Tummy Liposuction: How Does It Work?

What is tummy liposuction?

Liposuction, or lipoplasty, is one of the most common procedures in cosmetic surgery for the removal of localized fat. Generally, fat deposits develop in various areas of the body, areas of persistent accumulation even after a routine of physical exercise and a correct diet, contributing to a disproportionate appearance of the silhouette. When fat is mainly deposited in the abdominal area, tummy liposuction acts by removing excess fatty tissue, restoring relief and creating a slimmer appearance. Tummy liposuction can be performed alone or in combination with other abdominal reduction procedures. Liposuction is not an effective surgical intervention against cellulite or obesity. People undergoing liposuction should be healthy and relatively slim, with firm and elastic skin and good muscle tone, and not exceed their ideal weight by more than 30%.

What are the indications and contraindications of tummy liposuction?

The indications and contraindications of tummy liposuction are essential elements to consider before undergoing this surgical procedure. The main indications include the presence of excess localized fat in the abdominal region, often resistant to exercise and diet. This procedure is particularly suitable for people in good general health, close to their ideal weight, but who wish to refine their silhouette and obtain more defined abdominal contours. However, certain contraindications must be taken into account, such as serious health problems, coagulation disorders, pregnancy, and unrealistic patient expectations. A thorough evaluation by the cosmetic surgeon is necessary to determine if tummy liposuction is appropriate for each individual, thus ensuring safe and satisfactory results.

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How does the operation take place?

Liposuction procedures can last from 1 to 5 hours depending on the extent and technique used. Before starting the liposuction procedure, the areas to be treated must be disinfected. Depending on the complexity of the procedure and the amount of fat to be removed, general or local anesthesia combined with intravenous sedation may be used. After sedation, the cosmetic surgeon makes one or more incisions under the underwear or in the navel. However, the surgeon may make incisions in other locations, depending on the procedure. The tummy liposuction scar is hidden in the body's contours.

Can other areas be treated in one operation?

The objective of liposuction is to shape the body contours, whether male (male tummy liposuction) or female. To do this, excess fat is removed from strategic areas. This is why tummy liposuction is often associated with other areas of the body, such as saddlebag liposuction, double chin liposuction, etc…

Who is the ideal patient?

The procedure is indicated for patients who wish to define body contours, resulting from rapid weight loss or aging.

In some cases, the plastic surgeon may indicate liposuction in conjunction with other procedures to improve the aesthetics of the body. Among these is abdominoplasty, which aims to correct imperfections in the abdominal region.

It should however be specified that liposuction is not an intervention intended to treat obesity. An overweight person must treat the problem with a series of lifestyle changes and be accompanied by a health professional.

What is the maximum amount of fat that can be removed?

Basic safety guidelines are to not exceed a volume removed equivalent to 7% of body weight or not exceed 40% of the body surface in the treated area. I will therefore teach you how to calculate. For example, a patient whose current weight is 60 kg and who will perform only one liposuction.

Is it possible to use the removed fat?

To help you understand lipofilling, you must first know that it is a surgical procedure complementary to liposuction. Also known as augmentation of a certain area of the body by fat grafting, lipofilling consists of aspirating, treating and centrifuging body fat to apply it to another part of the body. Fat grafting is performed in several layers, involving subcutaneous tissue, breasts and sometimes muscle, in order to increase the chances of integration. In some cases, this technique can serve as an alternative to breast or buttock implants, provided that it is considered an appropriate intervention for the patient in consultation with her doctor.

What operations can be performed in addition to tummy liposuction?

Thigh liposuction can be associated with other liposuction procedures (hips, abdomen, arms, chin, calves, etc.) or other body contouring cosmetic surgery operations. For example, in the case of significant skin laxity, thigh liposuction can be combined with a thigh lift to remove excess skin and tighten contours. In addition, if lipofilling is considered, the aspirated fat can be purified and reinjected to increase the volume of the buttocks, breasts or face, thus offering personalized solutions to improve the overall appearance of the body.

Will there be scars?

It is very easy to hide the scar, which guarantees the effectiveness of the intervention without leaving visible traces. Indeed, besides the fact that it is a very small incision - about 1 cm - the surgeon chooses places where the scar will not appear, such as, for example, under the abdomen - easily covered by a bikini - and also in the armpit area. That is to say, they become so small and discreet that it is almost impossible to notice them.

What is the post-operative period like and is it painful?

There may be minor pain, swelling, and bruising after the procedure. The doctor may suggest wearing compression garments for 2 to 6 weeks, an important part of the recovery process. Compression garments are tight-fitting garments that hold the tissues together while being comfortable and helpful to the healing process. Compression garments control edema by preventing fluid from accumulating in the treated area and also help the skin to adopt its new contour.

When will I see the results of the liposuction?

It is possible to return to work a few days after the operation and to resume normal activities after about one or two weeks. An improvement in appearance is noted shortly after the procedure. Further improvement can be observed 4 to 6 weeks after the procedure, with a reduction in edema. The final result will be visible after about 3 months. Although fat cells are definitively eliminated from the treated area by the intervention, it is important to note that liposuction does not prevent weight gain.

What do you recommend to preserve the results of liposuction?

To maintain the results of the procedure, it is important to have healthy dietary and physical activity habits. It is important that the patient:

• Takes the medications prescribed by the doctor (analgesics and antibiotics);
• Avoids sun exposure and physical activity for up to 1 month after the operation;
• Rests for 1 week;
• Performs manual lymphatic drainage, after the third day of the procedure;
• Drinks plenty of water to reduce swelling and edema;
• Wears an elastic girdle for 2 days after the liposuction procedure;
• Lies down without pressing on the surgical site;
• Moves your legs frequently to avoid thrombosis.

The patient should choose a light diet after liposuction, favoring broths, soups, salads, fruits and vegetables. As for meat, fried and fatty foods should be avoided, and lean grilled meats should be preferred.

What are the side effects and risks of tummy liposuction?

Tummy liposuction is a commonly performed surgical procedure to remove excess fat and sculpt the abdominal silhouette. This intervention generally benefits from complete management, but it is crucial to carefully follow post-operative instructions to reduce the risks of potential complications such as infection or contour irregularities. By respecting the instructions provided by the surgeon, such as wearing compression garments and limiting physical activity, patients can optimize the results of their abdominal liposuction and promote rapid and problem-free healing.