The abdomen is the most common area of the body to be treated by liposuction among both men and women.

Important factors that affect the success of abdominal liposuction include: the amount and location of abdomen fat, history of weight gain and weight loss, history of pregnancy, and the age and the sex of the patient.

Abdominal fat occurs in two different levels: subcutaneous (superficial), located just below the skin and above the abdominal muscles - and intestinal (deep), located inside the abdominal cavity on the intestines. 

Photos courtesy of Dr Hamori, Massachusetts

Some people have more intestinal fat than subcutaneous fat.  Subcutaneous fat can be removed by liposuction.  Intestinal fat cannot be removed by liposuction because it would be too dangerous.  Fat on the intestines can only be diminished by weight loss through diet and exercise.  Most people have more subcutaneous fat than intestinal fat so most will see a good cosmetic improvement with abdominal liposuction.

The procedure involves making a tiny incision in the skin, typically in the navel or just below the bikini line. Thin tubes called canulas are inserted into the fatty area and are used to break up the fat deposits and sculpt the area to the desired proportions. The unwanted fat is removed with a powerful vacuum, leaving the skin, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels intact.

The procedure takes 1-2 hours per area and for small amounts of fat removal it is done on an out-patient basis.  If you are having large amounts of fat removed, an overnight hospital stay may be recommended.

Most of the bruising and swelling should subside in about 3 weeks and you will need to wear a compression garment for a period recommended by your doctor. 

You should see visible results of your surgery within two to three weeks, but the full effects may not be evident for six months to a year. The more fat that you had removed the longer it will take to achieve optimal results, because the skin has to adapt to a more radical change in shape.

Since the normal ageing process affects the firmness and elasticity of the skin, older patients may not achieve quite the same results as younger patients.

Average Cost: $4500-$5000
                                                                         
Please ask your doctor for further information.