What is the Difference Between a Tummy Tuck and Liposuction?

Tummy tuck surgery and liposuction are often used interchangeably; unfortunately, this has created some confusion around what these surgeries are, and what the differences might be between them.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Vitolo is here to clear up the confusion. Read on to discover the main differences between a tummy tuck and liposuction!

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*Individual results may vary

What Does a Tummy Tuck Do?

A tummy tuck – also referred to as an abdominoplasty – is a surgery that corrects weakened or damaged abdominal muscles. These symptoms usually occur in people as a result of pregnancy (where muscles are pushed out to make room for the baby’s growth), excessive weight changes, or just getting older. 

Additionally, the tummy tuck surgery removes excess abdominal skin that may have been stretched out due to the stomach’s changing contours.

Dr. Vitolo takes two approaches to tummy tuck surgery:

1. His traditional tummy tuck is ideal for removing excess skin, treating stretch marks, and tightening up the abdominal muscles for a flatter, smoother belly. Dr. Vitolo may also treat the love handles to further complement your results.
2. His “scar less” tummy tuck is a great choice for candidates who don’t have a problem with excess skin, but may have a smaller pooch as a result of weakened ab muscles.

These surgeries are different from liposuction, which aims to remove fat from the abdomen but doesn’t address the abdominal wall meaning you may still have a “pooch” if you opt to forgo a tummy tuck in favor of liposuction.

What Does Liposuction Do?

Liposuction is a popular surgical procedure that manually removes fat from the patient’s treatment area (in this case, the stomach). Liposuction can help a patient whittle down stubborn fat, but it doesn’t treat damaged abdominal muscles or excess skin that may be left behind after liposuction surgery.

Dr. Vitolo uses an approach known as External Ultrasonic Assisted Liposculpture, which uses ultrasonic energy to break up fat tissue that’s been injected with saline and anesthesia. This process liquefies the fat, at which point it’s removed via cannula. There’s no need to manually break up the fat, meaning patients experience less bruising, swelling, and downtime.

Can a Tummy Tuck and Liposuction Be Combined?

Absolutely! In fact, this is the prefered approach, as it helps patients realize their dreams of a flatter, more contoured stomach.

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Take the Next Step

Want to see how Dr. Vitolo can help you get the stomach you’ve always wanted?

Schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Vitolo at his plastic surgery practice by filling out the consultation form on this page or by calling 718-619-8869 to get more information or to make an appointment at one of his 3 offices. 

During this difficult time of the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic we have taken precautions to protect our patients and staff from danger.  Dr Vitolo is offering complimentary VIRTUAL CONSULTATIONS on your computer,smartphone or tablet for all procedures. To request an appointment for a consultation with Dr VITOLO call 718-619-8869 to schedule.