When the goal is to achieve a toned, fit body, the belly is one of the most troublesome areas. Excess fat and skin on the abdomen may not respond to diet and exercise, no matter how diligently you work to get in shape. When all else has failed, and you are considering plastic surgery, you have two treatment options that could slim and flatten the area: liposuction and a tummy tuck (technically known as abdominoplasty). Which procedure is right for you will depend on your situation.
Which Is a Better Choice -- Tummy Tuck or Liposuction?
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) and liposuction are surgical techniques that achieve a flatter, smoother tummy area with long-lasting results. Liposuction can leave you with a flatter stomach and less fat around the midsection. Tummy tuck surgery creates an abdomen that is firmer and better toned. The best treatment option for you will depend on the issues you want to address:
- If your skin is relatively elastic and you only want to remove excess fat to achieve a flatter abdomen, liposuction is likely all that you will need.
- On the other hand, if you want to remove excess skin and fat and strengthen the abdominal wall simultaneously, a tummy tuck may be the treatment option you need to achieve your goals.
How Does Recovery after a Tummy Tuck Compare to Liposuction Recovery?
Both procedures will require some recovery time, but a longer recovery is needed after a tummy tuck than after liposuction.
- Liposuction recovery: Most patients take a week off work after liposuction. You will need to wear a compression garment and move around every few hours to help reduce swelling, promote circulation, and prevent blood clots. It will take approximately one week for the bruising and swelling to subside.
- Tummy tuck recovery: Abdominoplasty is performed under general anesthesia – you will need someone to drive you home after the procedure. For the first 48 hours, you will wear a compression garment and rest. Although it is important to move around to help promote blood circulation, initially, you should only stand at a 45° angle to protect your incision. Medications will be provided to help manage pain. Your doctor may give you permission to resume exercising at approximately four to six weeks after surgery.
Do Liposuction and Tummy Tucks Leave Scars?
During a liposuction procedure, a cannula is inserted through small incisions to remove excess fat. These tiny incision lines become small scars that are difficult to notice and will fade over time. For a tummy tuck, incisions are an inevitable part of the procedure. The scar is a thin line low on the abdomen from hipbone to hipbone. However, our surgeons try to minimize scarring and generally place incisions in areas easily concealed by undergarments. Most patients feel the beneficial results of a tummy tuck far outweigh any post-surgical scarring.
Why Choose Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery?
Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery was established in 1993. We have served patients in the Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra Beach, and Fernandina Beach, Florida, area for the past 30 years. Our board-certified plastic surgeons and medical teams are known for excellent bedside manners, safety, and outstanding results. Whichever procedure is best for you, we will provide skilled, expert care and dedicate ourselves to your outstanding results.
