Do you want to lose stubborn belly fat? Without undergoing any surgery?
If you’ve been looking for a way to get rid of the belly pooch or flab around your waist, you may have considered liposuction (lipoplasty). During your research, you may have come across jars of fat removed from the patient’s belly after liposuction. Perhaps you’ve seen before and after photos of patients who’ve had liposuction on their bellies and are now confident with their slimmer waistlines.
Abdominal liposuction is the second most common cosmetic surgical procedure for removing extra abdominal fat and restoring a flatter, smoother waist.
As the name suggests, this treatment melts and sucks out stubborn fat. Remember that Liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure and does not firm or tighten skin.
In this article, we’ll go over how liposuction is performed on the belly, as well as before and after photos.
Table of Contents
Benefits of Liposuction
- Safe method of removing fat
- Permanently removes fat cells
- Improves self-esteem
- Better mobility
- Reduce inflammatory cells
- Reduce blood fat levels
- A Healthier Lifestyle
The most important benefit is that it can remove fat that diet and exercise can’t.
What to Expect from Belly Liposuction?
Even with exercise and diet, losing abdominal fat might be challenging. Liposuction can effectively target the lower belly bulge by using a suction device
It is a cosmetic surgery that can permanently remove fat cells from other parts of the body, including the:
- Belly (abdomen, waist, or stomach)
- Face (cheeks, chin, and jowls)
- Thighs (inner and outer)
- Inner knee, calves, or ankles
- Hips or “love handles” (flank)
- Upper arms
Liposuction is usually performed to contour the body rather than to help physical health. Results are subtle rather than dramatic.
How Does Liposuction Work on belly fat?
The lipoplasty usually involves the following steps:
Anesthesia: Before the liposuction, the patient is given anesthesia (local anesthesia or general anesthesia) depending on the extent of the liposuction, to make the procedure as painless as possible.
Incision: As the anesthesia takes effect, the surgeon will create small incisions in the belly button or natural creases of the lower abdomen to insert a suction device into the fatty region of the stomach. This device is connected to a small tube known as a cannula.
Fat Removal: The cannula is used to suction out extra fat from the targeted areas of the belly. The surgeon will move the cannula inside your abdomen to break up the cells. Then, this liquefied fat will be removed with the help of a suction pipe or large syringe.
Closing the Incisions: Once the excess fat has been removed, the surgeon will close up the incisions with surgical tape or stitches.
Recovery: You might need to wear a compression garment for a few weeks after liposuction to reduce swelling and help the tummy conform to your new body shape. To speed up recovery, your surgeon may recommend antibiotics and painkillers.
During recovery, you might experience bruising, swelling, and soreness.
It’s important to note that liposuction is not a weight-loss solution and doesn’t remove cellulite, dimples, or stretch marks.
Liposuction on Belly Before and After
Here, you can see the results of liposuction on the belly before and after photos shared by a patient.
Stomach Liposuction Recovery
After liposuction, the surgeon will wrap your tummy with a compression garment or elastic bandages to help reduce swelling, bruising, and soreness. The recovery time of liposuction is approximately 2 to 3 weeks. Your surgeon may prescribe painkillers or recommend over-the-counter medications
The treated area will probably be bruised and swollen for at least two weeks. However, you may not see instant results because of swelling. Over time, you will see a slimmer waistline.
You can resume your normal activities as soon as you feel comfortable. The stomach liposuction recovery may take longer if a lot of fat is removed from your belly. After 6 weeks, you can see the full scope of your lipoplasty.
Liposuction Results
The results of liposuction are permanent with no long-term side effects. However, recovery may take up to 6 weeks.
Moreover, the results may vary depending on the amount of fat removed, the patient’s skin elasticity, and their overall body shape. If a patient has excess loose skin or weak abdominal muscles, lipoplasty alone may not be the perfect option to give them a flat stomach.
In such cases, your surgeon may recommend additional surgical procedures, such as a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), to achieve the desired result.
Belly Liposuction Risks and Complications
Like with any surgical procedure, liposuction carries some risks and complications. These complications usually depend on the scope of the procedure. For example, smaller areas of fat removal involve a shorter procedure with fewer risks. However, you can reduce these risks by choosing a board-certified surgeon.
- Severe bruising
- Inflammation
- Skin discoloration
- Scarring
- Bleeding
- Skin burns
- Pain or discomfort: this can last for several days
Some other rare side effects of liposuction are:
- Internal organ punctures
- Kidney or heart problems
- Pulmonary embolism
- Allergic reaction
- Thrombophlebitis
- Contour irregularities
- Infections
Tummy Liposuction Cost
It’s a safe procedure and typically costs less than a tummy tuck.
According to the most recent American Society of Plastic Surgeons statistics, belly liposuction can cost between $6,000 and $8,000 – It doesn’t include anesthesia, operating room facilities, and other related costs.
The cost of the treatment depends on a number of factors:
- Size of the treatment area
- How much fat is to be removed?
- Medical tests
- Anesthesia fees
- Antibiotics and other medications
- Compression garments and wound-care dressings
- Surgical facility costs
- Geographical office location
- Experience and expertise of the board-certified surgeon
The Best Candidate for Liposuction on Belly
The best candidates for liposuction are those who are at their ideal weight, and want to change and contour their body’s shape but have stubborn fat pockets on their bellies that are resistant to diet and exercise.
FAQs
Does liposuction give you a flat stomach?
Yes, as it is a safe surgical procedure with few side effects. It can permanently remove stubborn pockets of fat from the stomach and give a slimmer waistline. Keep in mind that liposuction is not a weight loss method or a replacement for a healthy lifestyle.
How long does it take to recover from liposuction on the stomach?
The recovery from belly liposuction can take up to six weeks and can take longer depending on the scope of the procedure and the individual’s healing rate. You can resume your daily activities as soon as you feel comfortable.
What will my stomach look like after liposuction?
In general, liposuction can help reduce belly, resulting in a flatter and more contoured stomach. However, fluid retention and swelling can make your stomach appear bloated.
Does belly fat regrow after liposuction?
Liposuction can permanently remove belly fat, and these fat cells will not regrow in the treated area. If you want to maintain a flatter and more contoured stomach, you should follow a healthy diet and exercise routine after the treatment. Otherwise, you may gain weight and develop new pockets of fat in your stomach.
Summary
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that permanently removes fat cells from your belly. If you gain weight after the procedure, it is unlikely to be excessive in the abdomen (where the liposuction was performed).
Keep in mind that lipoplasty doesn’t prevent weight gain, and it is not a solution for obesity.