Which is better for removing belly fat: liposuction vs tummy tuck? It depends upon the desired weight-loss results and the specific patient undergoing surgery. 

Burning off unwanted fat can feel like an impossible task: there are many reasons for this. Busy life schedules, slim access to fitness facilities, genetic disorders, underactive thyroids, and slowing metabolisms are just a few of the obstacles most weight loss seekers face. Sometimes, it’s more time-efficient and financially better to look into surgical weight-loss options. 

Two of the most popular options are liposuction and “tummy tucks” — technically called an abdominoplasty. Both are surgically invasive procedures (both requiring a plastic surgeon and anesthesia) that center around removing unwanted body fat; however, there are some key differences between the two. Let’s look at both of these weight-loss options.

Liposuction vs tummy tuck: The Former

Also known as lipoplasty or body contouring, liposuction is the process of removing small deposits of fat from the body with a suction device. The process involves injections that break up stubborn fat deposits, then, are removed with targeted suction from a surgical-style vacuum device. As mentioned above, “small deposits of fat” are the primary targets of liposuction. This includes unwanted fat on the thighs, legs, hips, and stomach. Liposuction is meant to smooth and contour the shape of the patient’s body, sometimes taking multiple procedures to gain the desired results. It’s debated amongst medical professionals if liposuction should be a primary form of weight loss, i.e, severely overweight patients shouldn’t use this procedure to remove copious amounts of excess body fat. Recovering from liposuction is quicker than a tummy tuck because it is a less intense operation. 

Liposuction vs tummy tuck: The Latter

Up next, tummy tucks are another surgical, weight-loss option for stubborn belly fat. Unlike liposuction, abdominoplasty is generally targeted at the midsection of the body, removing excess skin, fat, and tightening the abdominal muscles in the process. Gaining weight or being pregnant can stretch out the skin around our midsections, something that a tummy tuck can remedy. Medical professionals don’t recommend undergoing the weight-loss operation if you plan on becoming pregnant or are already in the process of trying to lose weight. A tummy tuck requires a single surgery that lasts around two to three hours compared to liposuction. 

Liposuction vs tummy tuck: Summary

Both liposuction and tummy tucks are weight-loss procedures that can remove unwanted stomach fat. Liposuction is generally for smaller deposits of fat and the recovery time is faster; tummy tucks focus on removing fat and excess skin in the midsection, recovery times are longer because of the more invasive operation. At the end of the day, whatever weight-loss procedure is best for you should be decided by your personal healthcare provider or doctor. 

If you want more information or insightful guidance about which weight-loss operation is right for you, contact the weight management professionals at RCMC Medical. Achieve your weight-loss goals today!