Tummy Tuck, Liposuction, or Both? (Updated 2023)

Looking to get a slimmer, more contoured, and attractive abdomen? If you’re having trouble deciding between abdominal liposuction and a tummy tuck, you may not have to. I frequently perform both liposuction and tummy tuck surgery for my North Shore and Glenview, IL, patients who want to feel confident showing off their trim, toned midriff, even after weight loss or pregnancy.

In this blog post, I will discuss each procedure’s benefits and drawbacks to help you understand which approach may be most beneficial for making your cosmetic goals a reality.

What Are the Benefits of a Tummy Tuck?

Excess abdominal skin that sags over your waist after losing significant weight or having children doesn’t shrink, no matter how much time you spend at the gym.

A tummy tuck tightens loose skin on the abdomen, and repairs separated abdominal muscles (rectus diastasis). It is ideal for those who have had children or lost weight and want to reduce the remaining excess skin for a firmer, flatter look. Learn more about whether you are ready for a tummy tuck in this previous blog post.

What Are the Potential Cons of a Tummy Tuck?

It leaves a well-hidden scar low on the abdomen from hip bone to hip bone. This scar may be slightly smaller if you opt for a mini-tummy tuck, which tightens only the skin below the belly button and does not typically repair weakened ab muscles.

It takes several weeks to fully return to exercise. Tummy tuck recovery can be lengthy because your muscles and your incision need to heal fully before you can participate in any intense exercise.

See examples of tummy tuck results in our before-and-after photo gallery.

What Are the Benefits of Liposuction?

Liposuction removes excess fat and sculpts more attractive waistline contours. It is ideal for those with good skin elasticity looking to reduce stubborn fat on the abdomen, along with other areas of the body. The procedure leaves a smaller scar than a tummy tuck and involves a shorter recovery time.

What Are the Potential Cons of Liposuction?

Liposuction does not address the bulging of the abdominal wall. Even after removing excess fat, you may still notice a bulge in your abdomen caused by weakened ab muscles.

Liposuction does not tighten loose skin. If you have loose skin on your abdomen, liposuction will reduce the underlying fat but will not correct any drooping or sagging of the skin.

See examples of liposuction results in our before-and-after photo gallery.

Why Does Combining Liposuction and a Tummy Tuck Make Sense?

Should you add liposuction to your tummy tuck? When you combine your tummy tuck with liposuction, you will enjoy smoother skin, tighter core muscles, and attractive abdominal contours. The combined approach creates a more comprehensive improvement. In many cases, this is the best way to achieve the full effect of a flatter, firmer, more sculpted abdomen with long-lasting results.

As an additional benefit, having both procedures performed simultaneously allows you to recover from both procedures at one time. This eliminates the extra recovery time it would take to have them performed separately.

Combined Tummy Tuck & Liposuction Before and After Photos

Start Your Journey

No matter which approach you think may be right for you, it is essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to create your custom treatment plan. Your surgeon should offer artistic insight into which treatments will work best to elevate the way your body looks and feels. During your consultation, you will talk over your treatment options and current concerns to determine the best way forward for you.

If you would like to learn more about what is possible with cosmetic surgery in the Arlington Heights area, please contact us online or call (847) 504-2333.