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Many people may struggle to get their pre-pregnancy body back or may have developed significant amounts of loose skin after dramatic weight loss. Loose skin, excess fat or stretchmarks can be eliminated with highly effective cosmetic surgery procedures. Tummy tuck surgery and liposuction can both achieve a flat stomach and a trimmer waist. There are several differences between a tummy tuck and liposuction, and here we discuss the pros and cons of each treatment.
RELATED: Key facts about tummy tuck surgery & abdominoplasty
What is the difference between a tummy tuck and liposuction?
Liposuction in London is one of the most successful body contouring procedures in the UK to achieve a sculpted and contoured physique. Excess fat can be removed from virtually anywhere on the body that has not shifted with diet and exercise alone. Liposuction is one of our most popular procedures, as it involves both minimal incisions and scars. Patients can go home later the same day once they have recovered from the effects of the anaesthetic and can return to work after one week.
RELATED: What is the difference between liposuction and a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is more invasive than liposuction, although it offers several benefits in addition to removing excess fat. People who choose to have a tummy tuck can get rid of excess fat and loose skin and tighten weak abdominal muscles, also known as diastasis recti or abdominal separation. Stretch marks often coexist with loose skin and can also be removed with a tummy tuck. Abdominoplasty surgery involves making an incision across the lower abdomen. Fortunately, tummy tuck scars can be easily covered by most types of underwear or swimwear.
Tummy tuck or liposuction – which is better?
The best option to achieve a flat stomach depends on your goals for treatment. Liposuction is suitable for removing excess fat from unwanted areas of the body. Common liposuction areas include the abdomen, arms, hips, buttocks, thighs and knees. The elasticity of the skin often determines liposuction results. People with moderate to extensive degrees of loose skin are not recommended to have liposuction alone, as pre-existing skin laxity can be worsened. The best option for most men and women with loose skin is to have a tummy tuck to get rid of loose skin, excess fat and stretch marks. Women who have been pregnant or have undergone significant weight loss are often left with significant amounts of loose skin. The best treatment to eliminate saggy skin is to have an abdominoplasty.
There are several different types of tummy tucks. A full tummy tuck is designed to tighten both the upper and lower abdomen. A mini tummy tuck is suitable for people who have localised areas of loose skin and excess fat located in the lower part of the abdomen only. Both a full tummy tuck and mini tummy tuck are often combined with 360 liposuction to get rid of excess fat from the abdomen, waist and lower back to achieve a pleasing body contour.
Medical benefits of tummy tuck surgery
Improved body posture and eliminate low back pain
Published medical research has demonstrated significantly improved patient outcomes after abdominoplasty surgery by improving body posture and treating back pain with abdominal muscle tightening.
While many patients have an abdominoplasty to get rid of excess abdominal skin, many have developed abdominal separation as a result of pregnancy or massive weight loss. Patients can achieve improved body posture with better alignment of the head, shoulders, and pelvis. This is thought to be due to an increase in self-confidence combined with a reduction in abdominal size.
Abdominal separation or diastases recti can result in weak core strength and low back pain. Low back pain can be improved after abdominoplasty surgery and is often related to improving body posture.
Improve self-confidence and emotional well being
A tummy tuck can transform people’s lives by significantly boosting self-confidence and emotional well-being. The vast majority of patients who have a tummy tuck at Centre for Surgery in London often tell us how their quality of life has significantly improved. This is due to having a better body shape, which makes them feel better about themselves and increases their engagement in everyday social situations. An improvement in body image, including a positive outlook, is strongly associated with having an abdominoplasty for people affected by abdominal separation or loose skin.
Can a tummy tuck be combined with liposuction?
When deciding between having a tummy tuck liposuction, many people may be surprised to know that both procedures are commonly combined in the same treatment. A combination of liposuction and tummy tuck is also known as a Brazilian tummy tuck. At your consultation, your surgeon will listen carefully to your needs and desires before designing a customised treatment plan to your body shape and goals. Liposuction can be used to narrow the waist and eliminate areas of bulging fat. A tummy tuck can effectively eliminate excess skin and tighten weak abdominal muscles.
Tummy tuck and liposuction at Centre for Surgery
Centre for Surgery is the leading plastic surgery clinic in London and is home to some of the best tummy tuck surgeons in the UK. Once you are ready to take that first step toward achieving your body goals, call us today at 020 7993 4849 or complete the contact form below to schedule a consultation. Our state-of-the-art Baker Street clinic in Marylebone is a centre of excellence for body contouring Surgery, and our plastic surgeons carry out hundreds of tummy tuck and liposuction procedures each year.
RELATED: How much does a tummy tuck cost?
