When you want a flatter, firmer midsection, two procedures often come up: a traditional tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) and a lipotuck (lipoabdominoplasty). At Gold Coast Plastic Surgery in Chicago, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Lukavsky specializes in body contouring and customizes each plan to your anatomy, goals, and lifestyle. This guide breaks down how these procedures compare. Read on to discover the key differences and what to expect.
What Is a Traditional Tummy Tuck?
A traditional tummy tuck tightens lax abdominal muscles, removes excess skin, and can reduce stubborn fat in the lower abdomen. It is especially helpful after pregnancy or significant weight loss when diastasis recti, stretched skin, or a lower abdominal bulge are present. The result is a firmer abdomen with improved support for the core and posture.
What Is a Lipotuck (Lipoabdominoplasty)?
A lipotuck integrates full abdominoplasty with comprehensive liposuction. In addition to repairing the abdominal wall and removing excess skin, liposuction is used to sculpt the upper abdomen, waist, and flanks for enhanced definition. This approach can deliver a more contoured silhouette, especially for patients with fat deposits around the midsection.
How the Two Procedures Compare
- Goal focus: A traditional tummy tuck prioritizes muscle repair and skin removal; a lipotuck combines those steps with comprehensive liposuction for sharper contouring.
- Fat removal: Traditional tummy tuck includes limited fat removal around the incision; a lipotuck strategically removes fat from the abdomen and surrounding areas for a more sculpted waist.
- Skin handling: Both remove excess skin; a lipotuck emphasizes preserving blood supply while blending liposuction with skin tightening.
- Muscle repair: Both address diastasis recti by suturing separated muscles.
- Incision pattern: Both use a low hip-to-hip incision; a lipotuck may extend contouring to the flanks for smoother transitions.
- Recovery experience: Downtime is similar; lipotuck patients may experience additional swelling from liposuction but often see more waist definition as healing progresses.
Candidacy: Which Is Right for You?
- Primary concern: If your main issue is loose skin and muscle separation, a traditional tummy tuck may be ideal. If you also have stubborn fat around the abdomen and waist, a lipotuck may provide better contouring.
- Skin quality: Good skin tone supports smoother results, especially when liposuction is involved.
- Health & stability: Non-smoking patients in good overall health who are at or near a stable weight generally see the most reliable outcomes.
- Family plans: If you plan future pregnancies, it is best to wait, as pregnancy can stretch repaired tissues.
Once you know which procedure suits you, the next step is choosing an experienced surgeon you trust.
Expertise You Can Rely On
Gold Coast Plastic Surgery is a trusted destination for patients seeking refined, natural results in Chicago. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Lukavsky brings advanced training, meticulous technique, and a patient-first approach to every case. From personalized consultations and state-of-the-art surgical care to attentive follow-up, his focus is on helping you feel confident in your outcome and comfortable at every step.
If you are weighing a lipotuck against a traditional tummy tuck, a one-on-one consultation is the best way to determine the right path. Contact our team to schedule your personalized consultation and explore a flatter, more defined silhouette with care you can trust.
