Abdominal Liposuction

Offered at our convenient location in Raleigh, NC

Abdominal Liposuction Dr. Amber L. Allen Allen Aesthetic Surgery

Abdominal liposuction is a body contouring procedure that removes excess fat from the midsection to help you achieve your desired profile. Aging, pregnancy, and lifestyle changes can cause stubborn pockets of fat in this area, but with liposuction, patients have an efficient method for improving their figure. If dietary changes and exercise have not been effective for you, liposuction can rid you of excess areas of abdominal fat, and create a flatter stomach.

Dr. Amber L. Allen, who has board certification in cosmetic surgery and general surgery, leverages her artistic skills to contour the body for your desired result with advanced liposuction techniques. At Allen Aesthetic Surgery, we have several customizable treatments to help you feel and look your best. Contact our office or call (919) 676-5052 to get started with your treatment.

About Liposuction

Liposuction is a popular and effective body contouring treatment. In 2022, it made up 23% of 1.5 million cosmetic procedures. (1) And of those procedures, a significant number target the midsection. Factors such as age, genetics, pregnancy, and weight fluctuations can contribute to the accumulation of unwanted fat in this area. These pockets of fat can be difficult to eliminate through traditional methods alone. Abdominal liposuction provides a safe and effective way to remove stubborn fat deposits and sculpt the abdomen to create a refined and contoured appearance. It can selectively remove stubborn subcutaneous fat deposits from the abdomen, improving body contour and reducing waist circumference.

Alternative Treatment: The Tummy Tuck

Where there is excess fat and loose skin in the abdomen, Dr. Allen may recommend a tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, which may or may not include liposuction. A tummy tuck addresses skin sagging in the midsection but can also tighten the abdominal muscles. This is often the treatment of choice for those who have experienced abdominal muscle separation due to pregnancy, a condition known as diastasis recti. (2)

Benefits of Abdominal Liposuction

Abdominal liposuction offers several benefits to patients, including:

  • Removal of unwanted abdominal fat
  • Improved body contour and definition
  • Sculpting of the waistline and midsection
  • Enhanced self-confidence and self-esteem
  • Long-lasting results with proper maintenance of a healthy lifestyle
  • Momentum to maintain results and lead a healthy lifestyle

Candidates

If you have excess abdominal fat that is resistant to diet and exercise, and you are looking for a safe and effective way to restore your body contour, liposuction is likely a good fit for you. Ideal candidates for abdominal liposuction are individuals who also:

  • Are within 30% of their normal body mass index (BMI) (3)
  • Have good skin elasticity for optimal post-surgical results
  • Are generally healthy and do not have underlying medical conditions that may impair healing
  • Have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure

If you have diabetes, a blood clotting disorder, or a circulatory condition, you may not be the best candidate for liposuction.

Personal Consultation

During your consultation, Dr. Allen will ask about your medical history and examine your abdomen to assess the amount of fat present and your skin’s elasticity. She will discuss your medical history, current medications, and any previous surgeries to determine whether or not liposuction in this area is a good fit for you. Once Dr. Allen has performed the necessary examinations and has determined that abdominal liposuction is a good fit for your needs, she will create a customized treatment plan and we will arrange your treatment on a future date that suits your schedule.

Preparation

To prepare for abdominal liposuction, it is important to follow the preoperative instructions provided by Dr. Allen. These instructions may include:

  • Discontinuing certain medications and supplements that can increase bleeding or affect anesthesia
  • Quitting smoking for a specified period before and after the procedure, as smoking can impair healing
  • Undergoing preoperative laboratory testing, such as blood tests or imaging studies
  • Arranging for transportation to and from the surgical facility on the day of the procedure

Abdominal Liposuction Procedure

Abdominal Liposuction Dr. Amber L. Allen Allen Aesthetic Surgery

Before your procedure, our team will place you under anesthesia. Dr. Allen will mark out the treatment area to target the stubborn areas of fat in your abdomen. Once you are under the effects of the anesthesia, she will begin the procedure by making a discreet and small incision in the treatment area. After infiltrating the space with a special numbing solution called tumescent fluid, she will then use a cannula, a thin metal tube, to loosen the excess fat. Next, she will use suction to remove the fat from your body permanently. Dr. Allen will expertly sculpt the abdominal area to provide a slimmer silhouette. Depending on your individual treatment plan, your liposuction procedure will take between 1-2 hours.

Abdominal Liposuction Recovery

After abdominal liposuction, it is normal to experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treated area. Dr. Allen will provide detailed postoperative instructions to help manage pain and encourage proper healing. These instructions may include:

  • Wearing compression garments to minimize swelling and support the newly contoured area
  • Taking prescribed pain medication as directed
  • Avoiding strenuous physical activities or heavy lifting for the recommended period of time
  • Attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress and address any concerns or questions

Results

The results of abdominal liposuction are immediately visible, but the final results will become apparent as post-operative swelling resolves. Patients can expect a more defined waistline, reduced abdominal fat, improved body contour, and enhanced self-confidence. With proper care, the results of abdominal liposuction can be long-lasting.

Corresponding Procedures

Renuvion Skin Tightening

Renuvion skin tightening is an innovative procedure that utilizes J-Plasma technology to deliver controlled levels of energy to the skin, resulting in collagen remodeling and firming. It can be utilized as a standalone treatment, or as an addition to abdominal liposuction. This treatment targets the subdermal layers of the skin, precisely heating the tissues to promote contraction and collagen production. The result is a tighter and more rejuvenated abdominal appearance with enhanced skin elasticity.

Mini Tummy Tuck

The mini tummy tuck, also known as a mini-abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that focuses on improving the appearance of the lower abdomen. This body contouring procedure is designed to address excess abdominal skin, tighten loose abdominal muscles, and remove localized fat in the lower abdomen. It is an effective way to restore the contours of the abdomen, especially after pregnancy or significant weight loss. The mini tummy tuck offers patients minimal scarring, quick recovery, and natural-looking results.

Mommy Makeover

A mommy makeover is a combination of cosmetic surgical procedures that target common aesthetic concerns faced by women after pregnancy and childbirth. This comprehensive approach involves multiple treatments to address issues such as sagging breasts, excess abdominal skin and fat, and stubborn pockets of fat in the hips, thighs, or buttocks. The goal of a mommy makeover is to restore and enhance a woman’s post-pregnancy body, allowing her to regain her pre-pregnancy shape and confidence.

To learn more about how our corresponding procedures can help you meet your goals, see the blog.

Cost of Abdominal Liposuction in Raleigh

The cost of your treatment will depend on the area you would like to treat and the volume of excess fat you need to remove. Contact our office to get started with your treatment.

FAQ

Can I lose weight with abdominal liposuction?

It is important to note that liposuction is not a weight loss procedure but rather a body contouring treatment. It’s most effective for individuals who are close to their ideal weight but have localized areas of stubborn fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and considerations, so it’s essential to consult with a qualified cosmetic surgeon to determine if abdominal liposuction is the right option for you.

Are liposuction scars visible?

Liposuction incisions tend to be small and discreetly placed in hidden areas or natural skin creases, reducing their visibility. Surgeons utilize advanced techniques to minimize scarring and achieve the best possible aesthetic outcome.

Will liposuction help with loose abdominal skin?

Liposuction primarily targets excess fat deposits rather than loose skin. However, if the skin possesses adequate elasticity, it can contract and tighten after fat removal. For individuals with significant sagging skin, other procedures such as a tummy tuck or body lift may be more appropriate.

How long do liposuction results last?

The results of liposuction are considered permanent since the removed fat cells will not typically regenerate. However, it is crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet to enhance the longevity of your results.

What are the side effects associated with liposuction?

You may experience some discomfort and swelling in the area immediately after treatment. However local anesthesia and rest after your surgery will help alleviate the symptoms.

Is liposuction safe?

Yes, liposuction is safe for patients who do not have circulatory conditions or a history of diabetes. If you are unable to go under anesthesia, this treatment may not be the best fit for you.

References

  1. Tuesday S 26. American Society of Plastic Surgeons Reveals 2022’s Most Sought-After Procedures. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Published September 26, 2023. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/press-releases/american-society-of-plastic-surgeons-reveals-2022s-most-sought-after-procedures
  2. Hall H, Sanjaghsaz H. Diastasis Recti Rehabilitation. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK573063/
  3. Bartow MJ, Raggio BS. Liposuction. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563135/