Liposuction (or suction assisted lipectomy or liposculpture), is a surgical procedure that removes unwanted adipose tissue (fat) from specific areas of the body such as the lower face and chin, arms, bust, abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, knees, calves and ankles.
Liposuction is not a weight loss surgery, but is a surgery that removes localized adipose tissue deposits (fat), that does not readily respond to diet or exercise.
Abdominal liposuction can be performed as a primary procedure for reshaping the abdomen or it can be combined with other surgical procedures such as an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), liposuction of the thighs or breast surgery.
The best candidate for an abdominal liposuction is an individual with relatively stable and healthy weight, but has excess fat around the stomach and hips. Having firm, elastic skin will result in a better final contour after liposuction.
Skin that has lost its elasticity due to pregnancy, stretch marks, weight loss or natural aging, may require further surgery to reshape the silhouette. A tummy tuck or a surgery to lift the abdomen (abdominoplasty), may be a better option to remove excess skin.
Abdominal liposuction can reduce excess fat, but cannot change the bone structure or morphology of a person. Liposuction alone cannot make “cellulite” disappear.
Cosmetic Surgery: Liposuction of the abdomen is performed by using a hollow metal surgical instrument known as a cannula. The cannula is inserted through multiple small incisions and is passed back and forth through the area of fatty deposit (fat). The cannula is attached to a vacuum source, which provides the suction needed to remove the fatty tissue.
There are a variety of different techniques are used by plastic surgeons to perform liposuction of the abdomen. Liposuction may be performed under local anesthesia with or without sedation or under general anesthesia.
The liposuction technique that Dr. Cordoba uses consists of infiltrating a fluid containing diluted local anesthetic with epinephrine into areas of fat deposits to be removed.
This technique can reduce pain and blood loss during abdominal liposuction, bruising (ecchymosis) and post-operative pain.
Support garments and dressings helps to control swelling and promote healing.
Alternative Treatments
One option would be not to undergo surgery, therefore not treating or removing the areas of fatty deposits in the abdomen. A diet and exercise regimen may be beneficial in the overall weight reduction of excess body fat. Direct removal of excess skin and fatty tissue may be necessary in addition to liposuction in some patients.