Liposuction is one of the most inexact mechanisms to deal with unwanted fat in the abdominal area. Remember – the fat in the body does not exist like frosting on a cake. It exists in clumps and lumps. Connective tissue fibrous bands separate these lumps and clumps. Therefore, the application of suction cannulas to remove unwanted fat often produces lumpiness.
This lumpiness is most often encountered after unsuccessful liposuction of the abdomen. Once a patient has had suction applied to the abdominal area the best way to improve this often is with a tummy tuck. Keep in mind that revision surgeries are more challenging for several reasons including scar tissue and possibly compromised blood supply. The overall healing processes after the tummy tuck will be dependent upon the patient’s healing capacity including the possibility of other medical conditions, medications, diet, hydration, stress, and sleep.
Liposuction
We see a fair number of patients who had liposuction only of the abdominal wall and now have the above-mentioned lumpiness. Patients who consult for cosmetic abdominal procedures must understand and accept the risk factors which we review thoroughly on several different occasions.
There’s nothing more satisfying than a flat tight belly. A tummy tuck is much more effective in achieving this than any other procedure. If you have significant (grabbable) rolls of skin and fat in the lower abdomen you are most likely a candidate for a tummy tuck and not Liposuction.
I have found that liposuction alone is most effective for lateral thighs or the so-called saddlebag areas. But if there is excessive skin and fat in the lower abdominal wall then tummy tuck is a procedure of choice. There’s a great degree of happiness that can be achieved with a flat tight belly.
THOMAS TREVISANI, MD
BOARD-CERTIFICATION PLASTIC SURGEON
MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF AESTHETIC PLASTIC SURGERY
