Abdominal Liposuction

How Abdominal Liposuction Works

Abdominal liposuction is one of the most common liposuctions performed. Men and women undergo the procedure in order to eliminate the excess fat in their abdominal areas.

Often not even regular exercise or a strict diet can effectively shed fat in the abdomen. Abdominal fat is highly resistant to exercise so you may try different abdominal exercises to remove the flab but with little success. In addition, many people are genetically disposed to accumulating fat in the abdomen area. This is where abdominal liposuction can help.

When you consult with your surgeon about abdominal liposuction, discuss with him the goals and changes you would like to achieve to enhance your appearance. Your surgeon will explain how abdominal liposuction works and what are the potential risks involved.
He or she will inform you of several available options as well. This is the best time to ask your surgeon what you need to know about abdominal liposuction. You can ask to see before and after treatment photos of recent patients.

Your surgeon will also have to assess your weight, skin, muscle and fat distribution. He or she will have to determine your medical history including your diet and exercise. Let your surgeon know if you are taking any kind of medication.

Abdominal Liposuction Procedure

Depending on what your surgery requires, your surgeon will give you either a local anesthesia or a general anesthesia before starting the surgery. If you will be under local anesthesia, the surgeon may give you sedatives to help you settle down.

After marking the specific areas in your abdomen where fat is to be removed, the surgeon will then make a small incision into which a thin elastic tube known as the cannula will be inserted. The surgeon uses the cannula, which is connected to a suction, to dissolve the fat and extract it from the body without harming the tissues, nerves, muscles, and skin.

There are several techniques to the abdominal liposuction procedure. In super-wet abdominal liposuction and tumescent abdominal liposuction, the surgeon first injects a solution into the target area prior to actual surgery. This solution not only makes fat easier to remove but also minimizes blood loss and post-surgery side effects such as swelling.

Another method in abdominal liposuction is called the ultrasound-assisted liposuction, which utilizes sound waves to break down fat. This method also reduces the loss of blood during the surgery and post-surgery bruising. Ultrasound-assisted liposuction is especially effective to treat fibrous parts of the body, for instance the male breast and the upper area of the abdomen.

Your surgeon will recommend the method of abdominal liposuction for you based on the specific area where fat is to be removed and the volume of fat to be eliminated.

Most patients are able to notice results as early as one week after having their abdominal liposuction. However, it may take up to six months to see complete improvements.

While abdominal liposuction is an effective way to lose unwanted fat, you must continue to eat right and exercise regularly to maintain and enhance its result.