Should I Get a Liposuction or a Tummy Tuck?
While both procedures improve the overall silhouette, liposuction and tummy tucks address different concerns, have different recovery timelines, and have different results.
Candidates
Candidates for either liposuction or tummy tucks must be healthy, at or near a healthy weight, and not smoke. Ideal candidates for liposuction want to remove small fat deposits that cause bulging in nearly any area of the body. The best candidates for a tummy tuck want to remove excess skin, fat, and tissue from the abdominal region.
Recovery
We recommend avoiding extensive exercise for both procedures to prevent any complications during recovery. We may recommend compression garments to reduce swelling and aid healing.
For liposuction, the recovery typically takes a week for light activities and 2-3 weeks for strenuous exercise. For a tummy tuck, full recovery may take up to eight weeks, but most return to light work after two weeks. We recommend light exercise after ten days to aid in healing from a tummy tuck.
Results
Both liposuction and tummy tuck contour the body for a more desired figure. The scars are inconspicuous and allow patients at West Michigan Plastic Surgery to be confident in their results.
For only liposuction, the final results may take a few months as the swelling subsides. Liposuction is not a weight loss solution but does lead to significant visual improvement in body contour and silhouette. Most patients enjoy permanent results, but weight fluctuations could increase fat pockets in other areas of the body. Some patients may require multiple appointments for desired results.
For tummy tucks, final results may take up to 3-6 months. The scars are hidden beneath the bikini line and fade over time. Patients may enjoy permanent results of a flatter, smoother abdomen. Tummy tucks do not remove substantial amounts of fat, focusing more on the excess skin and muscles.
Patients may receive liposuction and a tummy tuck for more extensive restoration in one appointment.