Great question Vanessa. To be honest its hard to answer this because it's a matter of using the right tool for the right patient. Some people will respond to some techniques better than others depending on the distribution and composition of their fat. In some cases, non of these alternatives are adequate and liposuction is the only way. That's why it's best to see an honest doctor who can do more than one of these procedures as they can advise which one is going to have the highest chance of working for you.
LOL I see what you're saying but they are technically considered as invasive procedures but non surgical whereas liposuction and tummy tucks are considered surgical. The categorisation is to do with anaesthesia/sedation, how invasive the procedure is and recovery.