Are you dreaming of having a flat stomach, toned muscles, shapely curves, and firm skin? Well, this comes with having fat distributed at the right places. Lipoabdominoplasty is a new cosmetic surgery that has garnered quite a lot of attention in recent years.
This is because it helps you achieve something which can be quite difficult to do, which is removing fat from the abdomen.
In this article, we’ll explore the costs, benefits, and risks of lipoabdominoplasty.
What is Lipoabdominoplasty?
Lipoabdominoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure to remove excess fats from the abdomen area. It is a combination of a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) and a liposuction procedure on the abdomen.
It is one of the most effective ways to remove to achieve a smaller waistline. This procedure aims to give your body a younger and fitter look by giving you a firmer and flatter belly.
In general, this procedure is safe and removes fats from the strong layer of tissue on the abdominal muscles called fascia. The bleeding is minimal during and after the surgery. Small research studies have revealed that the procedure can be safely conducted with satisfactory results. But larger and more high-quality studies are needed to assess the safety of this procedure and its long-term efficacy [1].
On top of that, you should avoid this surgical procedure if you plan to have more kids, as it may lead to complications with pregnancy.
Is Lipoabdominoplasty Right for You?
You can more or less gauge if this procedure may be suitable for you. In general, the ideal candidate will meet these criteria [1]:-
- You’re no longer planning to have kids.
- You’re not pregnant.
- You have no major medical conditions.
- You have a normal BMI.
- You have sagging skin, mainly due to a previous pregnancy.
Nonetheless, some research has also shown that this procedure may also be suitable for those who are overweight or those who live with obesity [2].
Lipoabdominoplasty Vs. Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty, commonly known as tummy tucker, is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess fat and skin from the abdomen. It helps tighten the abdominal wall to get a firm and toned stomach.
Lipoabdominoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that combines both liposuction and abdominoplasty to remove loose skin and excess fat from the stomach area.
Lipoabdominoplasty Benefits
There are several benefits of lipoabdominoplasty. The surgery is safe and a less complicated procedure compared to abdominoplasty. The recovery rate is faster, and the procedure is said to be less painful. This is simply because the surgical procedure preserves the blood vessels, abdominal nerves, and lymphatic vessels [3].
The muscles are tightened and smooth around the abdomen. It also removes the fatty deposits around the stomach, back, and flanks. On top of that, lipoabdominoplasty helps to restore the position of sagging, torn abdominal muscles and firms and flattens the midsection.
Lipoabdominoplasty Side Effects
Lipoabdominoplasty is considered a generally safe procedure, but not everyone is a suitable candidate. For instance, people with skinny abdomens with excess skin should avoid this procedure. For them, the traditional tummy tucker is more appropriate.
You should avoid this procedure if you wish to have more kids. It won’t be easy to conceive after lipoabdominoplasty.
Some side effects of this procedure may include:-
- Poor wound healing
- Some pain and swelling at the site
- Side effects from the anesthesia used, such as grogginess, nausea, or confusion
Lipoabdominoplasty Costs
The cost of this procedure depends upon multiple factors like your location, body type, method, size of the area, and professional experience.
Most of the surgical packages provided by the professional center include consultation fees for cosmetologists, surgery, anesthesia, and post-operative visits.
Also, most insurance companies do not cover this as this falls under the cosmetic procedure.
Usually, the cost varies between $4,000 – $18,000, depending upon the above-mentioned factors.
Lipoabdominoplasty Recovery
The recovery time after the surgery depends upon the muscle’s repair. It usually takes 3-4 weeks for a full recovery. Doctors recommend avoiding lifting heavy items and strenuous activities to foster better healing and recovery.
Lipoabdominoplasty Surgery Procedure
Medical practitioners may suggest lipoabdominoplasty surgery for people with conditions like excess fat and redundant skin on the tummy or lower abdomen. It may also be helpful for obese individuals or people having excess superficial fat in the upper abdomen.
The following is the detailed procedure for the surgery [2].
Preoperative Procedure
The doctor will do an in-detail medical assessment of the patient before the surgery. The medical examiner will also perform a thorough physical examination. You should inform your doctor if you are on any specific medications, had any previous surgeries, or have a medical condition.
The doctor will likely suggest maintaining a healthy and restrictive diet before the procedure. You may also be advised to quit smoking and drinking to avoid post-surgical complications and a faster healing process.
Surgical Procedure
Lipoabdominoplasty is a lengthy surgical procedure that can last up to 2-5 hours, depending on your body. The surgery has to be performed under anesthesia. Hence, it is crucial to have a good anesthesia team during the surgery.
The surgeon injects tumescent fluid (i.e., a mixture of saline, lidocaine, and vasoconstrictor) into the fat cells of your stomach. During the liposuction stage, this fluid helps to decrease swelling and bleeding during the fat-removing process. After this, an incision is made around the lower abdomen from the hip bone. The skin is elevated up to the navel and then isolated. This tunnel dissection is also done to expose the muscles in the upper abdomen. After that, the muscles are tightened.
Then, the excess skin is removed, and the edges are sealed by pulling down the upper abdominal skin to the lower part of the abdomen. Next, a belly button surgery is performed to create a new umbilicus. The fluid is drained, which may get collected under the skin flap.
The entire procedure is generally safe and should be performed by an experienced plastic surgeon for the best results.
Post-Operative Care
After the lipoabdominoplasty, you will have to stay in the hospital for a couple of days to keep a check on any blood clotting or complication. The pain will last for about 2-3 days post-surgery and then subside. Your doctor may also recommend medications to help you relieve the pain.
On top of that, the doctor may suggest you wear a unique tummy garment to support your abdomen for a few weeks. For the first week, you will have to rest properly and restrain yourself from doing any strenous activities. And from the following week onward, you will be able to perform your routine activities.
You will also have to take special care of your hips and knees to minimize the tension area around your abdomen. Full recovery usually takes 2-3 weeks.
Lipoabdominoplasty Results
The final results are typically highly effective. Studies show that most of the procedures are successful, and patients are satisfied with the results. Nonetheless, more in-depth research needs to be carried out to study the long-term effects and safety of this procedure.
Bottomline: Lipoabdominoplatsy Costs and Safety
Lipoabdominoplatsy is an advanced surgical procedure that combines tummy tuck and liposuction procedures. The surgery helps create a sculpted waistline, hence, giving your body a fitter and more youthful look. It removes excess fat, loosens the skin, and tightens the abdominal muscles.
You should always consult an experienced surgeon to ensure this procedure is safe and suitable for you.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References and Fact-Checking
- O’Kelly, N., Nguyen, K., Gibstein, A., Bradley, J. P., Tanna, N., & Matarasso, A. (2020). Standards and Trends in Lipoabdominoplasty. Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open, 8(10), e3144. https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000003144
- Rangaswamy M. (2008). Lipoabdominoplasty: A versatile and safe technique for abdominal contouring. Indian journal of plastic surgery : official publication of the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India, 41(Suppl), S48–S55.
- Vila-Rovira, R. (2008). Lipoabdominoplasty. Clinics in Plastic Surgery, 35(1), 95–104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cps.2007.09.002
