Getting a flat abdomen, which results in a thinner silhouette is one of the aesthetic goals of any person suffering from excess tummy fat. Due to aging or lack of physical activity, skin abdomen loosens and fat starts accumulating in the abdominal area.
If your abdomen fat resists to both physical activity and a healthy lifestyle, then the only solution to get rid of it is through cosmetic surgery: abdominoplasty. An abdominoplasty will remove stubborn fat pockets as well as excess skin in the abdominal area.
What are the techniques used in cosmetic surgery to obtain a flat abdomen and who are the good candidates for this procedure?
Removing abdomen fat with a liposuction
Liposuction is one of the most requested and performed surgical procedures worldwide. The procedure uses a suction technique to remove fat from specific areas of the body such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms or neck. Liposuction also shapes and contours these areas. Regardless of the treatment area, results are visible after few weeks: the skin is toned and the treated area is rendered more refined and good-looking.
Liposuction is the easiest cosmetic surgery to achieve a flat abdomen: the principle of the procedure is to suction fat located in between the skin and abdominal muscles.
If skin slackening is moderate, then abdomen skin may be able to retract after the procedure.
Removing skin excess with an abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty, commonly known as tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat and restores muscles in the abdominal region to create a flatter and tighter abdominal profile. If the patient suffers from excess skin, then a liposuction would not suffice: besides having recourse to liposuction, a tummy tuck is also needed to sculpt a firmer stomach (the skin between the umbilicus and the public area).
Abdominoplasty is a more complete and heavier procedure than liposuction. If post-surgical scarring is minor for a liposuction, abdominoplasty leaves heavier marks (the incision is generally performed around the pubic area). Recovery also lasts longer for an abdominoplasty. A patient who wishes to undergo an abdominoplasty, may be subject to severe complications after the surgery.
Regardless, the surgeon will make sure to conduct a thorough diagnosis of the patient’s general health status before the surgery. These include blood examinations and other examinations related to abdominal skin quality.