BodyTite vs. Tummy Tuck

While BodyTite and tummy tuck are both cosmetic procedures that can tighten sagging skin in your abdomen, they vastly differ in many respects. In this article, we will describe all aspects of both surgical procedures in detail, to help you decide whether BodyTite vs. tummy tuck is the best option for you.

	Tummy Tuck	BodyTite
Results	Removes and tightens mild to severe skin laxity; tightens abdominal muscles for a stronger core	Tightens mild to moderate skin laxity; removes small pockets of excess fat
Anaesthetic	Sedation or General	Local or Sedation
Scarring	Noticeable scarring at incision sites	Unnoticeable
Full Recovery	12 weeks	3-6 weeks
Longevity	Permanent	2-4 years
Price	From £8,900	From £5,500

BodyTite

BodyTite is a minimally-invasive technology that removes excess pockets of fat and tightens sagging skin using radiofrequency energy.

Benefits

Patients are attracted to BodyTite as it is a minimally-invasive treatment that provides dual benefits: it tightens the skin by promoting the body’s production of collagen, and it removes stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. As such, it’s an effective way to contour the abdomen and other parts of the body. For instance, many women choose the surgical procedure in order to get rid of their hanging belly after C-section.

Before and After

Cost

The cost of a BodyTite treatment at the CREO Clinic starts from £5,500 for one area of the body, such as the upper or lower abdomen. However, you can treat multiple areas of the body in one session at an additional price.

Procedure

A BodyTite procedure usually takes 1-2 hours to perform under local anaesthesia or sedation. The BodyTite device consists of a handpiece with a thin probe and an electrode. The surgeon inserts the probe into the skin through tiny incisions in order to melt and extract the fat while rotating the electrode over the sagging skin to stimulate collagen production. However, if you have large fat deposits, your surgeon may recommend combining BodyTite with liposuction for optimal results.

Recovery

After the treatment, you may experience swelling, redness, and tenderness in the treated area. These symptoms will gradually dissipate within a few days and are usually gone within a week. 

You will have a follow-up appointment within a week to remove your dressings, and you will likely feel well enough to return to work 2-3 days after the body contouring procedure. However, depending on the nature of your treatment, you may be advised to avoid intense exercise for 3-6 weeks.

Results

The reduction of excess fat from BodyTite procedure should become visible as the swelling dissipates. However, it may take 2-6 months for the skin tightening in the area, as the production of collagen is a gradual process. You can expect the results to last for 2-4 years, and you can repeat the treatment every 12 months if needed.

Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is an invasive surgery that gets rid of excess skin and fat in the abdomen.

Benefits

Tummy tucks are a popular body contouring surgery among both men and women, as it gets rid of folds of loose skin to flatten the stomach and tightens the abdominal muscles to strengthen the core. As a result, the surgery can tone your body after weight loss, restore your pre-pregnancy figure, and get rid of stretch marks. In some cases, the surgery can even alleviate back pain and improve your posture.

Before and After

Cost

The cost of a tummy tuck at the CREO Clinic starts from £8,900 for a mini tummy tuck and £10,900 for a full tummy tuck. However, as it is a bespoke surgery, prices will depend on the surgical techniques required and the overall complexity of your procedure. You will receive an exact price after a consultation.

Procedure

The exact procedure will depend on the type of tummy tuck you require. Typically, the full and mini tummy tuck are the most popular variations of the surgery. 

To perform a full tummy tuck, your surgeon will create incisions around the navel and along the bikini line. Afterwards, they will repair the muscles and tighten the loose skin of the full abdomen, which in some cases will require the repositioning of the belly button. Whereas, a mini tummy tuck will involve a smaller incision along the bikini line to tighten the loose skin in just the lower abdomen.

Recovery

After a tummy tuck, you will experience swelling and discomfort in your abdomen, which you can manage by taking prescribed painkillers, eating a healthy diet, and following other aftercare instructions. 

The recovery timeline will vary depending on your bespoke treatment plan. Typically, it takes 12 weeks for patients to make a full recovery, although they usually feel well enough to return to work after 1-2 weeks and resume light exercises after 3-4 weeks.

Results

Your abdomen will appear noticeably contoured after surgery after the excess skin has been removed. However, the full effects of your surgery will continue to emerge as the residual swelling dissipates, which can take up to 12 months. By this time, the surgical scars will have significantly faded, and you will be able to enjoy the permanent tummy tuck results.

BodyTite Pros and Cons

Below we outline the pros and cons of BodyTite vs. tummy tuck.

Pros

• BodyTite is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed under local anaesthesia, thus avoiding the risks of sedation or general anaesthesia. 
• BodyTite is a shorter procedure than a tummy tuck, which is usually performed in 1-2 hours. 
• As BodyTite requires tiny incisions, the procedure does not leave behind any noticeable scars. 
• BodyTite has a significantly shorter recovery period than a tummy tuck
• The price of a single BodyTite treatment is less than the cost of a tummy tuck surgery.

Cons

• BodyTite is a less comprehensive treatment than a tummy tuck and is most suitable for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity. 
• BodyTite cannot repair abdominal muscles or provide any medical benefits. 
• As BodyTite doesn’t surgically excise lax skin, its results are not immediate or permanent. 
• BodyTite may be the more expensive option in the long term if you choose to undergo repeat treatments to maintain results.

Tummy Tuck Pros and Cons

Below we outline the pros and cons of tummy tuck vs. BodyTite.

Pros

• A tummy tuck provides a more dramatic transformation as it surgically gets rid of excess skin and is suitable for patients with mild to severe skin laxity. 
• A tummy tuck can tighten the abdominal muscles to strengthen the core, which can be of medical benefit to some patients. 
• The results from a tummy tuck are immediately visible and will continue to improve as the swelling dissipates
• A tummy tuck surgically removes excess skin. As a result, it can get rid of stretch marks and produce permanent results. 
• Due to its permanent results, a tummy tuck may be the more cost-effective option in the long run.

Cons

• As the more invasive option, a tummy tuck entails a longer recovery period and leaves behind more prominent scars. 
• A tummy tuck will require either sedation or general anaesthesia, and is, therefore, riskier than BodyTite.
• A tummy tuck is a lengthier procedure that can take 2-5 hours to perform.
• A tummy tuck can only treat the upper and lower abdomen, while BodyTite can treat multiple areas of the body in one session.

Schedule a Consultation with CREO Clinic Today

CREO Clinic’s Medical Director, Dr Omar Tillo, is a double-board certified plastic surgeon specialising in body contouring procedures, including tummy tucks and BodyTite. With extensive experience in both treatments, Dr Tillo can advise on the best procedure for contouring your abdomen to help achieve your cosmetic goals.