Abdominal Liposuction 101

By Dr. Sato

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that can help get rid of stubborn fat deposits that reside in various parts of the body. Abdominal liposuction focuses specifically on the abdominal region and can be used to target the lower, middle, and upper abdomen.

It is one of the most common and popular cosmetic surgeries available and can be used by both men and women who want to get rid of the excess stubborn fat in the abdominal area.

Advancements in liposuction methods have lead to the development of the tumescent technique, and allows for more efficient fat removal. This technique utilizes a saline solution and a local anesthetic to keep post-operative bruising, swelling, pain, and blood loss to a minimum.

Why Do you Need Abdominal Liposuction?

• Pregnancy: getting pregnant can cause the abdominal muscles to stretch or separate and commonly leads to the accumulation of excess fat and even the development and loose skin.
• You’ve had a c-section: The most common type of incision for a c-section (and also an open hysterectomy), is the Pfannenstiel incision. While it is a great incision due to its location low on the abdominal wall, it unfortunately results in the appearance of a bulge right above the incision in contrast to the scar that commonly indents or tethers.
• Weight gain: Weight gain can lead to an increase in subcutaneous fat cells of the abdomen.
• The aging process: The older you get the more your metabolism slows down making it more difficult to shed off the stubborn fat.

How Is the Liposuction Procedure Performed?

Your liposuction procedure can be performed as an outpatient surgery under IV sedation and a local anesthetic in your doctor’s facility. Patients that require a larger amount of fat to be removed might require the use of general anesthesia and an overnight stay.

Your doctor will begin the procedure by making the necessary incisions in the treatment area and injecting the tumescent solution. This will help to expand and firm the fat, making it easier to remove. Once that step is completed, a cannula will then be inserted through the incisions to suck the fat out from the treatment area.

You can expect the treatment to last between one to two hours. Patients who want to treat multiple areas can expect it to last longer. Post-op patients will be required to wear compression garments for four to six weeks to help promote optimal healing.

What to Expect After the Liposuction

After the procedure is completed, it is important that you take the appropriate amount of time off to rest and relax. This can help speed up your recovery and get you back on your feet before you know it.

You can return to work and perform other activities if they’re not too strenuous within a few days after the procedure. Extreme activities such as working out should be avoided for two weeks following the procedure. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a must as it can help you maintain the results you achieve and get you the body you have always wanted to have.

Contact Our Office

If you’re interested in learning more about abdominal liposuction and the benefits it can provide, please contact our office today. Dr. Erika Sato, a respected board-certified plastic surgeon who brings years of experience and skill to each liposuction procedure she performs, can help you get that achieve your aesthetic goals through precise and effective surgical solutions.