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Liposuction of the stomach area is the most popular fat-removal procedure for both men and women.

Who is a Good Candidate?

Liposuction is intended for moderate contouring of problem areas.

The ideal candidate for a stomach liposuction procedure is less than 30% over their recommended weight and has an issue with fat accumulating around the midsection.

Women who want to improve their post-pregnancy body can get dramatic results from a liposuction treatment.

Before a tummy-tuck, liposuction is performed to remove the excess fat.

In some cases, liposuction provides enough improvement that a full surgical tummy-tuck isn't needed.

Liposuction also works best for patients under the age of 60 when the skin is more resilient.

(Looking for information on abdominal liposuction cost?)

Surgical Procedure

Before the procedure begins, diagnostic tests will performed to check blood cell count, blood sugar, liver function, and immune response.

Patients are given an antibiotic and oral sedatives during the pre-operative process.

The surgeon will mark the areas to be contoured and take pre-operative photos.

Depending on the extent of the procedure, the patient will be totally asleep under general anesthesia or awake under a local anesthetic.

Once the anesthesia has been initiated, the plastic surgeon will inject a saline solution of lidocaine and epinephrine into the layers of subcutaneous fatty tissue.

For an abdominal liposuction procedure, more than two liters of the saline solution are slowly injected into the layers of fat.

This solution inflates the skin and makes the fatty cells easier to remove. Lidocaine numbs the area and the epinephrine contracts the blood vessels to minimize blood loss and bruising.

After thirty minutes, the fat will be vacuumed out through five to eight incisions.

First the deep layers of fat are extracted through a central tunnel, then the cannula, a large hollow needle, is swiped side to side in a controlled motion to evenly remove the fat cells.

The size of the cannula determines the how large the incision will be and how long the procedure will take.

Laser and Ultrasound Technology

Laser and ultrasound-assisted treatments are also available, however their effectiveness is controversial and most board certified plastic surgeons don't endorse these methods.

Ultrasound-assisted devices are used in conjunction with the traditional saline solution. Ultrasound is applied by cannulas or topical emitters that break apart the layers of fat with vibrations.

Laser-assisted liposuction also uses the saline fluid along with a laser beam directed at fat cells. Some lasers are strong enough to target fat through the skin. Lasers heat and liquefy the fat for easier extraction.

Both of these alternative methods require the same tumescent fluid injections and suction devices. Not all of these devices are accepted by the FDA, so it's important to be well informed before selecting a procedure.

Opponents of these procedures argue that the results are the same but with added risks, including severe burns.

Post-Operative Care and Recover Time

Depending on the type of procedure and the size of the cannula, the incisions will be sutured with stitches or staples or left open.

For microcannular surgeries, the quarter-inch incisions will be bandaged and wrapped with an adjustable compression wrapping.

During the follow-up appointment, the surgeon will check the wounds and ensure they are draining properly.

The day after surgery patients are allowed and encouraged to shower.

Patients can resume sedentary work within one week and full physical activity after two weeks.

Immediately after the operation, the area and surrounding skin will be swollen and painful to touch.

Swelling and bloating from the saline fluid is one of the most common side effects.

Final results can be seen three to four months after the surgery.

How to pick a surgeon?

Before booking a surgery, ask whether the doctor is a board certified plastic surgeon, where the doctor was trained, what procedures the training specialized, and how long the surgeon has been practicing.

Always know where the procedure will be performed.

The most reputable surgeons work out of accredited out-patients centers or have the privilege of practicing at a local hospital.

What to ask During a Consultation?

A plastic surgeon should always tell they patient honestly whether they are a good candidate for the procedure.

Ethical plastic surgeons will always turn down a candidate who is at risk for a negative outcome.

All of the risks and complications should be opening disclosed, so the patient is fully informed.

Ask what type of procedure is recommended, why it is recommended, and what the full recovery time is.

Before committing, understand what the options are in case the outcome is not as expected.

Realistic Results

Liposuction can vastly improve the contour of the midsection and remove lumpy fat deposits from caesarians and hysterectomies.

However, liposuction does not remove cellulite or stretch marks.

Without surgically removing skin, the typical liposuction procedure removes 5 liters of fat, which will result in a maximum weight loss of ten pounds.

It's important to have a very stable weight and maintain a healthy diet and exercise program before and after the procedure.

Liposuction does not create the perfect body, but it does improve and streamline the existing figure.

Most surgeons are more than happy to provide a before and after photo similar to the expected results.

Risks and Considerations

Skin elasticity is an important consideration for achieving the desired results.

Plastic surgeons may be reluctant to perform liposuction on smokers due to the increased risk of side effects and impaired skin elasticity.

It's important to discuss how the results will be affected if the patient is planning to become pregnant or has a history of fluctuating weight.

Health risks can include clots of blood or fat entering the bloodstream.

Side effects include lingering, pain, swelling, and skin discoloration.

Scarring, wrinkling, and loose skin are common complaints. Nerves, muscles, and blood vessels can be permanently damaged by the invasive suction devices.

Liposuction on the stomach area poses a risk for the cannula puncturing the abdominal wall.

These side effects are rare and occur in less than 1% of all procedures, however, the results of liposuction can be unpredictable even under the care of the most experienced plastic surgeon.

Average Cost

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average liposuction procedure cost about $2,800 in 2008.

Because liposuction on the stomach is more complex than other areas, the average rate is upwards of $5,000.

Users on the website RealSelf reported spending anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 on liposuction, depending on the procedure, experience of the surgeon, and region of the United States.

The cost of a liposuction procedure includes the plastic surgeon's fee, the anesthesiologist's fee, plus the cost for using the facility, diagnostic tests, medications, and surgical equipment.

Read more on stomach liposuction costs, trends and financing options here.

Want to know more? Call to learn more about your stomach liposuction surgery options and/or schedule your private consultation (phone number can be found in upper right corner) or simply submit your contact information in the form below. We will shortly thereafter contact you to answer any additional questions or help you find the right surgeon for you.

Payments and Insurance

Insurance policies don't cover elective or cosmetic procedures, including stomach liposuction and complication resulting from an elective surgery.

However, it's possible to work with a medical financing company to set up payments on a personal loan that can be paid in manageable monthly installments.

Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Liposuction Average Fees 2008 (pg. 16), Plastic Surgery.org