Tummy Tuck or Liposuction: Which Is Right for You?

Ask a sample of people what they’d change about their bodies if given the chance and a lot of the answers you get involve tummies, bellies, and midsections. If you’re one of the many men or women who would prefer a flatter stomach, look no further than our selection of strategic tummy-tightening surgeries at Women’s Health Institute in Macon, Georgia. 

Led by cosmetic surgeon Nnaemeka Umerah, MD, and aesthetic specialist Anayo Umerah, MD, Women’s Health Institute boasts personalized plastic surgery and multiple noninvasive treatments to fine-tune your physique. Tummy tucks and liposuction are two of the most popular options and can both offer stunning results for your midsection. 

These surgeries offer flattering results for your figure according to your goals. Whether you’re looking to target extra volume related to a recent pregnancy, weight loss, or your natural fat distribution, our experts ensure a smooth process using the treatment strategy most appropriate for you. 

Either a tummy tuck or liposuction can help you reach your goals, and our experts can direct you to the right option for you. Compare them both in this brief guide. 

When to consider a tummy tuck

Tummy tuck surgery, or abdominoplasty, is one of the team’s specialties at Women’s Health Institute. With an exceptional track record, Dr. Umerah prioritizes safety and comfort while giving you a tight and toned midsection. 

During a tummy tuck, Dr. Umerah removes excess fat, skin, and other tissues from your midsection. He then tightens and repairs the underlying abdominal muscles using a custom inner corset. 

Dr. Umerah strategically places the incision to be sure your scar is minimally visible and easy to hide under your clothing. If you opt for a mini tummy tuck, which removes less fat and skin than the conventional option, your scar is smaller (just three to six inches in length). 

After surgery, you spend about two weeks recovering away from work and should avoid strenuous lifts and other activities for at least two more weeks after that. Dr. Umerah gives you compression garments and pain medications to manage discomfort and swelling postsurgery, and you can fully enjoy your results in a matter of weeks. 

Consider holding off on a tummy tuck if you’re still in the process of losing weight or if you plan on getting pregnant at any point in the future. 

Liposuction for efficient fat removal

Liposuction is just one of several body contouring services you can get at Women’s Health Institute. Dr. Umerah uses a power-assisted liposuction (PAL®) system by MicroAire® to loosen and liquefy fat cells beneath your skin using vibration. Vacuum suction then removes those cells to shrink the targeted area. 

One perk of liposuction that you don’t get with a tummy tuck is the option of fat transfer. After careful surgical planning, Dr. Umerah can remove fat from one area of your body using liposuction and place that fat somewhere else where volume is lacking. You can use fat transfer for a more proportionate figure. 

Additionally, liposuction isn’t limited to your abdominal region (unless you want it to be). You can also use liposuction to remove extra fat cells from your:

• Thighs 
• Buttocks
• Breast area
• Flanks
• Chin and neck
• Calves
• Back

Unless you work a job with lots of physical labor, you can usually return to work within a week of getting liposuction and can see the full result (minus the swelling) in around three or four months. 

Which is best for you?

Our team meticulously reviews your goals and assesses your health before making a recommendation for cosmetic surgery. They determine if liposuction or a tummy tuck is the better fit for your cosmetic surgery care plan and make sure you know exactly what to anticipate either way. Call Women’s Health Institute or schedule a consultation online at your earliest convenience.