What is Abdominal Liposuction?

The abdomen (middle) of both men and women is a common problem area treated with liposuction. The measurement of a person's waist is the most common way to determine fitness visually. There are many things which contribute to the overall success of an abdominal liposuction, but waist measurement and visual appeal are generally at the top of the list.

Age and gender are big factors in determining the abdominal shape of a person. As we age, our metabolisms slow down and often the fat cells in our abdomens accumulate more fats, making us look "chunkier" or lose our hourglass body shape. Likewise, a person's body during puberty will change dramatically in shape and size, which is why liposuction should never be performed on children. Most women undergo hormonal changes during their lifetimes, which also affects their body's shape. Childbearing and other life changes also affect a woman's body shape.

Women generally have a better after-surgery result from liposuction because of their softer fat tissues (men's fat tissue is more fibrous). Men, however, often feel stronger and healthier after surgery thanks to the increase in energy afforded to a slimmer waistline. Both sexes gain an increased sense of self after surgery.

Other factors that affect abdominal liposuction for women include pregnancy issues, such as the fats gained during pregnancy and the "rolls" associated with caesarian surgery or hysterectomy. Women with a history of weight gain and loss should consult their doctor about this before undergoing liposuction because of the changes that could occur because of this fluctuation. Especially if the weight gain and loss is not uniform and always at the same location on the body.

The location of the abdominal fats is also a factor in determining the success of the abdominal liposuction. Women usually want a "tummy tuck" style removal to slim themselves overall while most men wish to remove "love handles" and other unsightly bulges. The lower abdomen is a common target for both sexes undergoing surgery as well, but the upper abdomen cannot be ignored if uniformity of shape is to be achieved.

Abdominal liposuction commonly requires a longer recovery time than other liposuction procedures because of the deep fats usually removed, the larger area of removal, and other issues. Nevertheless, this type of liposuction is one of the most common performed and is usually a precursor to other, similar surgeries for a better overall look to the patient's body.