Liposuction And Tummy Tuck: Understanding Your Body Contouring Options

• 1 March 2024
• Mr A. Siddiqui

Last updated on February 19, 2024

Chances are if you have been researching options to enhance, slim or tone your body shape you will have come across both liposuction and tummy tuck procedures. The two popular treatments are designed to help contour your body and make you feel more confident in your skin.

Whether you are dealing with stubborn fat or excess skin, both of these body contouring procedures can help. But do you know the differences between liposuction and tummy tuck surgery and which one is best for you?

What is liposuction and tummy tuck, UK?

Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that removes fat from different areas of your body for a leaner, sculpted appearance. A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) goes a step further by removing excess fat, tightening the abdominal muscles and removing loose skin, providing a flatter, firmer and more toned abdominal area.

Both procedures are designed for people who have been trying to lose weight and are struggling to shed those last few pounds, or now have excess skin.

Liposuction and tummy tuck UK: Liposuction and tummy tuck surgery help to remove excess skin and those last stubborn fat cells after significant weight loss or to reclaim your pre-pregnancy figure.

What is the difference between tummy tuck and liposuction?

The main distinctions between tummy tuck surgery and liposuction revolve around the target areas and the specific issues they address.

Liposuction

Lipo is versatile, allowing for the removal of excess fat from various parts of the body such as the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, arms, and even the neck, making it suitable for individuals looking to refine and reshape multiple areas. It’s particularly effective for those who have good skin elasticity and are looking to eliminate stubborn fat pockets.

Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty tends to be more invasive and targets the abdomen and stomach. It can be performed as either a full or mini tummy tuck, depending on the extent of correction needed. This procedure goes beyond just removing fat—it also involves tightening the abdominal muscles and removing sagging or excess skin.

A tummy tuck procedure is the better option for people who have experienced significant changes in their abdomen due to factors like pregnancy or substantial weight loss and are left with excess skin or weakened abdominal muscles that diet and exercise alone cannot correct.

Liposuction and tummy tuck UK: An abdominoplasty surgery focuses on your abdomen, flank and back, whilst liposuction can be used on many different areas of your body.

What areas can I treat with liposuction vs tummy tuck?

Liposuction removes fat cells from many different areas, not just the abdomen and stomach:

• Hips
• Thighs
• Arms
• Neck
• Chin
• Buttocks
• Back

There are different types of tummy tuck, that all target your abdomen and stomach for a slim, toned figure. However, the extent of the surgical procedure is different:

• Full abdominoplasty: an extensive procedure for those who need significant skin and fat removed.
• Partial or mini tummy tuck: takes a less invasive approach for those who are at their ideal weight and need excess skin removed.
• Extended abdominoplasty: is a comprehensive procedure that targets your abdomen, hips and back for a full-body contouring.

Which procedure has better long-term results?

Liposuction and tummy tucks take fat and skin away, however, they are not weight loss procedures. Both procedures can offer long-lasting results, but permanent results depend on maintaining a stable and healthy weight.

A tummy tuck can provide more dramatic and visible improvements in the abdominal area, especially for those with excess skin, whilst liposuction may be more subtle but is still effective in the long run. They are most successful when you are close to your target weight and are realistic about your results.

Which procedure is safer?

Both plastic surgery procedures are considered safe when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. However, as a tummy tuck is more invasive, it may come with a higher risk of complications and a longer recovery time.

Can you have a tummy tuck and liposuction at the same time?

Yes, it’s common to combine both procedures to achieve comprehensive body contouring results. This approach can maximise the aesthetic outcome, addressing excess fat, lax muscles and loose skin in one surgical session.

Liposuction and tummy tuck UK: You can combine a tummy tuck and liposuction into one body contouring surgery for optimal slimming, toning and firming.

Is liposuction or tummy tuck right for me?

Whether you opt for liposuction or a tummy tuck, the key to a successful outcome is selecting the right procedure that aligns with your aesthetic goals and following a board-certified cosmetic surgeon’s advice. Both procedures have the potential to significantly enhance your body shape and boost your confidence. And you can also combine them for optimal body contouring.

Meet Mr Siddiqui

MBBS (Hons), MRCS Ed, M.Ch, FRCS (Plastic Surgery) Consultant Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon CHESTER | MANCHESTER | PRESTON

Mr Siddiqui holds the position of Consultant Plastic Surgeon within the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department at The Countess of Chester Hospital. He is known as one of Manchester’s top 10 cosmetic surgeons, with a distinguished career in plastic surgery. Having refined his expertise, he transitioned to an NHS Consultant before establishing his private practice, serving individuals across Manchester, Chester, and Preston.

How to book your consultation

Ready to rejuvenate your appearance? You can:

Fill out our online booking form
Call us: 07787 331122
Email us: info@breastandbody.co.uk

Contact the expert team at Breast & Body Clinic and book in for your first consultation. Mr Siddiqui, our cosmetic surgeon, can offer advice, recommendations and a tailored treatment plan for you to reclaim your ideal body shape.

FAQs

How much does a tummy tuck and liposuction cost in the UK?

The cost of a tummy tuck, liposuction or combined procedure will depend on the extent of the cosmetic surgery and the surgeon’s experience. You can expect the prices to start from £2,990 for liposuction and £4,500 to £6,000 for a tummy tuck in the UK.

Is a tummy tuck better with liposuction?

Combining a tummy tuck with liposuction can often provide the best of both worlds: removing excess fat and skin for a more comprehensive improvement in body contour and tightening muscles for a firm, trim figure.

What are the main benefits of liposuction and tummy tucks?

Liposuction: Removes stubborn fat deposits, offering a slimmer, more contoured body shape. It can target many different areas such as hips, thighs, arms, chin and stomach.
Tummy Tuck: Tightens abdominal muscles and removes excess skin, resulting in a flatter, more toned stomach area.

Remember, the best way to determine which procedure is right for you is by consulting with a skilled plastic surgeon who can offer personalised advice based on your unique body and goals.

Are the recovery times the same for liposuction and tummy tuck?

No, recovery times for liposuction and tummy tuck differ significantly. Liposuction involves less invasive fat removal, often allowing a quicker recovery. A tummy tuck takes longer due to more extensive surgery to remove excess skin and tighten muscles, necessitating a more extended healing period.