Many people are unhappy about unwanted fatty deposits in their abdomen area which do not budge even with a balanced diet and aggressive exercise regimen.
While there is no easy solution to remove belly fat, liposuction can help eliminate love handles and other types of undesirable abdominal flab.
Liposuction is one of the most popular forms of cosmetic surgery in the US today. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 396,048 liposuction procedures were undertaken in 2015 alone.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim provides abdominal liposuction to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding locations.
What an Abdominal Liposuction can do for You?
Aging and other factors may cause a general redistribution of body fat, specifically around the middle. Women may experience a roll of stubborn and unattractive belly fat after childbirth. Genetics, of course, is an important factor in fat distribution. But as far as liposuction is concerned, all fat is not the same.
Fat that is unresponsive to diet and exercise is typically subcutaneous fat. This fat is found beneath the skin and on top of the abdominal wall. Fortunately, liposuction aims to remove this form of fat. Liposuction cosmetic surgery can effectively eliminate flab pockets, re-sculpt the middle, and enhance the overall body shape.
Stomach Liposuction Procedure
The most common technique to remove fat around the buttocks, thighs, stomach, and ankles is “tumescent liposuction.” This procedure is also considered to be the safest. “Tumescent” refers to the significant amount of buffered salt water that is injected into the fatty tissue underneath the skin.
The surgeon places an incision in the treatment area and subsequently inserts a straw-like tube, known as a cannula, beneath the flesh. The cannula is attached to a vacuum, and there is a rigid wand at its end.
The surgeon manipulates the cannula back and forth in quick motions to dislodge fat. The time taken for the procedure ranges between 45 minutes to two hours, with a recovery period of up to two weeks.
The full effects of liposuction manifest in six to 12 weeks after the surgery. When the procedure is complete, the surgeon bandages the area and instructs the patient to wear a compression garment for one to two weeks. The bruising and pain may remain for up to two weeks, and inflammation may last for two weeks to two months.
What an Abdominal Liposuction cannot do?
Stomach liposuction cosmetic surgery is designed for fat loss, and it is not a weight loss procedure. It is most effective on fatty deposits that are located in specific areas and are unresponsive to exercise, especially around the thighs, stomach, buttocks, and hips.
The patient may lose a small amount of weight with this procedure, but it will likely not be significant. Liposuction also cannot address a bulging stomach that is caused by weakness in the abdominal wall, and it is not a procedure for skin tightening.
However, liposuction is sometimes undertaken in combination with a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) to tone and flatten the abdominal region.
Post-Operative Recovery
After tumescent liposuction of the abdomen, a patient will usually not need any pain drugs stronger than acetaminophen (Tylenol). The pain is akin to muscle soreness and burning that occurs after an aggressive work-out session.
The pain intensity is similar to that of sunburn. It is most intense when the skin area is touched or flexed, such as when rolling over in bed, getting in and out of a vehicle, or when sitting still on a couch. The discomfort is minimal when sitting or walking.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby areas for abdominal liposuction.
Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.
