Abdominal Liposuction

Abdominal liposuction is an operation designed to remove fat by liposuction.

The art of the procedure is to remove the fat in the right proportions to produce a well balanced aesthetically pleasing appearance of the abdomen. I often describe this as liposculpturing. For example, it may be possible to remove a little extra from the area extending up from the umbilicus. This produces a shallow groove above the belly button which is more attractive and natural looking than a flat surface. If the flanks (love handles) are too full these would be adjusted to match the contours of the abdomen.

However, it is only the fatty layer that can be adjusted, the underlying abdominal wall cannot be changed and it has a lot to do with determining the overall shape.

A small metal suction tube is used to remove unwanted fat cells from areas of the abdomen where there is an excess of fat.

If:

• You have good skin, by that I mean few or no stretch marks, and good elasticity.
• You have no lower abdominal over hang of skin.
• Your muscles are in good condition.
• Your main problem is a moderate excess of fat.

Then, Liposuction, may be the operation of choice for you.

This procedure is designed to remove the excess fat from areas you may find it does not shift from with diet or exercise. Many of the ladies who come to see me have a thick "column" of fat up the middle part of the abdomen. This does not seem to reduce much with diet or exercise. Once it is gone, patients often comment that they feel that something that was in the way of them bending forward has gone!

Your skin needs to be in good condition. What I mean by good skin is that there should be few or no stretch marks and it is nice and firm, suggesting good elastic tissue. This is necessary for the skin to "take up" once the fat has been removed.

Using The Fat

I have been using fat for many years now by fat grafting . With this skill of being able to transfer fat as a graft, I will often look at a patient who is asking for liposuction and consider whether they might benefit from using their own fat to improve the appearance of another part of the body. This might be something as simple as improving the appearance of an indented scar or a more extensive fat transfer. It can be used very effectively in the face if there are areas that need contour improvement. I have also used it in the buttocks if these are a little flat.

It is not always appropriate, but I will consider fat grafting in some patients. The fat is otherwise going to be thrown away!

Might you need more than liposuction?

If there is an overhang of skin in the lower abdomen, particularly in relation to an old Caesar scar, you will need more than just liposuction. A mini abdominoplasty might be necessary.
Lie flat on your back and put your hand flat on your tummy just above the belly button. Now lift both legs up about six inches. If you feel a bulge push up against your hand (like the Alien trying to get out), your may have a Divarication. (You need to check below the belly button as will). I will advise you whether a full tummy tuck, abdominoplasty , might be better so I can repair the weakness. Don't worry about what you need done, I will advise you when come in to see me.