If achieving a firm and flat stomach is not possible through long-term diet and exercise, you may wish to consider plastic surgery. Tummy tuck and Liposuction are procedures that can also be used as solutions following significant weight fluctuations or to tackle stubborn abdominal fat.
Liposuction and Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) are two different surgical procedures: one removes unwanted fat from the abdominal area, whilst the other removes sagging skin. The aim of both procedures is to achieve a flatter stomach.
Liposuction is used to remove localised fat, whilst a Tummy tuck aims to correct structural abnormalities in the abdominal wall and tighten sagging skin. During an abdominoplasty, excess skin, loose or separated muscles and localised fat tissue are removed.
Find out more about liposuction and Tummy tuck procedures, and discover which one is best for you.
Liposuction
How does Liposuction work?
Liposuction procedure performed in Antalya begins with anaesthesia; small incisions, usually less than one centimetre long, are then made. Once the tissue has been prepared, fat is removed from the body using a thin, hollow tube called a cannula. The incisions are then closed with stitches.
Who are ideal candidates for liposuction?
- Your skin must have good elasticity: Your skin must be able to recover after the procedure and adapt to your new body shape.
- It is important that you are in good general health: It is important that you inform your surgeon about any chronic conditions you have and the medicines you are taking.
- Have realistic expectations: Liposuction improves the contours and shape of the body, but it is not a magic solution. Patients need to have realistic expectations regarding the results of the procedure. Asking the clinic for ‘before and after’ photos of liposuction can help foster a more realistic approach.
- Be committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Liposuction is no substitute for a healthy diet, sport and exercise. Patients must be committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle in order to achieve the best results.
Tummy tuck
How does Tummy tuck work?
Abdominoplasty in Antalya involves a more comprehensive surgical approach. Before the operation begins, the patient is put under anaesthesia; excess skin and fat are then excised, and the incisions are closed.
Who are ideal candidates for Tummy tuck?
- People with sagging, loose skin due to pregnancy, ageing or significant weight loss
- Women with a separated abdominal wall following pregnancy, or people who have lost a significant amount of weight and still have a protruding abdomen despite having low body fat
- People with noticeable stretch marks or other cosmetic concerns in the abdominal area.
What are differences between Tummy tuck vs. Liposuction?
Understanding the clinical differences between these two procedures helps to prevent unrealistic expectations and guides patients towards the appropriate surgical approach.
| Feature | Liposuction | Tummy tuck |
|---|---|---|
| Target | Only subcutaneous fat tissue. | Excess skin, separated muscles, and fat tissue. |
| Incision and scarring | Millimetric incisions that turn into almost imperceptible scars over time. | A permanent horizontal scar that is well hidden within the underwear line; usually a second scar around the belly button. |
| Muscle correction | None. It cannot tighten or repair the abdominal wall. | Structural repair of the muscles can be performed using internal sutures. |
| Impact on loose skin | No effect on loose tissue. | Elimination of sagging, excess skin and stretch marks in the lower abdomen. |
Can 360 lipo & Tummy tuck be combined?
A combined surgical procedure may sometimes be the solution for fat deposits and loose, sagging skin in the waist and abdominal areas. This involves combining 360-degree liposuction with a traditional Tummy tuck. During this procedure, the surgeon uses 360-degree liposuction to remove fat from the upper abdomen, flanks and lower back, thereby slimming the waist. At the same time, the Tummy tuck phase tightens the abdominal muscles and removes the excess sagging skin at the front, thereby correcting the structural laxity in this area.
How to choose: Which is better for you?
If your main concern is a stubborn layer of fat and your skin has good elasticity, liposuction may be a suitable treatment option for you.
If you have been pregnant or have experienced significant weight loss, and you notice that your tummy is sagging forwards despite being underweight, a Tummy tuck may be suitable for you.
If you are planning to have both liposuction and a Tummy tuck, you may wish to opt for the 360 Lipo & Tummy tuck procedure.
You can contact Dr Bülent Demir to find out which treatment is best suited to you. You can book an appointment today for Tummy tuck and liposuction treatments in Antalya.
Important: The assessments you make based on your research may provide an initial indication. However, they can never replace a formal physical examination. You must consult a plastic surgeon to devise a safe, effective and personalised treatment plan and to undergo a detailed examination.