Battle of the Bulge-Busters: Tummy Tuck vs. Abdominal Liposuction By Stuart Baker on August 16, 2016

At The Center for Cosmetic Medicine, we are pleased to offer a comprehensive range of body contouring procedures, all of which can be customized to meet the unique needs and aesthetic goals of each individual patient. Dr. Stuart Baker takes the time to truly listen to each patient and understand what he or she is hoping to achieve through plastic surgery. He then explains the options available that will best allow the patient to reach his or her goals and tailors a one-of-a-kind treatment plan accordingly.

One of the areas of the body that many patients are most interested in improving is the abdominal region. Many patients come into our practice knowing that tummy tuck surgery and abdominal liposuction can be used to give them slimmer, trimmer abdomens, but are not at all sure how these procedures are different. In fact, some patients believe that there is no difference between these procedures - that they are, indeed, one and the same.

In truth, while both procedures have similar purposes, they are quite different, and the chances are good that one is better suited to your unique case than the other. For this reason, Dr. Baker would be pleased to discuss the issue of tummy tuck vs. abdominal liposuction with you during a consultation at his Champaign, IL plastic surgery practice. He can explain the two procedures to you in detail and help you to arrive at a decision as to which one would best allow you to achieve your cosmetic goals.

To find out whether tummy tuck or abdominal liposuction is right for you, please schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Baker at The Center for Cosmetic Medicine today.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Tummy tuck, clinically known as abdominoplasty, is potentially ideal for patients who wish to address excess skin and fat, as well as lax musculature, in the abdominal region. The procedure is one of the most customizable in all of plastic surgery, as it can be limited to the region just below the navel and above the pubic area or extended all the way around to the flanks and the lower back. Traditional tummy tuck addresses the abdomen proper.

During the procedure, Dr. Baker creates an incision through which he removes excess fat and tightens the underlying muscles of the abdomen. He then trims away any excess skin, pulls the remaining skin taut, and sutures the incision closed.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Abdominal Liposuction?

Unlike tummy tuck surgery, abdominal liposuction encompasses only the removal of fat and is therefore not suitable for patients who wish to address loose, hanging skin or lax abdominal muscles. It is best suited for patients who are at or near their ideal weight but who have lingering deposits of fat in the abdominal region that refuse to respond to diet and exercise. Liposuction will permanently remove these fat cells, leaving behind smoother body contours.