Abdominal liposuction is a procedure frequently being used by healthy and toned women to rid stubborn fat bulges in the stomach area. Tumescent liposuction is a newer technique used in abdominal liposuction resulting in less bruising, less swelling and a quicker recovery than traditional methods of liposuction. Ultrasound-assisted liposuction uses ultrasound rather than mechanical action to loosen fat before removal. This technique is usually used to reduce larger areas of the body, such as the posterior hip, the back, and breasts, however it also is frequently used in the traditional areas, such as the thighs and abdomen.

Abdominal liposuction is recommended for relatively normal weight women with isolated pockets of fat that give certain areas a disproportionate look. These localized fat deposits may be an inherited trait and are unresponsive to diet and exercise. Abdominal liposuction can be performed at almost any age, however the best results are obtained if your skin still has elasticity to achieve a smooth contour following fat removal. Older patients with less elastic skin may have a problem with skin tightening, and additional procedures may be necessary. If a woman wishes to achieve a tighter, smoother, flat abdomen, then abdominal liposuction is combined with a tummy tuck.

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.

Blood loss is minimized during tumescent abdominal liposuction with only an average of a tablespoon being lost. Tumescent liposuction does not require a general anesthetic. A saline solution that contains a local anesthetic is introduced into the targeted fat deposits, numbing the area to be treated.

The incisions are minuscule and are strategically placed around the abdomen area. A tumescent solution is then injected into the problem area. The contents of the solution include saline to prevent dehydration, a local anesthetic to numb the area, a medication to control bleeding and cortisone to control inflammation. The liquid enters the fat causing it to become enlarged, rigid and discolored. Liposuction is then performed on the tumescent areas.

A tiny suction cannula is inserted through the incisions into the tumescent fatty layer of the abdomen. The surgeon moves the cannula back and forth across the abdomen making a number of tunnels in the fat. A suction apparatus is attached to the cannula, which draws the fat out as the tunnels are created. The number of tunnels created determines the amount of fat that can be removed.

With residual local anesthetic and the mild cortisone left in the tissue, most patients do not experience any significant soreness for 6 to 18 hours after the procedure. Since there is no general anesthetic used for abdominal liposuction no hospital stay is necessary. An aching sensation similar to that felt in the muscles after rigorous exercise may be experienced for a few days after the surgery in which Tylenol can help to control discomfort. Patients can actually see at least some improvement in their figure one week after surgery. However, with slowness in post surgical swelling, the ultimate results following tumescent liposuction are achieved in 12 to 24 weeks.

Abdominal liposuction is a procedure designed to remove deposits of localized fat which are resistant to diet and exercise, not a quick weight loss solution. A patient's weight should be stable for 6 months prior to the procedure. Abdominal liposuction results can be enhanced with additional weight loss after the surgery through a regular exercise plan, toning the underlying muscles.

Many women have fat in their abdominal cavity as well as under their skin. Only the fat under the skin can be removed with abdominal liposuction, leaving the remaining fat to be lost through diet and exercise. It is also important for a woman to understand that removing subcutaneous fat from the belly may not lead to a flat abdomen, especially if the abdominal musculature is round. The only alternative to abdominal liposuction is extensive dieting.

Abdominal liposuction is not appropriate for everyone. Most people who have decided to have abdominal liposuction have been through several dieting programs and have failed to lose their abdominal fat, leaving abdominal liposuction as a last resort. When performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, abdominal liposuction can provide the elusive results you've worked so hard to achieve. A consultation with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon can provide you with additional information about abdominal liposuction, including possible risks and limitations, and how it might help you.