A Look at Abdominal Liposuction

Abdominal liposuction refers to liposuction, or lipoplasty, that is performed on the torso area. Most candidates for this procedure have attempted a diet and exercise routine but are unable to achieve their goal of a flatter stomach. It is very common that fat deposits in the abdominal area are difficult to diminish, especially in women after childbirth. The abdominal area is generally one of the best areas of the body for this type of cosmetic surgery.  However, as with most cosmetic surgeries, abdominal liposuction is generally not considered medically necessary and risk factors should be considered. 

Many abdominal liposuction surgeries are performed using the tumescent technique. This method involves injecting a solution of local anesthetics into area to be treated. The fluids help the area to swell, leaving an opening where the liposuction tube can be easily inserted and navigated. With this technique the risks of blood loss and general anesthesia are eliminated and recovery time may well be reduced. Many doctors claim that recipients of the tumescent method can often return to work in as little as three days.

Many factors are taken into consideration when a patient requests abdominal liposuction. In the case of women who have given birth, pregnancy often leaves pouches of fat in the abdominal area that are seemingly resistant to diet and exercise. According to physicians, most women who have this type of liposuction performed are happy with the results and very few require an additional tummy-tuck. Abdominal liposuctions are also very effective in eliminating the bulge associated with C-sections and hysterectomies.

Another factor to consider is the location of the body fat. Physicians refer to the two types of abdominal fat as superficial and deep. Superficial body fat is the fat that exists between the muscle tissue and the surface skin. Deep (or intestinal) fat resides below the muscle tissue and is actually located on the intestines. While liposuction can effectively remove fat that is superficial, it is not possible to remove intestinal body fat with this method. This type of fat can only be removed by diet and exercise – no surgical procedure is safe or available to remove deep fat. The good news for patients is that most people have much more superficial fat than deep fat, thereby greatly increasing the success rate for abdominal liposuction.

Some factors that influence results include prior obesity, gender, and age. In the case of recent obesity and weight loss, the fat is very fibrous and is very difficult to remove. Those over the age of 60 tend to have more elastic, less firm skin, thereby making liposuction difficult, and may not achieve the desired outcome. Since women tend to have less fibrous fat pockets than men, abdominal liposuction is usually easier to perform on women. The key to obtaining desired results and feeling satisfied with the surgery is to be comfortable and knowledgable about all aspects of the procedure.