SculpSure vs Tummy Tuck

SculpSure

Tummy tuck

SculpSure

Uses lasers to denature fat cells away under the skin. No suction needed, just an applicator that sits on the skin.

SculpSure is medically known as non-invasive laser lipolysis.

Click here to find out more about what SculpSure is and how it works.

Tummy tuck

A surgical procedure that involves the removal of excess fat and skin from the middle and lower abdomen after, for example, pregnancy or losing a lot of weight. It is the removal of skin that sets this procedure apart from SculpSure.

A tummy tuck is medically known as abdominoplasty.

SculpSure

Tummy tuck

25 minutes for multiple areas

SculpSure takes 25 minutes to treat one area and multiple areas can be treated at one because of the set-up of the machine.

For example, both flanks can be treated in the 25-minute session.

2-3 hours on average, depending on the amount of skin to be removed

Most people will need to stay in hospital for a few days after the operation, too.

SculpSure

Tummy tuck

1-2 sessions to complete treatment

One session of SculpSure usually suffices. This is because multiple areas can be treated at once. If you want to treat your flanks and your stomach, this can be done at the same time.

Usually 1, but more if needed

You can safely have more than one tummy tuck in theory, but it depends on factors such as how much excess skin is present and whether the patient wishes to have children. This is also a costly option.

SculpSure

Tummy tuck

Sensation of deep warmth with potential of mild, short-term soreness

During treatment you will initially feel a cooling sensation, followed by a deep warmth and/or tingling. You will be able to continue with your ordinary day after the treatment, though some patients describe mild soreness that does not interfere with their day-to-day activities.

Post-operative pain is common

Tummy tucks are often very tender to moderately painful, particularly if the surgery has involved tightening the abdominal muscles.

On a scale of 1-10, post-operative pain is typically rated at around 6 or 7. Pain relief is provided after the operation but full recovery usually takes around 6 weeks.

SculpSure

Tummy tuck

No marks

SculpSure uses laser heads to treat the body, which means there are no visible marks left on the skin.

Leaves large horizontal scar

Because tummy tucks are invasive, meaning an incision is made in the skin, there will be scarring. This will fade over time, but never disappear completely.

SculpSure

Tummy tuck

Get up and go treatment

No immediate rest or recovery procedures are needed with SculpSure.

Careful recovery period is needed

After any major surgical procedure the recovery period should be taken seriously. Tummy tuck patients need about four to six weeks off work after the operation, with at least the first few weeks spent taking it easy.

A special corset or tummy control pants will also be worn during the recovery period to help reduce swelling.

SculpSure

Tummy tuck

Little to no side-effects

No long-term side effects. No bruising. Patients may have some short-term swelling and mild to moderate tenderness.

Expect bruising, scarring and numbness

It’s common after a tummy tuck to find it difficult to stand up, have pain and bruising, feel numbness in the tummy area, have temporary swelling and raised, red scars in the first six weeks.