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From CoolSculpting to tummy tuck surgery, liposuction, SlimLipo, and more, there’s a dazzling array of different abdominal sculpting procedures to choose from today. While this is excellent in many ways, consumers are understandably confused when it comes to the limits and advantages of each of these procedures. To make your surgical selection process a little bit easier, we’ve decided to elaborate on how to choose between the two most common abdominal sculpting procedures: Tummy tuck surgery (also known as abdominoplasty) and liposuction.

Liposuction vs Tummy Tuck: How These Procedures Differ From One Another?

The golden rule to remember when deciding between tummy tuck surgery and liposuction is this: Liposuction is primarily a fat removal procedure, whereas the main goal of abdominoplasty is to remove loose skin from the abdomen. It’s true that some subcutaneous fat is also removed during a tummy tuck, but this objective is secondary to firming up the skin, reducing the appearance of stretch marks, and tightening the abdominal muscles.

Liposuction is best for patients who require the removal of stubborn fat deposits, either on the abdomen or elsewhere on the body. While there are limits to how much fat liposuction can remove (the procedure cannot make an obese person slim overnight, for example), this minimally-invasive surgery is praised for its versatility and quick, profound results where fat removal is concerned. If you are a healthy weight but have enduring “love handles,” a belly “pouch,” or a genetic double chin, then liposuction is probably right for you.

If, on the other hand, you’ve already lost most or all of the fat you wanted to lose but are struggling with loose skin, you should have an abdominoplasty. Tummy tucks are perfect for patients who have had the skin on their abdomen stretched by either pregnancy or obesity. Not only will this procedure remove the unsightly excess, it will also strengthen weakened muscles below the skin. This will make it easier for the patient to exercise once they’ve recovered from surgery. Furthermore, abdominoplasty has been proven to help reduce the risk of back problems later in life.

Finally, it’s important to note that liposuction and abdominoplasty are not mutually exclusive procedures—On the contrary, they’re often complementary. If you need help banishing stubborn fat deposits and improving the skin and muscle tone on your abdomen, it’s recommended that you receive both liposuction and a subsequent tummy tuck procedure.

Tummy Tuck vs Liposuction: Which One Do I Need?

For more information on the options available to you, call and book a consultation with Dr. Livingston today.