Abdominal Liposuction
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Beachwood and Cleveland, Ohio
Abdominal liposuction is a specialized surgical procedure that removes stubborn fat deposits from the midsection. It targets and eliminates excess fat pockets from the body to slim the figure. Liposuction permanently removes fat from certain parts of the body that are deemed problem areas by the patient. If you are near your ideal weight but seek a method for smoothing and contouring problem areas, liposuction may be your solution.
Dr. Gregory Fedele is known for his reputation as a top-tier board-certified plastic surgeon practicing in Cleveland. He has extensive experience in cosmetic surgical procedures and is focused on providing expert care and surgical services for his patients. Dr. Fedele takes pride in his distinguished reputation for safety and his prioritization of patient satisfaction.
Contact us at (216) 464-1616, or stop by in person at our office in Beachwood at the Signature Square Complex to schedule a consultation.
Contents
About Abdominal Liposuction
In 2018 nearly 260,000 patients in the United States received liposuction. (1) This technology, and the experience itself, has advanced tremendously since the first surgical procedure in the 1980s. What began as an exploration of body improvement eventually led surgeons to develop new techniques capable of reducing trauma and blood loss while also improving results and patient satisfaction. (2)
How Abdominal Liposuction Works
Despite physical fitness or a good diet, many individuals find themselves struggling to get rid of pockets of subcutaneous fat in the abdomen region. Subcutaneous fat can cause susceptibility to Type 2 diabetes, but abdominal liposuction can remove it from the region indefinitely. Removing fat from the abdomen not only decreases health risks but also provides the patient with a slimmer, more toned figure. Dr. Fedele creates small incisions in these unflattering locations and uses a surgical vacuum or small syringe attached to a thin tube, called a cannula, to remove fat. He utilizes the tumescent technique, where he injects a solution of saline, lidocaine and epinephrine into the areas to harden fat. This makes it easier to extract and minimizes pain.
Benefits of Abdominal Liposuction
Abdominal liposuction can:
- Reduce stubborn fat cells: Resistant fat that accumulates on the lower abdomen region which is hard to get rid of through diet and exercise alone.
- Sculpt the physique: This procedure provides improvement of a patient’s physical appearance and self-image.
Abdominal liposuction can also help relieve physical conditions such as:
- Lymphedema: A chronic condition where lymph fluid accumulates within tissues and causes swelling.
- Lipodystrophy syndrome: This occurs when fat collects in one part of the body but is lost in another which requires the redistribution of body fat in more natural ways.
- Extreme weight loss after obesity: After losing intense amounts of weight, formerly obese patients may need extensive help removing abnormalities.
- Lipomas: Tumors that are both fatty and benign.
Good Candidates
Abdominal liposuction is successful in sculpting the midsection of any patient over the age of 18 to help improve overall confidence and self-esteem. The optimal candidates for abdominal liposuction are healthy, non-smoking individuals who seek to improve their overall body confidence. It is an excellent choice for both men and women who find themselves struggling to get rid of fat in the abdomen through diet and exercise.
Abdominal liposuction is an option for patients who are within 15 to 30% of their ideal weight. They should achieve this milestone and sustain it for a prolonged period and be comfortable with a lifetime of results. Pregnancy, serious illness, and smoking are contraindications for abdominal liposuction.
Personal Consultation
Patients will visit Dr. Fedele’s office for an in-person consultation. Cathy will greet them upon checking in to collect patient information for records and to document their medical history. Dr. Fedele’s Plastic Surgery Assistant will then conduct further questioning concerning overall patient health and smoking history.
At the consultation, Dr. Fedele will address topics such as concerns, aspirations, and overall candidacy for abdominal liposuction, then assess the patient’s problem areas. It is his mission to provide each patient with essential information about their options to allow them to make the most educated decision. After the consultation, we will show patients the potential surgery outcome using advanced digital imaging techniques. Dr. Fedele will then plan and provide the best route for them that includes anesthetic information, the number of necessary sessions, and the best method to approach removal.
Preparation
Please avoid the following before your liposuction procedure:
- NSAIDs: anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen and aspirin
- Herbal Supplements: fish oil, ginger, ginkgo, ginseng, etc.
- Tobacco/Nicotine/Alcohol: Using these substances before surgery dramatically slows down your recovery.
Dr. Fedele and his surgical staff encourage you to pick up all new prescriptions before your surgery date to reduce stress. You may also prepare your home for recovery by creating a comfortable space to rest and making easy-to-cook meals. Arrive at our surgical facility in comfortable and loose-fitting clothing on the day of your surgery, and ask a trusted friend to drive you to our facility and back home after your procedure. Lastly, remember to schedule time away from work to recover.
Abdominal Liposuction Procedure
Dr. Fedele begins by evaluating whether to fully sedate and induce unconsciousness, or administer a mild sedative where the individual remains conscious. After administering anesthesia, he makes a series of small incisions in the treatment area and performs the surgery using the tumescent method. This greatly reduces tissue trauma and blood loss.
After injecting a liquid mixture of saline, lidocaine, and epinephrine beneath the skin, Dr. Fedele then uses a cannula to enter the incision and begin gently suctioning the fat away. As a result of modern medical practices, most patients do not require stitches post-operation. He wraps the incision area with a compression garment to reduce swelling immediately following the procedure. The length of abdominal liposuction surgery varies depending on the patient.
Liposuction Recovery & Results
Compression garments are essential to a smooth recovery and are an integral part of aftercare. On top of reducing swelling, they assist your body in adapting to its new shape. Bruising and swelling can remain for 10 days and the incisions are frequently so minor there is no scar. Unless they receive a heavy amount of abdominal liposuction, most patients return to work within three days.
After the initial swelling caused by fluid retention has worn off, the results of abdominal liposuction are immediately visible. Dr. Fedele shows you how to properly care for your incisions, including drainage and the proper application of compression garments. With diligent aftercare, abdominal liposuction can provide an indefinite solution to an overabundance of fat cells in one particular area. To preserve these results, maintain a healthy lifestyle post-operation as fat cells in other areas can become enlarged.
Abdominal Liposuction vs Abdominoplasty
Both abdominal liposuction and abdominoplasty are cosmetic surgical procedures that contour and sculpt the body. Abdominoplasty, often referred to as a “tummy tuck,” is the direct reformation of the abdominal skin and muscles. Therefore, abdominal liposuction is often performed in tandem with an abdominoplasty to remove fat that may block a surgeon’s ability to perform a tummy tuck. It is recommended for patients who have experienced extreme weight loss, such as women who gained weight while pregnant (3) or formerly obese individuals. While abdominal liposuction also targets fat, it is not a primary method of reconstruction or a substitute for abdominoplasty.
Despite the fact that both procedures involve contouring the body, patients must meet different requirements for abdominal liposuction and abdominoplasty as they both sculpt in different ways. Patients with firm and elastic skin are typically good candidates for abdominal liposuction. We often guide patients with loose and inelastic skin, due to sudden weight loss, towards an abdominoplasty. Frequently the two are performed together when Dr. Fedele must suction out fat to make room before reattaching the abdominal muscles and skin.
If you are curious about other cosmetic surgeries offered by Dr. Fedele and his staff, read our company blog for more information.
The Cost of Abdominal Liposuction in Cleveland
Each patient receives a personalized treatment plan that includes a cost estimate during their private consultation. If you find yourself near your goal weight but struggling with tough-to-lose fat on your midriff, please contact us or call our office in Beachwood at (216) 464-1616 to book an appointment!
FAQ
What is the best age to undergo abdominal liposuction?
As long as a patient is over 18, they immediately qualify for a consultation. With proper aftercare and the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle, abdominal liposuction provides patients from a variety of age groups with a permanent solution to stubborn fat removal and insecurities.
Can abdominal liposuction fix sagging skin?
Abdominal liposuction primarily targets excess fat deposits in the abdominal area. While liposuction can improve contours and somewhat aid in skin tightening, patients with significant skin laxity may require additional procedures like a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) to remove excess skin.
Will I have visible scarring after abdominal liposuction?
Incisions made during abdominal liposuction are typically small and inconspicuously placed to ensure minimal scarring.
Is liposuction ever combined with other surgeries?
Liposuction, though efficient at targeting problem areas alone, is often performed in conjunction with other surgeries. The most common procedure performed in unison with abdominal liposuction is abdominoplasty.
References
- The American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2018 NATIONAL PLASTIC SURGERY STATISTICS COSMETIC SURGICAL PROCEDURES % CHANGE % CHANGE.; 2018. Accessed June 10, 2024. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2018/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2018.pdf
- Bellini E, Grieco MP, Raposio E. A journey through liposuction and liposculpture: Review. Annals of Medicine and Surgery. 2017;24:53-60. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amsu.2017.10.024
- O’Kelly N, Nguyen K, Gibstein A, Bradley JP, Tanna N, Matarasso A. Standards and Trends in Lipoabdominoplasty. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2020;8(10). doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000003144