Abdominoplasty vs Tummy Tuck: What's The Difference?

When it comes to reshaping the midsection, the terms abdominoplasty and tummy tuck are used. So what’s the difference between abdominoplasty vs tummy tuck? While one term is clinical and the other more familiar, the goal is the same: to achieve a smoother, stronger abdominal area through surgery.

This surgical procedure is designed to flatten and reshape the abdominal area. It’s done by removing excess skin and fat, tightening abdominal muscles, and improving overall contour.

And, it isn’t just cosmetic. It can also offer functional benefits for people experiencing discomfort or weakness in the abdominal wall.

Why Do People Choose a Tummy Tuck?

Several factors can contribute to sagging skin or weakened abdominal muscles, including:

Pregnancy, especially multiple pregnancies
Substantial weight loss
Prior abdominal surgeries, such as C-sections
Aging
Genetics

While diet and exercise can reduce fat and strengthen muscles, they can’t eliminate stretched skin or repair muscle separation. A tummy tuck can address these issues by:

Removing loose, excess skin
Repairing a separation of the abdominal muscles, called rectus diastasis
Tightening weak connective tissue, or fascia
Repositioning the belly button if needed

Liposuction or other body contouring surgeries may also be used along with removing stretch marks on the lower abdomen.

What Are the Risks?

While complications are uncommon when performed by an experienced surgeon, it’s important to be aware of possible risks, including:

Seroma or fluid buildup
Bleeding
Poor wound healing
Infection
Scarring
Skin numbness
Tissue damage
Complications related to anesthesia

Following post-operative instructions can help support healing. It can also reduce the risk of scarring, numbness, or anesthesia-related issues.

What Happens During Surgery?

A tummy tuck is performed under general anesthesia and takes several hours, depending on the extent of the procedure.

The surgeon begins by making a horizontal incision just above the pubic area. The length of this incision can vary depending on how much excess skin needs to be removed. It’s usually placed low enough to be hidden by underwear or a swimsuit.

If your abdominal muscles have separated, your surgeon will bring them back together and secure them with permanent sutures. This step helps flatten the abdominal wall and tighten your core. Any extra skin and underlying fat are carefully removed to smooth and reshape the area.

In most cases, the belly button is repositioned to a natural-looking location once the skin has been tightened. To reduce the risk of fluid buildup, small drainage tubes may be placed temporarily under the skin.

Before the procedure is complete:

The incision is carefully closed with sutures
Dressings are applied to protect the area and support healing

In some cases, liposuction is also used during the tummy tuck to further sculpt the waistline and enhance the overall result.

What is Recovery Like?

Right after surgery, you can expect:

Swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the abdominal area
Temporary drains to remove fluid
Compression garments to reduce swelling and support healing

Your surgeon will prescribe medications to help with your tummy tuck recovery. These may include pain relievers to keep you comfortable and antibiotics to prevent infection.

Light movement will be encouraged as it helps improve circulation and lowers the risk of complications.

Most people can return to non-physical jobs within 2 to 4 weeks. However, heavy lifting or strenuous activity should be avoided for at least 6 to 8 weeks to protect the healing tissues.

To support your core and reduce swelling, you’ll likely be fitted with an abdominal binder, which you’ll wear for several weeks.

Your incision scars will fade over time, but they may take several months to a year to fully settle and will likely remain visible to some extent.

The results of a tummy tuck can be long-lasting, especially if you maintain a stable weight. While abdominoplasty won’t prevent future weight gain or changes due to aging, a significant improvement in both appearance and confidence is achievable.

Explore Your Options With an Expert Plastic Surgeon

Abdominoplasty vs tummy tuck is simply the medical definition vs everyday language. Whatever you call it, when you’re ready to explore your options, seek care from an experienced plastic surgeon. They’ll help you get the results you desire.

Schedule a free consultation appointment today!