Does a Tummy Tuck Include Liposuction? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re considering a tummy tuck, you might wonder: Does the procedure include liposuction? The short answer? Not always. While these procedures are somewhat similar and often performed together, each serves a distinct purpose. Understanding the differences between them can help you make an informed decision about which option best suits your goals.

Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction: What’s the Difference?

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) removes excess skin and tightens abdominal muscles, making it ideal for patients with loose skin and weakened muscles—often after weight loss or pregnancy. Liposuction, on the other hand, primarily focuses on fat removal through a thin tube (cannula) inserted into small incisions.

Here’s a quick comparison of the two procedures:

Does a Tummy Tuck Remove Fat?

A tummy tuck removes some fat, but not in the same way liposuction does. The procedure primarily excises loose skin and tightens muscles, leading to a flatter, more contoured abdomen. However, if excess fat deposits remain, liposuction can be added for enhanced sculpting.

When Liposuction is Included

Your surgeon may recommend adding liposuction to:

• Remove stubborn fat deposits from around the abdomen
• Improve contouring and shape
• Enhance results for patients undergoing a mommy makeover

Mini tummy tucks, which concentrate on the lower abdomen (below the belly button), may sometimes include micro-liposuction to refine the results.

Cost Differences Between a Tummy Tuck and Liposuction

Pricing varies based on the complexity of the procedure, surgical centers, and your specific treatment plan. Generally, here’s what you can expect:

• Tummy Tuck Cost: $12,500 – $25,000+
• Liposuction Cost: $2,800 – $7,500 per area

Adding liposuction to a tummy tuck increases costs, but it can lead to more balanced, sculpted results.

Who is a Good Candidate for These Procedures?

You might consider a tummy tuck if:
✅ You have loose, excess skin around your abdomen
✅ Your abdominal muscles are weakened (especially after pregnancy)
✅ You’re at a stable weight and in good health

Liposuction may be better suited if:
✅ You have localized fat deposits but good skin elasticity
✅ You don’t need muscle tightening or skin removal
✅ You want a minimally invasive fat removal procedure

What to Expect Before and After Surgery

Pre-Operative Preparation

Before surgery, you’ll undergo:

• Pre-operative consultations with Dr. Hazboun
• Laboratory tests to assess health status
• A customized treatment plan to match your body goals

To ensure a safe procedure, you should:
🚫 Avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements, as these could impact bleeding
👗 Wear compression garments after surgery to assist healing

Recovery & Scarring

• A tummy tuck takes longer to recover from than liposuction (typically 4-6 weeks)
• Scars mature and progressively diminish over several months to a year
• Following your surgeon’s scar care guidelines is vital for the best healing outcome

Tummy Tuck & Liposuction: Which Option is Best for You?

Your decision-making process should consider:
🔹 Your specific body goals – Do you need muscle tightening or just fat removal?
🔹 Your skin elasticity – If loose skin is an issue, a tummy tuck is the better option
🔹 Your willingness to undergo surgery & downtime – Liposuction is less invasive with a quicker recovery

If you feel insecure about excess skin and fat in your abdominal area, combining both procedures could provide the most dramatic results.

Final Thoughts: Do You Need Both?

A tummy tuck does not automatically include liposuction, but the two are often performed together. The right choice depends on your body’s needs and goals.

• If your main concern is loose skin and muscle separation, a tummy tuck is ideal.
• If you want to target stubborn fat deposits, liposuction may be the better fit.
• For the most sculpted, contoured look, combining both procedures can be beneficial.

Hopefully, this comparison helped you grasp the key differences between a tummy tuck and liposuction. If you’re considering abdominal contouring, scheduling a consultation with Dr. Hazboun can assist in creating a unique treatment plan that aligns with your goals.

Ready to Transform Your Abdomen?

Let’s get started—schedule your consultation today!