☕ 5-minute read
A flat stomach is easily everybody’s body goals. Even after a decade of Kardashians turning the societal body norms upside down, the dream of a flat tummy found its way back into our perception of beauty.
The reason we want it has been discussed by research conducted in 2015 & 2018. It claims that less fat in your belly, meaning smaller waist size, can be linked with lower risk of heart disease and diabetes.
If not anything, the “clean-girl” trend has taught us that healthy is the new beauty. So, asking Google on how to get rid of a mom pooch is more than valid. Thankfully, cosmetic surgery can provide two solutions to this question:
- Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
- Liposuction
Let’s dive into our article where we talk about the difference between the two, and if we can combine them for perfect results!
🩺 Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a plastic surgery designed to improve the appearance of the stomach by removing excess skin and fat and contouring the underlying muscles. This procedure is often sought by those who have experienced significant weight loss, pregnancy, or aging, which can lead to loose or sagging skin and weak abdominal muscles.
The goal of a tummy tuck is to create a smoother, firmer abdominal profile. It is also important to note that a tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program.
Click to find out more about the 5 types of tummy tuck and which one is for you! 🤩
🎭 Why is tummy tuck different from lipo?
The main factor that differentiates a tummy tuck from liposuction (lipo) is that while liposuction primarily targets the removal of fat to contour specific areas, a tummy tuck also addresses the removal of excess skin and the reshaping of abdominal muscles, providing more comprehensive tightening of the abdominal area.
💰 Cost of Tummy Tuck
It is quite difficult to claim a specific cost for a plastic surgery because there are many variables, such as:
- Scope of the procedure: A mini tummy tuck is very different from a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck.
- Doctor’s level of expertise: A top surgeon would like to charge you higher than a relatively inexperienced one.
- Patient’s individuality: Every patient is unique when it comes to cosmetic surgery. Factors like health status, age, smoking, etc. can change the complexity of the procedure.
Thankfully, a trustworthy platform – founded in U.S. since 2006, called RealSelf collects this kind of information for patients to research further into cosmetic treatments:
💉 Liposuction
Liposuction is a surgical treatment that removes excess fat deposits from specific areas of the body to improve the shape of the body. Commonly targeted areas include the abdomen also. During the procedure, a surgeon inserts a thin tube (cannula) through small incisions to suction out the fat using a vacuum.
Keep in mind that while liposuction can effectively sculpt and slim areas resistant to diet and exercise, it is not a weight-loss method and does not address excess skin or cellulite.
🔬 VASER Liposuction
VASER liposuction, abbreviated from Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance, is an advanced body contouring technique that uses ultrasound technology to break down fat cells for easier removal. This innovative method involves a small probe that emits ultrasonic waves to liquefy fat, allowing for more precise fat extraction with a cannula.
VASER lipo is known for its ability to selectively target fat cells while preserving surrounding tissues, such as nerves and blood vessels, resulting in smoother contours and reduced bruising and swelling. This procedure is popular for its effectiveness in treating both large and delicate areas with a shorter recovery time compared to traditional liposuction techniques.
🧬 J Plasma (Argon Plasma)
J plasma in liposuction refers to the use of argon plasma technology (the gas used to apply j plasma) to enhance traditional liposuction procedures. The J plasma generates controlled heat, which helps to liquefy the fat, making it easier to remove with a cannula.
Additionally, the heat from the plasma can help tighten the skin and coagulate blood vessels, reducing bleeding and promoting smoother skin retraction. This approach aims to improve the precision and effectiveness of liposuction while minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues and enhancing overall results.
🧐 Are VASER liposuction and J plasma the same thing?
No, they are not the same treatment but are not in the same category either.
This is because the VASER lipo is a liposuction technique using ultrasound waves, and J plasma uses radio frequency energy. To summarize, VASER’s concern is removing fats, while the other focuses on skin tightening.
That is why, Dr. Cengizhan uses both for perfect results. This combined application can also be present in other operations such as abdominoplasty, BBL, skin lift, etc. In the FAQ section at the end of this article, you can learn how liposuction is used along with other plastic surgeries.
🎭 Why is liposuction different from tummy tuck?
Liposuction targets fat removal and body contouring, while a tummy tuck addresses excess skin and muscle laxity in the abdominal area. Depending on their needs and goals, patients may undergo one procedure or a combination of both to achieve the ideal results.
💰 Cost of Liposuction
Determining the cost of liposuction can be challenging since a surgeon’s expertise, geographical location, anesthesia costs, and the extent of the procedure can influence the final surgery fee. However, RealSelf can provide valuable insights into the average costs reported by users who have undergone liposuction:
While such data can offer a general idea of what to expect, it’s essential for individuals considering liposuction to consult with a certified doctor for a personalized assessment and accurate pricing based on specific needs and circumstances. You can get free consultation from us in the link.
📊 Comparison between Tummy Tuck & Liposuction
| TUMMY TUCK | LIPO |
| ⏺️ Removes excess skin | ⏺️ Removes fat |
| ✅ Works best with saggy skins | ⛔ May not do much for saggy skin |
| ⏺️ General anesthesia | ⏺️ General (often times) or local anesthesia |
| ⛔ Bigger incisions; more visible scarring | ✅ Smaller incisions; minimal scarring |
| ⏺️ Full recovery in 4 – 6 Weeks | ✅ Full recovery in 2 – 4 Weeks |
| ⛔ Only applied to abdomen | ✅ Can be applied on all body |
*It is quite common & normal to suffer from both of the abdominal problems. With that being said, it is also possible to get rid of them using both of the procedures in question!
📸 Testimonials from Patients
✨ Tummy Tuck Before & After
🎉 Liposuction Before & After
😍 Tummy Tuck & Liposuction Before & After
❓ FAQ
- Can tummy tuck and liposuction be done together?
Yes, both of the procedures are commonly combined in operations to get the ultimate results. Some refer to the combination as lipoabdominoplasty.
If you have stubborn fat as well as loose skin in your body, this may be the perfect option for you!
- Which one is better: tummy tuck or liposuction?
They are both safe & commonly-practiced operations, so they cannot be considered as superior to each other. Depending on what you need to remove from your body (fat deposit or extra skin or both), Dr. Cengizhan can provide the best application for your individual condition.
- Which one causes more pain: tummy tuck or liposuction?
Since the patients will be under anesthesia during both of the procedures in question, they will not feel any pain. However, the pain anticipated after both operations can be relieved with the responsible use of painkillers so that the post-op. period can end more comfortably. Additionally, tummy tuck has more extensive after-care instructions that need to be followed strictly, such as not standing straight for a couple of days.
- How many sizes do you lose with a tummy tuck?
The outcomes of this procedure differ for each individual due to varying body compositions and goals for abdominal contouring. Yet typically, patients can anticipate a reduction of 1 – 3 sizes following the treatment.
- How much weight do you lose with tummy tuck & liposuction?
Again, it is truly hard to say considering patients’ desires & extent of the procedure. But on average, you can expect to drop 4 – 10 pounds afterwards.
- Can you get rid of your saggy belly at home naturally?
Waist trainers, belly wraps or thermal clothing can temporarily compress the waist and create the appearance of a flatter stomach, but they do not lead to permanent fat loss or muscle strengthening. They primarily work by redistributing body fluids and compressing tissues, which can result in short-term changes in appearance but do not address underlying fat or muscle tissue.
According to multiple research, the use of such garments does not effectively target fat loss and can potentially lead to muscle weakening and other health issues due to prolonged compression.
References:
- Peters SAE, Bots SH, Woodward M. Sex Differences in the Association Between Measures of General and Central Adiposity and the Risk of Myocardial Infarction: Results From the UK Biobank. J Am Heart Assoc. 2018 Feb 28;7(5):e008507. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.117.008507. PMID: 29490971; PMCID: PMC5866342.
- Sahakyan KR, Somers VK, Rodriguez-Escudero JP, Hodge DO, Carter RE, Sochor O, Coutinho T, Jensen MD, Roger VL, Singh P, Lopez-Jimenez F. Normal-Weight Central Obesity: Implications for Total and Cardiovascular Mortality. Ann Intern Med. 2015 Dec 1;163(11):827-35. doi: 10.7326/M14-2525. Epub 2015 Nov 10. PMID: 26551006; PMCID: PMC4995595.