Tummy tuck or liposuction? Which procedure is right for you?

Dr Chad Wu, a plastic surgery specialist, practices at his downtown Toronto private clinic. Patients often as him how to restore their pre-pregnancy tummy. This blog discusses the decision-making process for choosing between abdominoplasty and liposuction, two very common procedures for sculpting and contouring the tummy. Liposuction primarily aims to eliminate unwanted fat for a more youthful contour, whereas abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, mainly involves removing excess skin. Often, liposuction is combined with abdominoplasty to remove unwanted fat simultaneously.

The risk profiles for these two procedures significantly differ. A tummy tuck is a more extensive intervention that requires considerable recovery time. It results in a prominent scar running horizontally across the lower abdomen from hip to hip and around the repositioned belly button (umbilicus). In contrast, liposuction is a more minor procedure. Patients often return to work within three days, and any visible scarring from liposuction tends to fade after several months. Risks associated with both procedures would be thoroughly discussed during the initial consultation with Dr Chad Wu at his downtown Toronto private plastic surgery clinic.

A tummy tuck would yield superior results for individuals with a substantial overhang (pannus) or poor skin elasticity. On the other hand, those with a slight overhang and moderate to good skin tone typically achieve satisfactory outcomes with liposuction, making the tummy tuck unnecessary.

Assessing patient expectations is crucial when determining the appropriate procedure. During your consultation, Dr Chad Wu discusses your lifestyle, health history and other factors that may decide which method is correct for you.