If you’re deciding between abdominoplasty and liposuction, it’s important to understand that each procedure differs quite significantly in how it is performed and the results it can achieve.
While both surgeries are designed to change the shape of the abdominal area, they achieve this in very different ways. The right choice will depend on what you need, whether it’s skin removal, fat removal, or both, and it can be helpful to know what to expect from each different procedure before you decide.
The right procedure will also need to come down to your suitability for each. With a consultation, Plastic Surgeon Dr Justin Perron will need to ensure that your current health, medical history and other important factors are carefully assessed.
What is abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin from the abdomen and tightens the abdominal wall if needed. It’s often chosen by patients who have excess or stretched skin in the area, which may not change independently.
During the operation, your surgeon will make an incision in the predetermined location, typically low across the abdomen. The length of this incision can vary depending on how much skin needs will be removed. For some patients, it may be long, while others may only need a shorter incision.
The skin is then lifted away from the abdominal muscles, which can also be addressed if they have become stretched apart in a condition called diastasis recti. After the muscles have been addressed, if needed, excess tissue can be removed from the area before the skin is carefully placed back and the incisions are closed.
The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic. Since it involves lifting the skin and working on the deeper layers of the abdomen, it is more extensive than liposuction, and recovery times will reflect that.
Abdominoplasty is not designed to remove a significant amount of fat deposits, although some fat will naturally be removed as part of the skin that’s excised. If you only have fat deposits in the area that you would like to reduce, but no significant skin laxity, you may be a more suitable candidate for liposuction instead.
What is liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgical technique that removes fat deposits from targeted areas of the body through suction. Unlike abdominoplasty, it does not address the skin or underlying muscles at all – its only purpose is to remove fat.
During the operation, your surgeon will make a few small incisions in the treatment area and insert a thin cannula, which is connected to a suction device. The fat is broken up and carefully removed through the cannula. In some cases, the surgeon may use additional methods, such as tumescent fluid to help loosen the fat before it’s suctioned away.
Since the incisions are small and there is no removal of skin, liposuction is a less extensive procedure compared to abdominoplasty. It can often be performed as a day surgery under sedation or general anaesthetic, depending on the extent of the procedure steps.
Why the choice depends on your needs
The main difference between abdominoplasty and liposuction lies in what they are each designed to address.
Abdominoplasty is for patients who have skin laxity in the area, and possibly stretched abdominal muscles or a moderate amount of fat deposits. Liposuction is for patients who are only thinking about targeting localised fat deposits and don’t want to address skin laxity.
In some cases, both procedures may be performed together. However, they are still two distinct techniques, even when combined.
It can help to think of abdominoplasty as a more structural procedure, whereas liposuction is more superficial. Abdominoplasty works on multiple layers – it can repair muscle, remove skin, and remove fat deposits.
Liposuction, on the other hand, is a contouring procedure. It works only in the fat layer by removing fat cells, but it does not alter the deeper structures. It also does not change the quality or amount of skin.
Abdominoplasty usually involves more downtime, a longer recovery, and a larger scar compared to liposuction, but it may be more sufficient depending on your needs.
Recovery after each type of procedure
The recovery process also differs between the two. After abdominoplasty, you may need to stay in hospital overnight to be monitored. You’ll need to reduce exercise levels for a few weeks, wearing compression garments and avoiding heavy lifting while the incision heals and the muscles recover. It can take several weeks before you’re able to resume most normal activities, and even longer before you feel completely healed.
Liposuction generally has a shorter recovery period. You’ll still need to wear a compression garment to help control swelling and support the area as it heals, but you may feel ready to return to light activities sooner. However, you’ll still need to reduce activity levels for a certain period of time after the procedure. Bruising and swelling are still common, and it can still take a few months for all of the swelling to completely resolve and for your final result to show.
Why speaking to a surgeon helps to clarify your choice
Since no two patients are the same, the best way to decide between abdominoplasty or liposuction is to have a detailed consultation with a qualified surgeon. They can assess your skin tone, fat distribution, and muscle condition, and give you advice that’s based on what you actually need.
Schedule a consultation with Brisbane Plastic Surgeon Dr Justin Perron
If you’re interested in learning more about an abdominoplasty or liposuction, including how each procedure may address your needs, it’s best to see your surgeon for a consultation.
Dr Justin Perron is Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon in Brisbane with experience performing both types of procedures. He can carefully assess your needs and discuss what you would like to achieve, in order to give you tailored advice.
Please enquire with our team if you would like to schedule your consultation.
Read more about abdominoplasty:
- What is abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)?
- When is the right time for abdominoplasty?
- Will Medicare cover my abdominoplasty?
- How to manage scars after abdominoplasty?
- Abdominoplasty recovery: What to expect?
Read more about liposuction:
