Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction

Tummy tuck and liposuction are two body contouring procedures intended to add smooth symmetry to your silhouette. They may be performed individually or in tandem, depending on the patient’s needs and the goals of the particular operation. If you are considering skin tightening or fat reduction surgery, it would be wise to consider which available avenue is best suited to your medical circumstances and aesthetic aspiration. Whichever route you choose, let Dr. Korman’s skills and experience be your guide. 

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A Body Contouring Face-Off

There is no better way than a head-to-head comparison to reveal the advantages and opportunities of two similar selections. Certainly, Dr. Korman believes that both liposuction and tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) are each appropriate in certain situations. In fact, abdominoplasty and liposuction are frequently performed together. This matchup will make evident the subtle similarities and distinct differences between two of our most popular body sculpting options. We only hope to elucidate your decision-making before consulting the wisdom of Dr. Korman and his competent crew.    

Which Is Better: Tummy Tuck or Liposuction?

It’s not so much a question of which is “better” as it is an evaluation of which is most fitting for the task at hand. Dr. Korman’s plastic surgery practice is a results-driven enterprise, after all, unbound by restrictive dogma and outmoded thinking. His clear and concise bedside manner always cuts right to the chase. Simply put, abdominoplasty is a more involved surgery, capable of more stunning transformation. Liposuction is low impact and effective for more delicate and exquisite outcomes. Lipo’s recovery time is much shorter.[1] 

Dr. Joshua Korman serves San Jose and beyond with premium aesthetic services. He is renowned across Nothern California for his unparalleled approach to plastic surgery. His patients sing his praises for their remarkable results. Contact us to schedule a confidential consultation with the doctor. Call 408-831-6229 to learn which body contouring procedure might be right for you. We also offer Virtual Consultations to meet our patients’ needs.

Before and After Photos

Liposuction is Low Impact Body Sculpting 

Liposuction does not require as long as a recovery period as does abdominoplasty. Even so, our patients are pleased with their results from the procedure. People with stubborn pockets of fat at strategic locations see a significant improvement in the shape and form of their bodies immediately after their procedures. And their results continue to improve as the swelling goes down. The important thing to remember is that liposuction cannot tighten the skin. For lax and saggy skin, only a tummy tuck will do. 

Abdominoplasty Eliminates Excess Skin

Sometimes our patients require the increased capabilities of our Tummy Tuck procedure. Especially for our patients who have lost a significant amount of weight. Sometimes, women who have been pregnant may have overstretched skin or muscle damage at the abdomen, as well. A tummy tuck is more invasive than liposuction, but it can remove excess abdominal skin and tighten the muscle. We often perform both liposuction and abdominoplasty on patients looking for post-bariatric cosmetic surgery.[2]

Tummy tuck liposuction

A tummy tuck may lead to a more comprehensive improvement of your body’s shape and silhouette. This is particularly true if the procedure is combined with liposuction. However, abdominoplasty’s more astounding results come at the cost of increased recovery time. After a tummy tuck, it can take weeks or months to feel normal again. We tell patients to expect at least four months before the swelling is completely gone.[3]  

Your Private Consultation with Dr. Joshua Korman

Dr. Joshua Korman is a thought leader in plastic surgery. He is a Stanford Professor who generously shares his experience and knowledge with the next generation of doctors. Contact Dr. Korman to see if either liposuction, tummy tuck or a combination of these procedures are right for you. At your private consultation, Dr. Korman or one of his knowledgeable medical professionals on staff will gather your personal information and conduct a brief physical examination. Based on your health history and aesthetic aspirations, we will determine your bespoke course treatment

Call 408-831-6229 to speak with one of our helpful representatives. Dr. Korman’s offices are located throughout the San Francisco Bay Area to best meet your needs. We are excited to offer Virtual Consultations, well. 

Can You Combine Tummy Tuck and Liposuction?

Dr. Korman frequently combines his tummy tuck and liposuction procedures to achieve transformative results in the patient. Often, lax and excess skin is accompanied by large and stubborn bulges of fat. In these cases, neither a tummy tuck nor liposuction alone will achieve the desired outcome.[4] Together, these two procedures accomplish what neither can do alone. A tummy tuck and liposuction together will tighten skin and remove fat to create a thin, trim midsection

How Much Does Transformational Body Contouring Cost in San Jose?

Tummy tuck liposuction

Both abdominoplasty and liposuction are tailored to your body and customized to your needs. Our patients’ many 5-star reviews all agree that their experience with Dr. Korman was a personalized process that helped bring out the best in their individual appearances. After a consultation, we will construct your personalized treatment plan and provide you with a complete set of prices. We offer financing plans so that our patients can choose a payment plan that best suits their circumstances. Watch our specials page for exclusive opportunities to save.

Why Not Choose Both?

Some of the best things in life are not an either-or proposition. As part of your comprehensive consultation, Dr. Korman or one of his staff will provide you with a number of body contouring options that are ideal for your unique set of circumstances. Where appropriate, they may also recommend combining the benefits of multiple procedures to save on recovery time and reduce costs. Like any art, plastic surgery is a holistic process that must be considered in context. So, when it comes to the highest quality body contouring in Northern California, why not choose both liposuction and tummy tuck?

FAQ

How much weight can you lose from a tummy tuck and liposuction?

It is important to be aware of the fact that neither liposuction nor tummy tuck are weight-loss surgeries. They are body contouring surgeries to remove excess skin and fat from areas where diet and exercise cannot do the job alone. That being said, both procedures may permanently excise lax, unsightly skin and fat as part of the course of surgery. Both liposuction and abdominoplasty create a trim and symmetrical silhouette. They can combine to remove approximately 20 lbs of excess tissue.  

How do I keep my stomach flat after a tummy tuck?

Before returning to vigorous physical activity, you must first get the “ok” from your doctor that your body has completely recovered from surgery. You will actually need to avoid any exercise for about six weeks after your abdominoplasty.  When you are ready to resume your workout routine, you will want to focus your newly trim, tight abdominal area to maintain your results from a tummy tuck. Abdominoplasty results are long-lasting, but not permanent. Your outcomes will fade if you start packing on the pounds as soon as your surgery is over. A regular exercise routine is a must for keeping your stomach in good shape. And be sure to include robust cardiovascular workouts to keep your accumulation of body fat in check. 

Does a tummy tuck make your waist smaller?

A tummy tuck is a surgery to sculpt your midsection for a flat and toned appearance. Many men and women who seek a narrow waist or flat abs consider abdominoplasty to assist them in achieving their aesthetic aspirations. In abdominoplasty, loose and excess skin is trimmed away. The skin that remains is tailored to your shape to create a trim and appealing form. Just as a fine set of clothes fit your body because of their perfect cut, your plastic surgeon aims to create similarly svelt results when they sculpt your silhouette during a tummy tuck procedure. Swelling is very common after a tummy tuck, and that swelling can make it difficult to squeeze into your new high-waisted skinny jeans immediately. Eventually, clothing will fit and hang the way you want it to. It’s just important to keep in mind that it might take some time.

References

  1. Hoyos A.E., Guarin D.E. (2020). High-Definition Body Contouring Using VASER-Assisted Liposuction. Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction pp 203-211. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-26875-6_13 
  2. Regan JP, Casaubon JT. (2019). Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck). StatPearls Publishing, Treasure Island (FL). PMID: 28613712. Retrieved from: https://europepmc.org/article/NBK/NBK431058 
  3. Venkataram J. (2008). Tumescent liposuction: a review. Journal of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery, 1(2), 49–57. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-2077.44159
  4. Bellini, E., Grieco, M. P., & Raposio, E. (2017). A journey through liposuction and liposculture: Review. Annals of medicine and surgery (2012), 24, 53–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amsu.2017.10.024 
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