Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck

Should I Get Liposuction?

Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck

Dr. Ali has helped hundreds of women and men in Oakland County get the body they want with liposuction and tummy tucks. But how do you know which procedure is right for you? In this article we discuss the general differences between lipo and a tummy tuck.

Remember every patient is unique, and what is the best procedure for one person may not be right for someone else. Dr. Ali will provide you with a evaluation and detailed answers to your questions, so that you can chose the best procedure for your goals and your individual situation.

Liposuction Procedure

Liposuction is a surgical technique that removes excess fat deposits located between the skin and muscle. It improves the body’s contour or shape by surgically getting rid of stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to exercise and dieting. Liposuction is not a good treatment for obesity or large weight loss.

Liposuction is an excellent procedure for people who are at or near a healthy weight, who simply want to “sculpt” away specific stubborn areas of fat. It generally works best for people who have good skin elasticity and muscle tone – and who do not have excess skin in the midsection or loose abdominal muscles.

In most cases liposuction can be performed under local anesthesia, and the patient can go home within a half hour after the procedure. The incision in liposuction is very small – typically less than 3mm – so there are no stiches and no scars.

In addition to be performed on the “tummy” (abdomen, waist) liposuction can also  be used on many other parts of the body including the sides (love handles), arms, chin, thighs and buttocks (butt).

Tummy Tuck Procedure

A tummy tuck is a more invasive procedure. A tummy tuck is primarily aimed at addressing excess or “flabby” skin and loose muscle, and to a lesser extent excess fat.

A tummy tuck is also often a good procedure for abdominal “flabbiness” due to pregnancy or a large weight loss.

A tummy tuck (also called abdominoplasty) typically requires general anesthesia. An incision across the lower abdomen is performed during a tummy tuck in order to remove excess abdominal skin and tighten the abdominal muscles. This does result in some scaring, as well as a longer recovery time and more intense discomfort.

Do I Need Liposuction or a Tummy Tuck?

A patient with elastic skin and good abdominal muscle tone will generally only require liposuction to remove the fat “bulges” from the abdomen area, and get the results they desire. However, a tummy tuck is usually the best solution if the main issue experienced by the patient is loose skin or stretched muscle tissue.

In some cases, the less invasive liposuction procedure can be done first to remove fat, since it has fewer risks and a shorter recovery time. Then later – if truly necessary to achieve more dramatic results – a tummy tuck can subsequently be performed.

Both liposuction and tummy tuck are excellent body contouring procedures. Dr. Ali will evaluate your skin, muscles and body to assess your individual situation. He will provide detailed answers to your questions, so that you can chose the best procedure for your goals and unique needs.

Oakland County’Liposuction

Dr. Ali has helped hundreds of women and men across Oakland County get the body they want with liposuction and tummy tucks. He will be happy to offer you a consultation to help you understand your options and decide if liposuction or a tummy tuck is right for you.

And remember, financing options are also available!

Call Oakland County Surgeon Dr. Ali for a Liposuction Consultation: 248-335-7200