Many patients are confused about whether they need a tummy tuck or liposuction. It is easy to think about it like this. Liposuction is a volume reduction operation, while a tummy tuck is a skin and abdominal wall tightening operation. If you have good skin quality and muscle tone, but just have a small area of stubborn fat that is resistance to diet and exercise, then you are probably a candidate for liposuction. However, If you have poor skin quality (stretch marks) and a weak abdominal wall (from pregnancy) then you are most likely a candidate for a tummy tuck. Depending on your particular case, your plastic surgeon may suggest a combination of liposuction and tummy tuck to achieve the desired result.
Before your consultation, look at yourself in the mirror. Decide what bothers you the most. Determine if you just want to rejuvenate your abdomen, or if you also want to improve you love handles and upper back roll. If you let your plastic surgeon know your priorities up front, he/she will be in a better position to design a solution that meets your goals and your budget. Hope this Helps. Thanks
