Abdominal Liposuction therapy|Skin elasticity

Liposuction of the abdomen may be performed alone in those with too much subcutaneous abdominal fat if their skin elasticity and muscle tone are good or it may be combined with a tummy tuck.  The decision is one of personal choice. 

For example, a patient who has a bulky tummy which interrupts the natural draping of her clothes may not be too concerned about whether or not the skin is smooth and wrinkle free. Her main concern may simply be the deposits of abdominal fat. 

In this case liposuction may be adequate to meet her needs.  It would certainly be less traumatic.

On the other hand if she wished to achieve a tighter, smoother, flat abdomen, then liposuction in combination with a tummy tuck would be in order.

How is tumescent liposuction of the abdomen performed?

• Tumescent liposuction does not require a general anesthetic.  A saline solution which contains a local anesthetic is introduced into the targeted fat deposits.  This numbs the area to be treated in Abdominal Liposuction therapy.

• The incisions are very tiny and are located in strategic positions over the abdomen.  A tumescent solution is then injected into the targeted layer of fat.  This solution contains saline or prevent dehydration, a local anesthetic to numb the area, a medication to control bleeding and cortisone to control inflammation.  Once the area is firm and numb the surgeon beings to remove the fat.

• A very small suction cannula is inserted through the incisions into the tumescent fatty layer of the abdomen.  Using a back and forth action the surgeon creating a number of tunnels in the fat with a cannula.  The cannula is attached to suction apparatus which draws the fat out from under the skin as the tunnels are created.  The number of tunnels created determines the mount of fat that can be removed.

• After an acceptable abdominal contour has been achieved, the incisions sites are covered with absorbent pads and held in place with a pressure garment.  Some physicians use a second garment over the first to provide additional pressure.

• The incisions are not sutured in order that the remaining solution will drain off into the pads.  This helps to minimize swelling, bruising, and soreness.  Eighty percent of the solution is absorbed into the body and excreted in the urine.  The remaining 20% is either sucked out with the fat or drained out through the tiny incisions in Reduced too much fat.

• The pressure garment is worn for a minimum of 4 days.  Wearing the garment longer than this tends to decrease swelling sooner but does not alter the ultimate outcome of the procedure in Reduced too much fat.

Does tumescent liposuction of the abdomen hurt?

The anesthetic in the tumescent solution numbs the area to be treated so little or no pain is felt during the procedure.  No general anesthetic nor hospital stay is necessary in Reduced too much fat.

Due to the residual local anesthetic and the mild cortisone left in the tissue, most patients doe no experience any significant soreness for 6 to 18 hours after the procedure.  An aching sensation similar to that felt in the muscles after rigorous exercises may be experienced for up to 5 days after the surgery.  Analgesia, such as Tylenol, helps to control this temporary discomfort.

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