Abdominal, or stomach liposuction, is the number one most sought after liposuction treatment. Deposits of fat in the abdomen can be extremely resistant to diet or exercise and for many people there is a genetic predisposition for fatty deposits in this area of their body. Most patients have tried significant changes in diet and exercise with little or no results. Because of this, stomach liposuction is requested by both men and women who desire a flatter tummy. Fortunately, abdominal fat responds very well to liposuction and patients are usually very satisfied with the results.
In years past, the traditional treatment for this condition has been the tummy tuck, a surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia. This operation was expensive and carried with it many risks and side effects, not to mention the long recovery period necessary.
Tumescent liposuction is a commonly preferred procedure. During this procedure a tumescent liquid (a mixture of epinephrine, anesthetic and salt water) is injected into the fatty tissue. Then a small cannula, a needle attached to a vacuum device, is inserted and the fat is sucked out. This procedure is performed under local anesthetic only, greatly reducing the risks and side effects. Also the incisions required are tiny and the majority of abdominal liposuction patients are back to work in three days or less.
Immediately following the procedure, patients are able to get up and walk around. Many times the only pain medication needed to relieve discomfort is ibuprofen. Patients are encouraged to be somewhat active as opposed to staying in bed and showers are encouraged beginning the morning following the procedure.
For the first twenty four hours there is generally a great deal of drainage of the tumescent fluid from the incisions. This drainage continues for up to forty eight to seventy two hours, although it slows down after the first day. Because of this rapid drainage on the first day, the stomach appears quite flat the second day, but the swelling does increase slightly for a few days following that. It usually remains pronounced for a short time. Within two to three weeks, the swelling begins to dissipate to the point where the liposuction results become apparent. After three to six weeks the patient should find a significant difference in the appearance of their stomach and in the way their clothing fits.
