How Are Tummy Tucks and Liposuction Different? Let’s Learn the Facts.
If you’re concerned about loose, hanging skin or excess fat on your tummy, you might find yourself Googling what surgical options might work for you. But the internet isn’t always the best place to find medical or surgical advice. We often have patients who are understandably confused about what operation will actually meet their needs. Let’s explore the differences between liposuction and tummy tucks so you can get a sense of which one might be right for you.
What does Liposuction do?
During a liposuction procedure, suction is used to remove unwanted fat from specific areas. Imagine it like a vacuum cleaner for excess fat. Liposuction can work for body parts like the tummy, hips, thighs, arms, or neck. If you’re a man undergoing a gynecomastia procedure to remove excess chest tissue, liposuction can also be used to remove extra fat to help flatten the chest and create a more masculine shape. However, liposuction doesn’t smooth away stretch marks, or solve concerns about loose hanging skin.
The surgical team at The Cosmetic Surgery Clinic in Waterloo is equipped with decades of education, skill, and experience.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck (or abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure that reshapes, contours, and improves the shape of the abdomen or tummy area. During this procedure, a skilled surgeon removes excess fat using liposuction but also contours and tightens the abdominal area, trimming away loose skin or excess tissue on the tummy or around the belly button. Most importantly, the muscles of the abdominal wall are also tightened and flattened to achieve the best possible shape and contour.
Is Liposuction a weight loss procedure?
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgical procedure and is different from a weight loss or health management plan. If you have a stable body weight but you’re looking to target a stubborn pocket of fat in a specific area, liposuction can suck away that excess fat with lasting results. Some patients also find that the results give them the push they need to persist with a healthy lifestyle. But if you’re looking for an overall weight loss or health management solution, talk to your doctor about nutritional plans, exercise plans, or prescription medication that could help.
Is Liposuction or Tummy Tuck better for me?
Dr. Shenker and Dr. Ma of the Cosmetic Surgery Clinic in Waterloo
We find that many patients who come to our Waterloo clinic seeking liposuction are actually better tummy tuck candidates. If you have loose or hanging skin around your abdomen, liposuction will remove fat in the area but won’t solve the issue of excess skin or non-fatty tissue. For some patients, a combination of both treatments is ideal to remove fat and sculpt the abdominal area. If you’re only aiming to suction away fat, your surgeon may recommend a liposuction procedure. The great news is, we’re here to help. Our surgical consultations give you one-to-one time to talk through your concerns, goals, and questions with one of our surgeons. We’re passionate about finding solutions that work for you, and want you to walk into your procedure with confidence, knowing what you’re getting and why it’s the right choice for you.
How do I get started with a Tummy Tuck or Liposuction in Waterloo?
During your surgical consultation, Dr. Ma or Dr. Shenker will learn about your medical history and your goals to create a surgical plan that’s specialized for you.
Schedule your surgical consultation with Dr. Ma or Dr. Shenker to get straight answers about what surgery could be right for you. We’ll learn about your medical history, ask thorough questions and do an examination to establish what surgical or non-invasive procedure will meet your goals. A consultation is a great place to learn about options and figure out the right path to the aesthetic outcome you want. Want inspiration? Check out our galleries for real before and after surgical results from tummy tuck patients.
