This article was reviewed and approved by Chief Medical Officer and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Ali Bagher on March 22, 2024.
Liposuction has become a very popular and highly regarded option for those who want a more shapely figure and a slimmer waist. Before undergoing abdominal liposuction, however, it’s important to understand the scope of the procedure and have realistic expectations about the results. In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about abdominal liposuction. We’ll cover risks, results, recovery, scarring, and what’s important to consider before and after the surgery.
Why get liposuction on the abdomen?
The purpose of liposuction is to remove unwanted fat deposits and unsightly bulges. This procedure is best suited for people who are active in their daily lives but have stubborn areas of fat on their abdomen that cannot be eliminated through exercise or diet.
With liposuction, you achieve permanent results as fat cells are completely removed from the body. That is why this procedure is very popular among those who want to achieve a slimmer silhouette. However, it’s important to know that we don’t recommend viewing the procedure as a weight-loss method—even though you’ll see a difference on the scale after your surgery—but rather as a way to get rid of stubborn fat that can’t be eliminated through exercise. Results can vary significantly from person to person, but the vast majority experience an improved body contour.
Liposuction is also commonly combined with a tummy tuck, where excess skin needs to be removed from the abdomen. In such cases, liposuction of stubborn fat deposits can help achieve a great final result. If you’d like to learn more about this specific procedure, you can read our comprehensive guide to tummy tucks here.
Abdominal Liposuction – Things to Consider
Before you decide to undergo liposuction, it is important that you schedule a consultation with the surgeon who will perform the procedure. During the consultation, the surgeon will assess whether the conditions are right for achieving your desired results. The surgeon will examine your anatomy and answer your questions. The consultation is very important and a great way to plan for your upcoming surgery. That is why most Swedish clinics require this step before you can proceed with your booking.
Other important factors to consider include your health and whether you have any underlying medical conditions that need to be taken into account. Your current weight is also a factor to consider, as well as your life situation and lifestyle.
Abdominal Liposuction – Before and After
To ensure you’re truly satisfied with your results, it’s important to have realistic expectations. If you envision a result that’s completely different from what you actually get, you risk being disappointed. A good way to get an idea of what results you can expect is to look at before-and-after photos of liposuction procedures performed on previous patients.
During your consultation with your surgeon, you should also explain what you hope to achieve with the surgery. This will allow the surgeon to explain what you can expect, and you’ll be able to make better-informed decisions ahead of your surgery. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask more about the healing period and any scarring. All surgical procedures result in scarring to some extent, but with liposuction, the scars are relatively small and placed very discreetly.
Risks of abdominal liposuction
As with any surgical procedure, liposuction is not entirely risk-free, and it is important to be aware of this. Some risks and complications are more well-known than others; bruising, tenderness, and swelling after the procedure are common.
It is also possible for a patient to develop an infection after liposuction or experience issues with uneven skin texture. By choosing a professional and reputable clinic and following the post-operative care instructions, you can reduce the risk of complications.
There are also treatments that can help you achieve smooth and even healing. LPG is a treatment we often recommend for this. You can read frequently asked questions and answers about LPG .
Recovery after abdominal liposuction
Most people recover relatively quickly after liposuction, but the recovery time varies from person to person. It’s therefore impossible to say how you’ll feel a week, a month, or a few days after your procedure.
The more carefully you follow the aftercare instructions, the greater your chances of a quick and trouble-free recovery. This may involve, for example, taking the prescribed pain medication, wearing compression garments, or avoiding strenuous activities such as exercise or swimming.
However, it’s still good to keep in mind that you’ll need to take some time off work after your liposuction so your body can recover in peace and quiet.
Would you like to learn more about tummy tuck surgery? Contact us here or schedule a consultation with a surgeon to discuss your options. We’re happy to answer your questions.