Abdominal Liposuction: everything you need to know about the procedure

Abdominal Liposuction is one of the most popular types of liposuction for both men and women, as the abdomen is one of the areas of the body where fat accumulates most easily. However, it's not enough to have fat in the abdomen to be a good candidate for this surgery.

In this article, you'll find out:

- if abdominal liposuction is right for you;

- how the surgery is performed;

- the recovery time and post-operative care;

-how to achieve lasting results;

-how to choose the best plastic surgeon for your surgery.

Am I a good candidate for abdominal liposuction?

Liposuction of the abdomen is generally performed on patients with localised fat in this area and is often combined with liposuction of the flanks and back. Before making the decision to have liposuction, you should consult your plastic surgeon to ensure that you are a good candidate for the surgery.

Good candidates for abdominal liposuction generally have the following characteristics:

BMI of less than 30
Elastic skin/no sagging
Good muscle tone
Good general health
Non-smokers
Realistic expectations regarding the result of liposuction

*Women who have already been mothers and who, in addition to localised fat, also have abdominal diastasis and excess skin on the belly, are suitable for a Lipoabdominoplasty. Liposuction of the abdomen eliminates localised fat but does not eliminate excess skin or correct the separation of the rectus muscles.

How is liposuction of the abdomen performed?

Liposuction of the abdomen is usually performed under local anaesthetic and sedation but can vary depending on the combination of procedures. Liposuction of the abdomen is often combined with other procedures, such as abdominoplasty and buttock augmentation with fat taken from the patient's own abdomen.

After the patient has been anaesthetised, cannulas about 3mm in diameter are inserted, which suck the fat out using a vacuum system. The surgery can take between 1 and 4 hours, depending on the amount of fat to be removed. The patient usually remains under observation for 24 hours and is usually discharged the following day.

Recovery Time and Post-Operative Care for Abdominal Liposuction

Recovery from abdominal liposuction depends on the extent of the area and the combination of procedures but is on average one week.

As with any surgical procedure, liposuction of the abdomen is not without its risks and complications, so all post-operative care must be strictly adhered to:

On the day you are discharged, you should have a friend or family member pick you up from the clinic;
It is advisable to be accompanied for the first 48 hours;
You should take short walks at home every 1-2 hours to promote circulation;
Take the medication prescribed by the medical team;
Wear a compression garment for 1 month, 24 hours a day, to promote adherence of the skin to the tissues;
Do not smoke;
Comply strictly with the physiotherapy programme;
Do not drive for one week;
No physical exertion for 4 weeks;
Attend all review appointments.

Are the results of abdominal liposuction permanent?

Technically, the results of tummy tuck liposuction are permanent because the fat cells have been eliminated. Changes in body contour after surgery are usually associated with increased body weight, pregnancy, the natural ageing process, genetic factors and lifestyle.

For the results of liposuction to be long-lasting, it is crucial to follow a balanced diet and exercise. Only in this way will you be able to maintain a stable weight without jeopardising the results of the surgery.

It is extremely important to keep in touch with your plastic surgeon and attend all review appointments within the first 12 months in order to assess the evolution of the results.

How do I choose the best plastic surgeon for abdominal liposuction?

As with any other surgery, liposuction of the abdomen is not without its risks and complications. It is extremely important that you do your research before having the surgery in order to make an informed decision. Here are some of the important questions you should consider in order to make the best decision:

- Does the doctor specialise in reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery?

- Is the plastic surgeon registered with the Portuguese Medical Association?

- Does he have proven results with before and after photos of liposuction of the abdomen?

- Does the plastic surgeon have positive testimonials from other patients?

The abdominal liposuction consultation

Once you have chosen the clinic and plastic surgeon to carry out your liposuction of the abdomen, it is important that you make a list of questions to ask during the consultation. Only in this way can you ensure that you are clear.

- Am I a good candidate for liposuction?

- What results can I expect from liposuction?

- What can I do to achieve better results?

- Do you have before and after photos of liposuction of the abdomen?

- Are the liposuction scars visible? Where will they be located?

- What anaesthetic is used?

- Should I lose weight before liposuction?

- What will the recovery be like and when can I resume physical activity?

- Where are the surgeries performed?

- Are the facilities accredited and with the appropriate safety conditions?

- Will I be hospitalised after the surgery?

- What are the risks and complications of liposuction?

- How much does abdominal liposuction cost?

- What is and isn't included in the cost of the surgery?

How do I book an abdominal liposuction appointment?

Are you thinking of having liposuction of the abdomen and would like to know if this is the right procedure for you. Contact us by phone or email and book an appointment with Dr Alice ? Varanda Pereira, Dr Mariana da Rocha Martins, Dr Marta Gouveia Duarte or Dr Filipa Oliveira, our doctors specialising in liposuction and body contouring surgery.

Important note:

In case this article presents before and after photos please consider them merely demonstrative and may not serve as a reference for your particular case. These images are only to show possible results for one or several surgical procedures. The images we use are of patients who have consented to their use. Any images do not represent a guarantee of results.

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Abdominal Liposuction: everything you need to know about the procedure

Sobre a Médica Especialista
Dr. Alice Varanda Pereira / Plastic Surgery

Member of The Portuguese Medical Association, Nr. 47051

Graduated by the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon, she completed her master’s degree in human sexuality and is currently developing her PhD at this same institution.

She joined the University faculty academic staff in 2008 as a lecturer of the Institute of Anatomy. It is in this unit that she produces most of her research projects, mainly in the area of surgical anatomy, whilst also supervising master’s thesis for undergraduate students.