Abdominoplasty and liposuction are the two most popular medical procedures that are performed to make your stomach area appear tighter, flatter, and thinner. Even though both of these cosmetic procedures have the same general goal, there are many important differences between them that you need to know if you are considering them to make your belly slimmer.
Let’s talk about some key differences between abdominoplasty (a.k.a. a “tummy tuck”) and liposuction so that you can choose the right one for you, and where you can go in Atlanta to see a world-class plastic surgeon who can help you look amazing.
Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck
Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) – A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure (performed under anesthesia)in which your plastic surgeon makes a small incision at the bottom of the belly area. The torn muscles of your abdominal wall are then sewn to be back to their original shape as much as possible, and excess fat and skin are also removed.
Abdominoplasty is generally performed for women who have had childbirth and want to restore their tummy area, and for men and women who have lost a lot of weight and need to have excess skin and small fat pockets removed. This procedure may involve a certain amount of liposuction.
Liposuction – In this cosmetic procedure, your plastic surgeon will sedate you or use a local anesthetic to numb your skin. The doctor will then make a small incision around the site of the fat deposits that need to be removed. A thin tube called a cannula is inserted into the treatment area to suction out the problematic fat deposits.
Keep in mind that this is not a weight-loss treatment but rather a body shape-refining treatment. If you gain weight, you do not gain more fat cells, but rather your existing fat cells just get larger. Likewise, if you lose weight, the fat cells get smaller.
Who Should Get a Tummy Tuck or Liposuction?
Both excess fat and loose skin are removed during an abdominoplasty, oftentimes also involving liposuction as part of the process. A tummy tuck can also include repairs of muscle tears, so it is an excellent solution if you:
- Have gone through childbirth and are done having children
- Are actively trying to lose weight
- Have lost a lot of weight and want to tighten up your abdominal area
Liposuction itself is a great way to remove the small fat deposits in the thighs, hips, tummy, and buttocks. Keep in mind that liposuction is not a weight-loss tool. You are likely to be a good candidate for liposuction if you:
- Have a BMI of less than 30
- Have fatty areas that do not go away with regular diet or exercise
- Are you not a smoker
What Are the Results?
A tummy tuck produces permanent results and makes your abdominal area look stronger and firmer. The excess skin also doesn’t come back unless you gain some weight or get pregnant (pregnancy stretches out the skin again). It is best to wait until you are done having children before having an abdominoplasty.
Even though liposuction also claims to produce permanent results, studies have found that fat deposits are likely to reappear. New fatty areas can also appear elsewhere in the body. Discuss any issues you have with your plastic surgeon, because a touch-up may be warranted to maintain your smooth new silhouette.
Abdominoplasty Doctor in Atlanta, GA
If you want to trim and firm up your tummy area, trust our highly experienced, skilled, and board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gregory Mackay. He has established an excellent reputation in Atlanta for successfully achieving amazing results for his patients, including performing tummy tucks and liposuction cosmetic procedures.
If you would like to make an appointment with our exceptional plastic surgeon Dr. Mackay, call us today at (404) 255-2975 or fill out our online appointment request form now. We look forward to helping you love the way you look!
