Abdomen liposuction (tummy tuck)

Tummy

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The abdominal region is a common body area both in men and women.

The most important factors in a successful procedure are fat volume and position, history of weight loss or gain, history of C-sections, age and gender.

Antecedent pregnancy

An antecedent pregnancy stretches and loosens the abdominal muscles. Thus, the lower part of the abdominal region projects. It is this projection that determines the postoperative shape of the tummy. It is really important that every woman is pleased with her abdominal liposuction results.

C-section

C-section, or as it is officially called the Pfannenstiel incision, is performed horizontally on the lowest part of the abdomen and facilitates cesarean birth or hysterectomy. A common and unwanted result after a C-section is the projection of fat on the incision, a problem easily solved with liposuction.

Antecedent obesity

Antecedent obesity and later weight loss endure the fat deposited in the abdominal region and make liposuction a challenge.

Where fat is deposited in the abdominal area 

The location of fat tissues is an important factor which affects the outcome of liposuction.
Abdominal fat is found on two separate layers: visceral (deep) and subcutaneous (superficial).

Subcutaneous fat is found directly under the skin and in front of our abdominal muscles.
Visceral fat is found inside the abdominal cavity and between the bowels.

A number of people have more visceral fat than subcutaneous. Subcutaneous fat can be removed with liposuction. Intra-abdominal fat is not removed with liposuction because it is found between the bowels.
Candidates with more superficial fat benefit the most from an abdominal liposuction.

Successful tummy tuck

Success depends on patient satisfaction according to the results.

Of course, this has to do with what one expects from the procedure, the patient’s image prior to the surgery and the technical expertise and multiyear experience of the plastic surgeon. Each patient gets personalized results.

Age

The candidate’s age is an important factor in the success of liposuction. Some satisfied patients are women above the age of 60. An older woman undergoing abdominal liposuction can enjoy a better image of herself.
Women’s fat is softer and thus abdominal liposuction is easier.

The upper part of the abdomen

The upper part of the abdomen may exhibit some rippling compared to the lowest part of the tummy. This is because the lowest part of the tummy has ligaments and Scarpa's fascias which retain the skin onto its place after tummy tuck.

The fat on the upper abdomen

The fat on the upper part of the tummy must be removed. In this way, if the operated patient gains weight, this will be evenly distributed in the abdominal area and the upper part will not project compared to the lower one.

Abdominoplasty

Tumescent abdominal liposuction is effective but some patients may need abdominoplasty.
Abdominoplasty removes loose skin, stretches the abdominal muscles and the wound is closed horizontally.

More on abdominoplasty

So, abdominoplasty removes loose skin from the belly button downwards and stretches loose abdominal muscles.
Every case is different and individually evaluated by the plastic surgeon during the clinical examination performed in his office.

After the surgery

The procedure is carried out with 2 and 3 mm cannulas. This means that the pain after liposuction is minimal and most operated patients take some Depon or Lonarid.
Pain feels like sunburn and the patient feels no discomfort when walking or getting out of bed.

The procedure may be performed under local anesthesia and sedation or general anesthesia.

All of our operated patients are discharged on the same day, they are on antibiotics for 5 days and wear a special belt for 2-3 weeks. They are encouraged to walk, bathe 2-3 days after the procedure, and they are ready to exercise 4 weeks later. Micro-sutures are removed 6 days later. Postoperative swelling begins to gradually remit from the 1st week. On the 8th postoperative week, more than 50% of the swelling usually subsides while the rest remits gradually.

Points of attention during abdominal liposuction

Ventral hernia

Upon clinical examination, the candidate is examined by the plastic surgeon for hernias (ventral hernia – omphalocele) and gives the surgeon a full medical history including medical problems, medications, etc, which may increase surgery risk.

A ventral hernia near the umbilicus (belly button) increases the risk when the cannula enters the abdominal cavity. If such a hernia is identified, it should be treated prior to the abdominal liposuction. A revision liposuction is more difficult due to the fibrosis of the remaining abdominal fat.

Excessive fat removal

Excessive fat removal during abdominal liposuction is a huge mistake. Our aim is to remove as much fat as needed to obtain a natural-looking and rippling-free result. Other significant factors that may affect the result of abdominal liposuction are previous abdominoplasty, laparoscopic procedures, radiation, etc.  

Tummy liposuction. Photos Before - after