Removal of excessive deposits of fat from adipose tissues in the abdominal area is called abdominal liposuction. A specialized surgical device is used to produce high-pressure suction to perform this procedure at different areas of the body.
Liposuction is a cosmetic technique used to reshape or redefine body contours by eliminating extra fatty tissues. Also, this procedure can be used to get rid of benign—non-cancerous—tumors of fat, commonly known as lipomas.
Average Cost
$3,775
Price Range
$550 to $7,000
The cons of liposuction are limited and often resolve on their own. However, in a few cases it might cause:
Though these complications are rarely observed and most of the surgeries are successful with satisfactory outcomes.
Liposuction typically uses a cannula, which is a thin tube-like structure, inserted into the abdominal cavity via a surgical incision. The incision can be made either in the umbilicus or just beneath the inguinal line—commonly known as the bikini line. The cannula then breaks up the layers of fat by pushing and pulling through them. Finally, the detached fat tissues are suctioned out by the same cannula.
The procedure is generally performed under local anesthetic effects with other sedative agents given intravenously. The anesthesia ceases the sensory response from the particular part of the body; hence all the sensations are lost. However, in some cases where extensive surgery is required, general anesthesia is preferred.
The two main types of techniques used for liposuction by surgeons are:
The time of the procedure largely depends on the size, area, and volume of the fat to be removed.
Post-surgery, the surgeon will direct you to wear a corset to support and treat the incised parts. Pressure bandages are also recommended in these procedures.
The surgeon will make sure that you are medically fit for this procedure by having a number of lab tests and physical examinations with detailed past medical and surgical history. Any drugs contradicting the procedure will be stopped by the surgeon prior to surgery—such as aspirin or other NSAIDs may cause hemorrhage and delay healing. On the other hand, some specified pharmacological agents will be prescribed to you in order to prepare you for the operation.
You are allowed to consult about your concerns and queries regarding the whole procedure, time duration, potential side effects, outcomes, and recovery phase. Clear all your confusion in pre-surgical appointments about your presumptions, preferences, and opinions as well.
The surgeon will also direct you to stop smoking, alcohol, and products related to tobacco prior to your procedure. It reduces the risk of developing adverse effects after or during surgery. All types of anti-inflammatory, herbal, and anti-coagulant drugs must be avoided, as they may cause a delay in recovery and blood loss. Please enlist the help of your friends or family during the hospital stay and get you back home after the procedure.
After the procedure, your surgeon will recommend you to wear compression bandages on the operated region. It helps control edema and applies pressure to the loosened skin. Avoid vigorous physical activity soon after the surgery; you may start light exercise at least 4 days after the procedure. Removal of bandages may cause dizziness which should be managed by giving intervals in between. The incision should be kept neat and dry by washing with soap and clean water every day.
In case there are excessive fluids coming out of the incision, small drains are placed to get rid of them and prevent bruising. Since ibuprofen, aspirin and other NSAIDs are more likely to cause hemorrhage and blood loss; hence, any pain medication, NSAIDs, or antibiotics should not be taken until or unless prescribed by the doctor. Unlike other surgical procedures, cold or heating packs and dressings are not advised to apply on the operated part.
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Side effects and complications associated with liposuction are not very common. However, in some cases, there might be a risk of:
Who are the best candidates for abdominal liposuction?
Ideally, the best candidates are those who have no underlying medical disorders (hemorrhagic disorder, compromised immune system, etc). The candidate having an excessive amount of fat deposits in a particular area of the body is most likely to get liposuction. A better outcome is linked to firm and elastic skin as well.
However, the final decision is made upon thorough physical examination, along with essential lab tests and consultation.
What are the differences between abdominal liposuction and a tummy tuck?
While liposuction aims to remove excessive and unwanted fat from a particular area of skin; tummy tuck is a procedure that involves the removal of unnecessary fat as well as skin from the abdomen.
The incisions made for liposuction are tiny and the recovery time is lesser. Whereas, the tummy tuck will take a larger incision to be carried out with a longer recovery phase.
Another major difference is that, after liposuction, the skin does not tighten on its own. However, in tummy tuck, the correction and tightening of abdominal muscles are included in the surgery.
Although both the procedures aim to boost self-confidence and help create a positive body image. Neither of them is a definite means for bodyweight loss.