Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction
A woman in a white bikini and long hair shows off her defined silhouette.

What do you see when you look in the mirror? If your eyes are drawn to extra pudge around your middle, you’re not alone. Abdominal fat is common — and it’s often challenging to eliminate with diet and exercise alone.

Tummy tucks and liposuction are two popular cosmetic surgeries that target excess abdominal fat. Cosmetic surgery can be an excellent way to sculpt your look and boost your confidence, but finding the right method for you depends on your body composition, your goals, and much more.

Walter D. Gracia, MD, PA, is a leading plastic surgeon specializing in body transformation. He has extensive experience in tummy tucks and liposuction, so if you’re curious about the differences between these popular procedures, you’ve come to the right place.

The differences between a tummy tuck and liposuction

Tummy tucks and liposuction are two of the most-requested cosmetic procedures. Both target your stomach to rid the area of excess fat, but the techniques and benefits of each procedure are slightly different.

Tummy tuck

A tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes excess fat, tissue, and skin from the stomach. It’s also called abdominoplasty.

Dr. Gracia makes an incision just above your pubic hairline during a tummy tuck. He removes excess fat and repairs any torn or damaged muscles contributing to the look of a sagging stomach. After contouring your abdomen, he stretches your skin over the top and trims away excess.

Abdominoplasty is a popular procedure among people who have lost significant amounts of weight and women who have had children, particularly because it addresses excess skin and poor muscle tone that often occur over time.

Liposuction

Liposuction is another popular cosmetic surgery to eliminate excess fat and tone the abdomen. It removes unwanted fat through a small surgical tube called a cannula.

Dr. Gracia guides the cannula through a small incision in your skin. He injects a sterile saline solution to break up fat then uses suction to remove the fat through the tube. He contours the area to ensure your results look natural during the procedure.

Unlike a tummy tuck, liposuction can treat several different areas of the body. Dr. Gracia can use liposuction to trim fat from your:

  • Arms
  • Abdomen
  • Flanks (love handles)
  • Hips
  • Buttocks

With liposuction, it’s possible to have multiple areas treated together. For example, you may choose to have your abdomen and flanks treated at once for a more dramatic transformation.

Tips for choosing the best cosmetic procedure for your body

Both tummy tucks and liposuction have their benefits. When it comes to cosmetic surgery, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and Dr. Gracia is here to help you choose the best options for you.

If you want to transform the look of your stomach, start by scheduling a consultation with us. Dr. Gracia can provide a professional assessment to evaluate your body and your goals for surgery.

A tummy tuck might be right for you if you have excess skin or weak abdominal muscles from pregnancy or significant weight loss. If your stomach muscles are strong but you’re having trouble losing excess fat around your middle, liposuction may be a good option for you.

You may also be able to combine a tummy tuck with liposuction. Cosmetic surgery is highly customizable, so don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Gracia questions about your options.

No matter which procedure you choose, it’s important to have realistic expectations. Tummy tucks and liposuction permanently remove extra fat, but you must maintain a healthy weight to keep those results long term.

Are you ready to take the next step to a body you love? Book a cosmetic surgery consultation with Dr. Gracia today. Call our office at (817) 336-9450 or request an appointment to get started.