Acquiring a flat-toned stomach can be difficult. Even if you do all the right things like having a healthy diet or exercising regularly, the abdomen area can be one of the most difficult to trim down. People who are not happy with the appearance of their midsection, or feel less confident due to their shape, often look to cosmetic surgery to help achieve the look that the hard work has not been able to provide.

This leads them to the question, tummy tuck or liposuction. Which is more appropriate for their situation? Which will help them achieve the look they desire? Let’s break them both down today to understand the differences. For a final, and the most assured answer, however, it’s best to book a consultation with Dr. Yunaev at Breast and Body Clinic today to find out which procedure is the best option for you.

The Issue

People are brought to the question of a tummy tuck or liposuction in a variety of different ways. For some, it can be the results of child-bearing, obesity, or a genetically determined poor distribution of fat. All of these situations can make it very difficult to contour the abdomen with only diet and exercise.

In some cases, surgery may be the only option, and a liposuction or a tummy tuck in Sydney by Breast & Body Clinic may be the answer.

Liposuction

Patients who have excess or stubborn pockets of fat that seem to be unaffected by diet and exercise are best suited to the liposuction procedure. especially if they still have good skin tone and a flat abdominal wall. Liposuction is more effective and better suited to those who do not have a history of massive weight loss or pregnancy.

By making small incisions in the skin, liposuction removes or moves fatty tissue which can be suctioned out from the area between the skin and abdominal wall. Liposuction is more about sculpting than removal with the goal of a three-dimensional shape and figure. The areas that respond well to this procedure are the abdomen, hips, waistline, thighs, and arms.

Tummy Tuck

In cases where the abdominal skin or abdominal wall is stretched or loose, a tummy tuck is required. The tummy tuck procedure involves an incision from hip to hip with which the skin and fat are lifted off of the abdominal wall, pulled down and removed. With the use of stitches, the abdominal wall is the tightened.

In some cases, liposuction can be combined with a tummy tuck for a more comprehensive contour, if suitable.

Recovery

The recovery process for both procedures varies, as does the healing abilities of all patients. The number of areas operated on, in the case of liposuction, can also be a factor.

After liposuction, you will likely experience some swelling or oozing/draining from your incision marking a need for a compression garment to assist in recovery. Liposuction is classed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you will only need to restrict activities for around 48 hours with the exception of heavy weight lifting and extensive cardio.

A tummy tuck is a little more involved and will require surgical dressing, that needs to be regularly changed along with a compression garment. You will be able to walk around after a day or so which is encouraged to prevent the formation of blood clots, and prescription pain relievers and antibiotics will be given to reduce the risk of infection and pain. In some cases, surgical drains may be required.

A tummy tuck can take around six weeks to fully heal and requires avoidance of any abdominal extension or bending backward, with strenuous physical activity or exercise being put on hold until cleared by the doctor.

Considering a Tummy Tuck or Liposuction?

While the improved appearance of the midsection is the goal in both of these procedures, you can see how they apply to vastly different scenarios.

To find out which is best suited to your situation and goals, book a consultation with Dr. Yunaev at Breast and Body Clinic, and get the definitive answer on which procedure is right for you.