Tummy tucks can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen, particularly in conjunction with abdominal liposuction. More accurately known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. Abdominal liposuction is a technique for recontouring the body by permanently removing fat deposits from the abdomen. The tendency to accumulate fat in the abdomen may be inherited, and this fat is often especially resistant to diet and exercise. Liposuction is especially useful for women who are of relatively normal weight but have isolated pockets of fat that cause certain areas of their body to appear disproportionate. Abdominal fat deposits can be extremely resistant to diet and exercise. A typical abdominal liposuction procedure may take one to two hours of surgery.

Preparing for your surgery

You will be given specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets and certain medications. If you develop a cold or an infection of any kind, especially a skin infection, your surgery may have to be postponed.

Most of our abdominal liposuction patients have tried significant exercise and training programs. The abdominal fat just does not respond well, even though they have gotten other benefits from the exercise. Fortunately, abdominal fat responds extremely well to abdominal liposuction, and our patients are routinely very happy with the results of abdominal liposuction. And the effects of abdominal liposuction are essentially permanent.

Even though abdominal liposuction is not a very complicated plastic surgery procedure, as with all surgery, it has certain risks. The risk of drug reactions is possible in people who are allergic to certain substances. The cost of the procedure depends upon the extent of the surgery, technique used, and clinic. It also may differ in various regions. The average price varies from $3,000 to $6,500. The results of abdominal liposuction are long-lasting, since fat cells from a certain area are removed during the procedure. However, additional weight gain might lead to accumulation of fat in the close areas resulting in uneven look and contour.Liposuction is not means to lose or control weight. It is a procedure designed to remove deposits of localized fat which are resistant to diet and exercise.

Tumescent liposuction is a new technique requiring the filling of the fatty layer of skin with a diluted solution of local anesthesia and other medications. The liquid causes the compartments of fat to become swollen and firm. The use of tumescent abdominal liposuction allows the surgeon to safely and efficiently remove both deep and superficial excess layers of fat. The results are little discomfort, more rapid healing, and improved cosmetic appearance.

When will an improvement be noticed?

About 90% of patients can actually see at least some improvement in their silhouette one week after surgery. However, because of the slow resolution of post surgical swelling, the ultimate results following tumescent liposuction is achieved in 12 to 24 weeks.