Which is better, tummy tuck or liposuction?

Author: Herminio McGlynn  |  Last update: Sunday, August 31, 2025

Quick Answer: Tummy tuck surgery (adominoplasty) is best at addressing excess skin and loose muscles. Liposuction targets isolated fat pockets that are resistant to diet and exercise. Tummy tuck procedures are more invasive, requiring general anesthesia and an extensive recovery period.

Should you get a tummy tuck or lipo first?

While some people can tolerate a small amount of excess skin in their tummy area, others feel that it is a significant issue. For this reason, some patients are advised to have liposuction first then wait at least 3-4 months to determine if they would be happy with the result.

Is liposuction more painful than a tummy tuck?

The two procedures are different when it comes to the amount of discomfort that is associated with them. When surveyed, patients with liposuction had less discomfort. The average pain score out of 10 was generally a 6, while those that underwent a tummy tuck gave their pain score a 7.5 out of 10.

Will liposuction flatten my stomach?

Generally speaking, liposuction — which removes stubborn fat from isolated areas of the body — can only provide a flat abdomen if a patient has good tone and skin elasticity.

Which is cheaper, lipo or tummy tuck?

Liposuction is a less intensive treatment and typically costs less than a tummy tuck. Liposuction costs between $4,000 and $8,000 with an average cost of $6,000, whereas a tummy tuck ranges between $6,000 and $10,000 with an average cost of $8,000.

Tummy tuck vs liposuction which is better?

What is the best surgery to get a flat stomach?

A tummy tuck is a surgery to improve the shape and appearance of the stomach area, also called the abdomen. The medical name for a tummy tuck is abdominoplasty. During a tummy tuck, a surgeon removes extra skin and fat from the abdomen.

Does anyone regret having a tummy tuck?

Mini tummy tuck regrets are rare, but they can happen, just as regrets following full tummy tucks can occur — or regrets following any plastic surgery can happen.

How much does liposuction cost?

The average cost of liposuction in California ranges from around $4,000-$7,000 depending on factors such as location and type of procedure being performed.

How many sizes do you go down after a tummy tuck and lipo?

You can generally expect to lose between two and three pants sizes following abdominoplasty. However, if you have a great deal of excess skin and you combine this procedure with liposuction, you may be able to lose four or more pants sizes.

Does insurance cover tummy tuck?

Most health insurance plans do not cover tummy tuck surgery or its complications, but many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans, so be sure to ask.

How much does Sono Bello cost?

Sono Bello can range anywhere from $2,500 to $4,500. To determine the exact cost that you would pay for fat removal, visit a med spa of your choice to speak with professionals about your goals.

Does lipo leave loose skin?

Liposuction does not produce loose skin or even cause sagging skin. Tissue laxity is a matter of chemical imbalance, not fat. Over the course of time, the skin and superficial tissue are plumped, firmed, and smoothed with chemicals. Among these chemicals are collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid.

What are the negatives of a tummy tuck?

Pain, bruising, swelling, and numbness are common symptoms post-procedure, leaving patients quite uncomfortable for a while. So those are all the advantages and disadvantages of the tummy tuck procedure.

Should I get lipo or CoolSculpting?

Liposuction is more useful for removing larger areas of excess fat. CoolSculpting is more suitable for removing small areas of fat.

What happens if you get lipo instead of tummy tuck?

While Lipo 360 can effectively remove fat, it does not remove excess skin. Therefore, those with significant stomach skin sagging or stretch marks, which usually require skin removal for best results, might benefit more from a tummy tuck or a combination of plastic surgery procedures.

How many sizes do you lose with liposuction?

The majority of patients will often only reduce one or two clothing sizes at the most. It's possible that some people won't see any change in their dress size at all. The fact that liposuction may eliminate unattractive fat deposits in difficult areas is the most crucial benefit.

Is lipo on stomach worth it?

It is the perfect solution if you are at the ideal weight and have realistic expectations for fixing a “trouble zone” such as the lower abdomen, excess fat in the buttocks, or too much bulk in the upper thighs or upper arms. Still, there are some cons that go along with liposuction as well.

Does Blue Cross Insurance cover liposuction?

Blue Cross typically does not cover liposuction as it is considered a cosmetic procedure. Coverage may vary, so check your specific plan.

Can your stomach get fat again after a tummy tuck?

Will fat come back after liposuction and tummy tuck? The fat cells that are removed via liposuction during a tummy tuck will not return, but this doesn't necessarily mean the cosmetic results are permanent. Weight gain can generate new fat cells and cause the remaining fat cells to become enlarged.

At what age should you not have a tummy tuck?

Strengthening the abdominal wall also helps improve comfort and balance, and can help ensure ideal posture as you age. This is just as important for people in their 20s as people 50 and older, making tummy tuck a suitable treatment for ideal candidates of all ages.

How painful is a full tummy tuck?

Some discomfort can be expected following the procedure, with the most intense discomfort occurring within the first week. Based on a scale of 1 to 10, it is common for patients to rate the pain at around 6-7 during the initial few days to a week, gradually decreasing to approximately 3-4 by the second week.

Can I get rid of my hanging belly without surgery?

It may be possible to reduce a mild case of pannus stomach through diet and exercise. However, surgery is also an option for a large abdominal pannus that hinders a person's daily activities. An individual may also wish to opt for cosmetic surgery to reduce a stomach pannus.

Will my insurance cover a tummy tuck?

To get insurance to cover a tummy tuck, you need to prove it's medically necessary. This involves meeting specific insurance criteria: Documentation: Comprehensive medical records, including physician notes and photos. Medical history: Evidence of chronic conditions or symptoms that impact daily life.

Should I do lipo or tummy tuck?

Liposuction can improve skin laxity slightly, very slightly. If a significant amount of loose skin exists, a tummy tuck is the better choice, as this surgery is designed to remove excess skin left from significant weight loss or pregnancy.

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