Sometimes, no matter how many crunches you do or how healthy you eat, it just seems impossible to achieve a toned, contoured stomach.
This is where abdominal liposuction can help.
Abdominal liposuction performed by an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Darren Smith can permanently remove unwanted fat that is more resistant to diet and exercise. This body contouring procedure can sculpt and shape the abdomen into a slimmer, smoother silhouette.
Undergoing liposuction of the abdomen under the expert care of a surgeon like Dr. Smith based in New York City provides several benefits:
- Safe, effective fat removal from the upper, lower or side abdomen, flanks, and waist
- Improved body shape, contour, and proportions
- Clothes fit better off the shelf without tailoring
- Reduced abdominal circumference and slimmer appearance
- Enhanced self-confidence and satisfaction with your figure
- Long-lasting results when combined with a healthy lifestyle
Benefits of Abdominal Liposuction
Some of the benefits of undergoing liposuction of the midsection include:
- Permanently removes fat cells in the abdomen and waist
- Provides a slimmer and more toned abdominal appearance
- Clothing fits better off the rack without alterations
- Boosts self-confidence and satisfaction with your figure
- Complementary procedure for individuals near their ideal weight
- Long-lasting results when paired with a balanced diet and regular exercise
- Minimal downtime and scarring
- Enhances athletic physique for bodybuilders seeking “six-pack” abdominal definition
For patients with mild to moderate loose skin or laxity in the abdominal area, Dr. Smith may incorporate VASER or BodyTite assisted liposuction to provide skin tightening benefits in tandem with fat removal. This can help reduce the appearance of loose skin without undergoing a full tummy tuck procedure.
What to Expect at an Abdominal Liposuction Consultation
An initial consultation at Dr. Smith’s New York office is the next step for patients considering abdominal liposuction. The in-person or virtual evaluation will determine if you are an appropriate candidate for the procedure. Dr. Smith and his team will:
- Discuss your goals for surgery and assess if they are realistic
- Review your complete medical history
- Perform a physical exam, evaluating your skin elasticity and amount of fat in the midsection
- Explain the procedure in-depth, including the techniques Dr. Smith would utilize
- Use state-of-the-art computer imaging to show projected results
- Answer any questions you have about the surgery, recovery, and results
Based on the evaluation, Dr. Smith will provide his professional opinion on whether liposuction alone or combined procedures are most suitable to achieve your objectives. He wants each patient to have a clear understanding of all aspects of surgery before moving forward.
Recovering After Abdominal Liposuction
After surgery is complete, you will spend an hour or so in a comfortable recovery room while the effects of anesthesia subside. It is best to have arrangements for someone to drive you home or to your hotel where the initial healing will take place.
Dr. Smith prescribes pain medication to keep you comfortable as you recover. While moving slowly at first, walking is encouraged to promote blood flow and reduce swelling. Most of Dr. Smith’s patients describepost-procedure discomfort as mild to moderate and subsiding within a few days.
A compression garment is worn over the treatment areas for a few days to a few weeks dependin on the procedure performed to minimize swelling and aid skin contraction. Drainage from the incision sites is common for the first 48 hours to prevent fluid build-up.
Bruising, swelling, and numbness are normal parts of the healing process. These dissipate gradually over the recovery period.
Most patients take about 2 days off from a desk job and 4-5 days before resuming light workouts in the gym. A full workout is generally reasonable in about 2 weeks. Patients can shower in 48 hours but should wait 2 weeks before submerging their incisions in a bath or swimmingallow.
Dr. Smith sees patients for follow-up appointments to monitor healing and answer any questions. His team is available 24/7 for any post-operative concerns.
After about one month, initial improvements to abdominal contour will be visible. However, it takes approximately 3 months for the swelling to completely resolve and for final results to become apparent.
The body continues remodeling itself in response to fat removal over the first year. Following Dr. Smith’s post-operative instructions and integrating a healthy lifestyle supports lasting outcomes.
Is Abdominal Liposuction Right For You?
The ideal candidate for abdominal liposuction is in good overall health and:
- Has tried diet and exercise but has disproportionate belly fat
- Is not significantly overweight and is close to their goal weight
- Wants to refine their figure and reduce abdominal circumference
- Has good skin elasticity with minimal to moderate loose skin
- Has realistic goals for contouring rather than weight loss
For individuals with severe skin laxity or stretched abdominal muscles, a tummy tuck by itself or together with liposuction may be recommended instead to achieve optimal tightening and contour.
Risks and Limitations of Abdominal Liposuction
While serious complications are rare when performed by a specialist like Dr. Smith, liposuction, like any procedure, carries some risks.
Swelling and bruising is normal after lipo and resolves according to a predictable timeline that Dr. Smith will discuss with each patient. He is well-known for his national lectures where he shares his insights and knowledge on improving outcomes and correcting liposuction problems.
Liposuction is not a weight loss treatment and does not replace a healthy lifestyle. Diet and exercise continue to be important to prevent re-accumulation of fat. Liposuction results are permanent if you maintain your caloric balance. Liposuction does not, on its own, remove cellulite or improve the appearance of stretch marks.
Patients with severely inelastic skin that has lost structural integrity may not achieve desired skin tightening, even with VASER or BodyTite. An abdominoplasty may be recommended in conjunction to remove excess skin for optimal contouring in these cases.
Choosing the Right Abdominal Fat Reduction Option
The decision between liposuction versus non-invasive fat reduction mainly depends on:
- The amount of excess abdominal fat needing removal
- Your skin laxity and elasticity
- Your budget and tolerance for cost over time
- Your comfort level with surgery versus non-invasive treatments
- The magnitude of change you are looking for
During your consultation with Dr. Smith, he will evaluate your anatomy and aesthetic objectives. He will then provide candid recommendations on whether liposuction, non-invasive treatments, or a hybrid approach is best suited to help you achieve your goals.
Enhance Your Figure Through Abdominal Liposuction in NYC
Abdominal liposuction performed by an expert NYC board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Darren Smith can permanently eliminate diet and exercise-resistant fat. This body contouring procedure will provide a slimmer, more toned midsection when performed on appropriate candidates.
During an in-person surgical consultation, Dr. Smith will advise if you are suitable for abdominal liposuction based on your anatomy, skin quality, goals, and expectations. He often extends results by incorporating complementary techniques like VASER and BodyTite.
Dr. Smith’s experience, artistic vision, ethical practice, and luxurious surgical facilities have earned him a strong reputation as a top Manhattan liposuction specialist.
If you are ready to finally achieve the abdominal profile you desire through cosmetic enhancement, schedule a consultation with Dr. Smith. Abdominal liposuction could help you feel poised and gain a new level of self-confidence.
