What are the major differences between a tummy tuck and liposuction to the tummy?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, removes excess fat and loose skin from the abdomen and repairs the underlying abdominal muscles that have been stretched due to pregnancy or weight gain. A mini-tummy tuck, called a dermolipectomy or panniculectomy, removes only the extra fat and skin with no muscle repair. Incisions for abdominoplasty are more extensive than for a mini tuck and run across the lower abdomen from hip to hip. Abdominal liposuction removes just unwanted deposits of fat under the skin. It’s the procedure of choice if you have diet- and exercise-resistant fat pockets and good skin elasticity. Incisions are very small and usually camouflaged by natural skin folds. Recovery time is less than with a tummy tuck.
