Ask a Beverly Hills CA plastic surgeon, ‘What is the difference between a tummy tuck and liposuction?’

Posted By: Dr. Dennis Dass | Published On: May 1, 2019 | Liposuction
If you’re unhappy with excess around your middle, you may already be somewhat familiar with liposuction and abdominoplasty or tummy tuck. While both procedures can be used to improve your appearance following pregnancy or weight fluctuations, they have differing levels of complexity, discomfort, recovery, and cost. Here Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Dass and the team discuss the difference between a tummy tuck and liposuction in Beverly Hills CA. We encourage you to call (855) 496-4646 for more information and to arrive at the best solution for your needs.

Liposuction overview

Dr. Dass uses small tubes or microcannulas to suction out fat. The procedure may be used on the abdomen, and many other areas such as:
  • Chin
  • Arms
  • Chest (men with gynecomastia)
  • Back
  • Flanks
  • Thighs
Fat may even be transferred from these areas to an area that could use some augmenting, such as your butt or hands. See the beautiful difference in the “before and after” photos on this website!
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Tummy tuck overview

Both mini and full abdominoplasty procedures remove excess skin and fat, and tighten abdominal muscles weakened due to childbirth, for example. The mini version involves removing skin below the belly button, while the full tummy tuck removes skin above and below the belly button.

Considerations

A few of the considerations that may make you more of a candidate for one procedure versus the other:
  • How thick is your fat layer? How much can you pinch? You might benefit from liposuction or lifestyle changes to reduce fatty thickness.
  • How much of an issue is loose skin? If laxity is a significant problem, skin tightening with a tummy tuck may be your gold standard.
  • Abdominal wall or muscle laxity takes some evaluating. If Dr. Dass determines this is an issue, he’ll recommend a technique that involves tightening the muscle layer.
It’s important to not think so much in terms of “either, or.” You may be a candidate for lipo first, and then at some point have a tummy tuck if needed. Likewise, unwanted fat may be suctioned out before abdominoplasty when the excess skin is then removed, and muscles are tightened.
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About Dr. Dennis Dass

About Dennis Dass, MD, PharmD

Dennis Dass, MD is a top Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, focusing on boosting the confidence of his Los Angeles, California patients with natural and beautiful results. He provides a range of surgical procedures for the body, laser skincare, and non-surgical procedures. As a Board-certified plastic surgeon, he performs hundreds of cosmetic procedures every year.

Dr. Dass earned his Medical Doctor degree from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Albuquerque, NM and his Doctor of Pharmacy qualification from the University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy. He underwent a six-year Integrated Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Residency at the University of Kansas. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, California Medical Association, and Los Angeles County Medical Society.

Dr. Dass has received numerous accolades including Top Plastic Surgeon designation from many reputed organizations. Connect with Dr. Dennis Dass on Linkedin.
Maria Lopez
Highly recommend! wouldn't go to anyone else. 6 Months post BBL and I seem to LOVE my body more by the day! Dr. Dass truly did an amazing job shaping my body. I'm very petite and was concerned I wouldn't have enough fat to transfer, however Dr. Dass exceeded my expectations. I'm 5'2 range from 123-128 lbs He gave me the curves I dreamed of! His staff was very helpful, answered every question I had and took well care of me during the whole procedure. The recovery went smooth, did everything he instructed me to do and was back at work in 8 days! Highly recommend! wouldn't go to anyone else. Right off the bat you can tell how professional and knowledgeable he is.
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Christina Skinnell
My truSculptflex experience was incredible. My truSculptflex experience was incredible. I did as many areas as possible; quads, abs, obliques, hamstrings, buttocks. I continued to see a difference in both fat loss around the muscles and muscles increasing in size. The skin was tighter and firmer around treated areas too. 4 treatments and the results continued to improve 3 months later! Life Changing!! I’m blown away by this technology and would recommend DrDass and his office for the most effective, up to date technology in all of the services he offers. He takes pride on being young, on the cutting edge of the best and most effective treatments/surgeries/procedures to attain to your goals. Whatever they may be!
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Katrina Arredondo
Dr. Dass and his amazing team made me feel so comfortable and safe. I couldn’t be more satisfied with my decision of choosing Dr. Dass. I was afraid of going through this journey but Dr. Dass and his amazing team made me feel so comfortable and safe. From the consultation leading up to the day of the procedure, everyone made sure to answer any questions I had and throughly walked me through what was to be expected. I truly appreciate the entire team and Dr. Dass. My results are incredible and I did not have a single complication. When choosing your doctor please do not let the cost be the deciding factor. This is an investment for yourself and it is important to remember your health comes before all else.
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Maria Velloso
I just have to say thanks to him I had my BBL with Dr. Dass and was the best decision that I made. He did exactly what I wanted and my recovery was very fast and no painful at all. I was a bit worried because I live in another state and needed to travel, but it took a short time for me to go back to my normal life. I just have to say thanks to him..
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Priscilla Yudico
Doctor Dennis Dass is simply the BEST I had my BBL and extended tummy tuck approximately around 8 weeks ago and i couldnt be more grateful, I was fortunate enough to had work done by such a skilled surgeon. Doctor Dennis Dass is simply the BEST, he's a Master in the Art of Plastic Surgery I look better then when i was in my 20's. He put color back into my life giving me the courage to do the things I once was too overly conscious and afraid to do and for that I'll forever be grateful for.
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Amy Toscano
professional! His work is amazing Dr. Dass is a soft spoken, respectful, courteous professional! His work is amazing, had BBL done on August 24, 2018 and I love my resutls. I dont regret it one bit and would go back to Dr. Dass for any future procedures. He is the Da'Vinci of BBL's. Dass's nurse's and staff are friendly and treat you with respect. You never get that feeling like you dont matter! kuddos to you all!
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