Wondering if you need fat removed or loose skin tightened — or maybe both? Liposuction and tummy tuck work differently, and knowing the difference could save you time, money, and frustration.
Dr. Giancarlo McEvenue offers advanced body contouring in Boca Raton, FL. As a board-certified plastic surgeon in the US and Canada and a fellow of The Royal College of Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC), he performs surgery with a highly patient-focused approach, treating just two patients per surgical day to ensure your results are beautifully customized.
Our patients who struggle with loose skin, extra fat, or a blend of the two often ask Dr. G whether they need lipo or a tummy tuck. Each procedure shines in its way, and each has benefits the other lacks.
What Liposuction Really Targets
Liposuction is a spot treatment that removes stubborn fat that resists diet and exercise. It’s ideal for small, medium, or even big pockets of localized fat in the belly area.
Dr. G frequently performs liposuction across the entire abdomen, often focusing on the areas where fat tends to collect: Below the belly button down to the pubic bone.
Liposuction can create smoother, more defined abdominal contours. Dr. G can also perform liposuction in other areas where you have stubborn fat like the love handles and thighs.
Liposuction doesn’t remove loose skin or stretch marks. Dr. G recommends liposuction only if your skin is strong, healthy, and elastic so it can snap back into place after the procedure.
What a Tummy Tuck Can Fix That Liposuction Can’t
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) removes excess skin and tightens abdominal muscles. If your stretch marks are in the lower belly area, it may also remove them.
A tummy tuck is often the best option for those with loose skin following pregnancy, major weight loss, or aging. Some of the main reasons that patients seek a tummy tuck versus liposuction are:
- Loose, sagging abdominal skin
- Stretch marks across the lower belly
- Abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti)
- The desire for a flatter, firmer stomach, not just less fat
Of course, it’s not unusual for patients to have both extra skin and fat bulges. When those fat pockets don’t go away after trying diet and toning exercises, you might consider adding liposuction to your tummy tuck.
Choosing the Right Treatment for Your Needs
Both procedures have powerful benefits, but they solve different issues. Liposuction shapes. A tummy tuck tightens. In many cases, combining them gives the most complete transformation.
If you’re unsure which procedure is right for your goals, Dr. G can explain your options and provide personalized recommendations during your consultation. We take time to listen, explain options clearly, and never rush your decision.
Body Contouring in Boca Raton, FL
Are you curious about what liposuction or a tummy tuck could do for your body confidence? Call Dr. Giancarlo McEvenue’s Boca Raton office at 561-524-9672 to book your consultation now.