Lipedema is a chronic fat disorder that can affect women regardless of BMI. Here's why lipedema can remain hidden for years, especially in skinny women.
June 10, 2026
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A Singapore survey revealed that 46% of 1202 respondents were considering cosmetic surgery, while 9% have admitted to having done cosmetic surgery before.
Although the study was conducted in April 2019, the popularity of getting cosmetic surgery is not waning.
In fact, it's on the rise, as evidenced by the 21.1% increase in liposuction and tummy tuck procedures worldwide in 2022 compared to the previous year.
For many, these two cosmetic surgeries are a solution to the distress caused by loose, sagging skin around the abdomen, a common issue that often arises with age, significant postpartum weight loss, or extreme dieting.
Tummy Tuck vs Liposuction Singapore: Which is right for you?
Liposuction or a tummy tuck (also known as abdominoplasty) are two surgical options for achieving a flatter belly, depending on your objectives and clinical condition.
Although the aim of a tummy tuck and lipo is essentially to slim down the tummy, they are two separate procedures, as the surgical techniques, results, and recovery periods vary.
Liposuction
Liposuction is great for removing excess and stubborn fat from specific body parts, as well as correcting disproportionate body shape.
When performed by a skilled, experienced liposuction doctor using appropriate surgical techniques, this procedure can also tighten moderately loose skin.
This procedure works on almost all parts of the body and is not limited to just the abdomen.
It can create and sculpt a more shapely mid-section (abdomen and waist) too!
Liposuction is a clinically proven and practical solution for eliminating stubborn fat resistant to exercise and diet.
Tummy tuck
Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is a more invasive surgery than liposuction. It not only removes excess fat but also removes excessively loose skin and tightens weakened abdominal muscles.
This surgery removes excess FAT and SKIN from the abdominal area while strengthening the abdominal muscles.
Losing significant weight over a short period often results in loose, sagging skin.
Pregnancy can also lead to the widening and weakening of abdominal muscles.
Besides these, abdominal surgery and hernias can further weaken the muscles.
Tummy Tuck vs Liposuction Singapore at a glance
| Tummy tuck | Liposuction | |
|---|---|---|
| Treated areas | Only the abdomen | Face, double chin, arms, armpit, belly and waist, hips, inner thighs, outer thighs, knees, calves. |
| Cost in SGD | Ranges from S$8,000 to S$20,000, depending on the type of tummy tuck being performed, such as a mini tummy tuck vs a full tummy tuck. | Starts from S$3,000, depending on the liposuction techniques and areas to be treated. |
| Factors affecting cost | Doctor’s experience Extent of the procedure Techniques used Anaesthesia Facility fees Post-operative care Medication Consumables Compression garments |
Doctor's experience Doctor’s reputation Surgical complexities Specific body areas being treated Type of liposuction being performed Anaesthesia used Anesthetist fees Facility fees Painkillers & antibiotics Anti-scar sheets/gel Compression garments |
| Suitable candidates | Recommended for women who have: An abundance of loose, sagging and hanging abdominal skin that requires more than 6 to 8 cm of excision in the vertical dimension A weakened abdominal fascial wall and/or diastasis recti. |
Perfect for men and women who: Has excess body fat Has good skin elasticity, and muscle tone Is looking to achieve a flat, toned, and defined abdomen. |
| Day surgery procedure | ✓ | ✓ |
| Resume activities post-op | 2 to 3 weeks post-op | 2 to 3 days post-op |
| Swelling, bruising, pain | Gradually subside over 2 to 6 weeks. Manageable with doctor-prescribed pain relief medication and antibiotics. |
Take 1 to 2 weeks to subside gradually. Manageable with doctor-prescribed pain relief medication and antibiotics. |
| Compression garment | Wear a high-compression abdominal binder to provide firm support and stabilise incisions for 6 to 12 weeks. | Wear suitable garments over your treated areas for 6 to 8 weeks to compress tissue swelling and assist with skin retraction. |
| Results | Fat and excess skin are removed Abdominal wall muscles are strengthened Results are long-lasting |
Fat is permanently removed A sculpted and toned physique is achieved Results are long-lasting |
| Scarring | Size and location of the scars vary depending on: extent of the tummy tuck procedure the patient's anatomy the doctor's technique |
Scarring is small and well-hidden. |
| Incision site | In most cases, the incision will be located in the lower abdomen, running horizontally between the hip bones, and its length will depend on the amount of excess skin to be removed. | Incisions made are a few millimetres in size and strategically placed. |
The decision between a tummy tuck and liposuction will depend on your clinical condition and your body goals and expectations.
Planning to undergo a fat removal and body contouring surgery is a highly personal decision.
FAQ
Are liposuction and tummy tuck in Singapore covered by health insurance or MediSave?
While tummy tuck and liposuction can greatly enhance confidence and body image, insurance typically does not cover it. As they are both elective and cosmetic, most health insurance plans and Medisave do not consider them medically necessary.
Insurance companies cover procedures directly impacting health, but cosmetic surgeries like liposuction and tummy tuck fall outside that scope.
Do you lose more weight with a tummy tuck or liposuction?
Neither. Liposuction or a tummy tuck are not weight loss strategies.
However, it may be easier for you to lose weight after either of these treatments, as the physical and psychological impact can motivate you to achieve your body goals.
According to a study, 70% of patients who had a tummy tuck “sustained weight loss for a year” after their surgery.
Does fat return after liposuction?
Liposuction permanently removes fat cells in the treated area.
Fat cells cannot regenerate, but they can grow in size, so you must maintain your ideal weight and adopt a healthy lifestyle to keep your lipo in check.
