last Time – Are They Permanent?

How long can you expect the results of liposuction and tummy tuck to last?

Liposuction

During liposuction, fat cells are removed permanently. However, it doesn’t mean new fats cells will not grow. They will, upon weight gain. Thus, anyone who undergoes liposuction treatments is asked to follow a healthy diet that’s rich in lean proteins such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy.

Tummy Tuck

While this procedure provides long-lasting results, they are not permanent as well. For instance, women who became pregnant after a tummy tuck run the risk of having re-stretched abdominal muscles and may need to undergo the same procedure to regain their desired body contour.

What Are The Risks?

All types of plastic surgery come with certain risks. Choosing an experienced and certified plastic surgeon should reduce the potential complications associated with these procedures.

Liposuction

Liposuction risks include the following:

• Infections and blood clots.
• Fluid accumulation. During liposuction, large pieces of fat tissues are removed, leaving spaces underneath the skin. This makes your body prone to a collection of fluid.
• Irregular contours when the procedure is done incorrectly.
• Worsening of cellulite.

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck may lead to the following complications:

• Pain and swelling. You may also experience bruising and numbness during the first few weeks or months of recovery.
• Infections, blood clot, or bleeding in the incision area (although very rare).
• Scarring.

Recovery Time

Regardless of what you choose – tummy tuck or liposuction – remember that recovery is different for everyone. It depends on various factors, including your age, body weight, and overall health.

Liposuction

Liposuction is an outpatient procedure which can take place at the patient’s place, doctor’s clinic, or surgery center. Recovery is quick and most people are able to return to work and normal activities after about two weeks. However, you might have to endure post-surgery swelling, bruising, and soreness for a few more weeks.

Tummy Tuck

Recovery from tummy tuck depends upon the extent of the procedure. It will take several weeks for you to go back to normal activities. You may also experience swelling for 3-4 months after the surgery, and during such a period, you will be required to wear an abdominal pressure garment for support.

Are They Covered By Insurance?

Unfortunately, since both tummy tuck and liposuction are cosmetic treatments, they are not usually covered by health insurance plans. Same with other popular procedures like Sono Bello Lift, breast augmentation, and rhinoplasty. Sono Bello Lift costs are slightly higher than that of a traditional facelift but the results are really good. Good thing, many plastic surgeons offer financing plans, so be sure to ask. Also, paying with a credit card with zero (0) interest makes it easier on your pocket.

Which Procedure is Better? Liposuction or Tummy Tuck?

Two Things You Need to Consider

Both procedures provide satisfying results. Knowing which one is better for you will depend largely on your body contouring goals, your timeframe, and of course – your budget.

Your Timeframe

Before deciding to undergo any cosmetic surgery, you should consider how much time you can allocate especially for healing and recovery. Most patients are able to return to a normal desk job within one to three days after the surgery. However, you may not be able to do certain activities like drive or exercise, along with other tasks that could hurt your strains or incision sites.

After you select the best cosmetic surgeon in your area, the next thing to do is to prepare for the procedure. Reputable body contouring clinics like Sono Bello usually offer free consultations to their patients, during which, the doctor will likely ask about your medical history and expectations.

Your Budget

The next important thing to consider is your budget. Frankly, cosmetic treatments aren’t cheap. Saving up in advance should give you a wider option as to the scope of liposuction or tummy tuck you can have. Nonetheless, always keep in mind that quality is more important than the procedure cost.

There are also cheaper and non-surgical alternatives to tummy tuck and liposuction. One is CoolSculpting which uses a controlled cooling device to gently and effectively target fat cells. CoolSculpting costs $1,481 on average, according to the ASPS.

Possible Complications

Complications associated with liposuction and tummy tuck are rare as long as the following conditions are met:

• The patient is not obese.
• He or she doesn’t have too much liposuction in a single day or any unrelated surgical procedure on the same day.
• The patient didn’t have previous abdominal surgery.

Some of the serious complications associated with cosmetic surgery are:

• Hematoma or Seroma. This refers to bleeding into a closed space under the skin.
• Nerve Damage. Numbness and tingling are common after surgeries and can be a sign of nerve damage.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This happens when blood clots form in deep veins. When the clot breaks off, blood could travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE) which can be fatal.
• Complications from anesthesia.

Reviews

Liposuction

You will see a lot of positive reviews online about liposuction. Many people claim that it is a great treatment for removing ugly ‘lumps’ on their bodies. Of course, it depends on where they get the treatment.

When it comes to liposuction, Sono Bello is one of the trusted names. They have over 100 specialized physicians who use advanced power laser as well as micro-laser liposuction, along with minimally invasive sculpting techniques. Sono Bello costs vary depending on the treatment required.

Tummy Tuck

Many people claim that tummy tuck is a painful procedure. However, it is extremely effective in making their abdomen look firmer and flatter. You will also notice that most tummy tuck reviews suggest that this procedure really works great for women who just gave birth.

Is it Possible to Combine Processing?

Fortunately, yes! These procedures pair well together for many patients. It does not only maximize body contouring results but also helps reduce surgical trauma and risks of complications, according to a study. By combining the two, you can have stunning results without having to go through two separate recovery periods.

When You Need Both a Tummy Tuck and Liposuction

There are various reasons why you may want to undergo both procedures at the same time. While each one accomplishes a different goal, it can be combined for better results. For example, if you’ve lost a lot of weight, you can do liposuction to get rid of the bulge on your abdomen. At the same time, you can have a tummy tuck done to remove the excess skin which could result in a more beautiful and firmer contour.

Final Thoughts: Liposuction vs.Tummy Tuck – Which One Is Right For You?

Liposuction and tummy tuck are safe and effective procedures for trimming body fats, particularly in your midsection. However, they are markedly different in terms of how they are done as well as the promised results.

Again, a tummy tuck involves repairing torn muscles below the abdomen area while liposuction involves removing fat deposits in certain areas of the body, not just the midsection.

These procedures also vary in costs, with tummy tuck being slightly more expensive than liposuction. In order to have successful results, it’s important to know whether you are a good fit for either of them. There are also certain risks and complications associated with each procedure. Be sure to ask your doctor about your likelihood of experiencing any of the potential risks.

Additionally, when choosing which cosmetic surgery is best for you, always consider your budget, timeframe, and body contouring goals. Know that you can combine the two procedures for maximum results.

Now that you’ve gotten all the facts you need to know about two of the most popular cosmetic treatments, the next step is to find a really good plastic surgeon. Working with the best doctor will certainly give you the results you want and avoid the possible complications.