Liposuction
Safe liposuction for a beautiful mind and body.
Abdomen & Waist
Who Is a Good Candidate for Abdominal and Waist Liposuction
- Those wanting to achieve a slimmer waistline
- Those aiming for a more hourglass body shape
- Those concerned about upper body shape
- Those with stubborn fat resistant to dieting and exercise
Treatment Areas for Abdominal & Waist Liposuction
Upper Abdomen
The upper abdomen includes fat from around the ribcage to above the navel. This area contains not only superficial fat (the layer just beneath your skin) but also LFD (deep fat component), which is difficult to reduce through restrictive dieting.
Liposuction removes upper abdominal fat, giving the entire abdomen a more defined appearance and making the rectus abdominis muscles (the vertical lines on the abdomen) more visible. During liposuction, we take special care with these muscle lines, precisely adjusting the amount of fat removed to create a beautifully contoured body. Especially for patients with more fat around the ribcage, carefully suctioning this area creates a smooth transition line from chest to abdomen, giving a more toned appearance.
Lower Abdomen
he lower abdomen extends from the navel to the upper groin area, an area notoriously difficult to slim down due to its significant deep fat component that often causes a muffin top.
When performing lower abdominal liposuction, we thoroughly remove the deep fat component that contributes significantly to the waist line. However, with superficial fat, we carefully adjust the amount removed, preserving some fat to maintain smooth skin texture and feminine curves.
We can also suction along the vertical rectus abdominal muscle lines as much as possible to create an even more toned appearance.
Side Abdomen (Flanks)
The side abdomen corresponds to the waist area and is crucial for creating a snatched waistline. The fat around the waist can give a “straight” body shape with little waist definition.
Side abdominal liposuction effectively removes flank fat to accentuate your curves and create an hourglass waistline.
Abdomen (Upper + Lower + Side)
Abdominal liposuction is performed on the upper abdomen, lower abdomen, and side abdomen all together at once, creating a perfectly balanced abdomen and waist. This procedure offers the advantage of consolidating downtime compared to multiple separate procedures.
Under Breast Area
The under breast area includes fat between the breasts and ribcage. Liposuction for the under breast area accentuates the difference between the breast and underbust, creating an illusion that makes the breasts appear larger.
Pubic Mound
The pubic mound (mons pubis) often accumulates fat after childbirth or with aging. Once fat develops in the area, targeted fat reduction is extremely difficult, and it often remains the same even after significant weight loss.
Though not widely discussed, liposuction of the mons pubis is an option for those concerned with a highlighted pubic mound when wearing tight-fitting pants or leggings.
Waist
Waist liposuction enhances your waistline as well as highlighting your hips, giving more defined curves and the appearance of a toned body from behind.
Upper and Lower Shoulder Blade
Upper and lower shoulder blade areas correspond to the upper back above the waist. “Upper shoulder blade” refers to fat around the shoulder blades, while “lower shoulder blade” refers to fat where the bra wings sit.
Fat accumulation in the upper and lower shoulder area can make your entire back appear bulky and causes bra bulge. Smoothing these back areas of fat through liposuction creates a slimmer, more defined back.
Liposuction Procedure Methods
Abdominal and waist liposuction involves directly removing excess fat cells using specialized cannulas (suction tubes).
We make several small, discreet incisions (just a few millimeters) around the abdomen or waist. Once skin ports are inserted, we introduce the cannulas to carefully suction fat, ensuring no areas are missed while creating natural, smooth contours.
The procedure is performed while you’re under anesthesia, ensuring you won’t experience any pain during treatment.
Downtime for Abdomen & Waist Liposuction
- Pain
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After surgery, you may experience some discomfort similar to muscle soreness. The pain typically peaks 1-2 days after surgery and gradually subsides over 1-2 weeks.
Since the abdomen and waist involve larger treatment areas, pain may be more noticeable than in other areas, but it shouldn’t significantly interfere with daily activities. If you experience severe pain, you can use the pain medication prescribed after the procedure.
- Swelling
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Swelling begins immediately after surgery, peaks after 2-3 days, and gradually reduces over 1-2 weeks. The compression garment provided after surgery helps reduce swelling and other postoperative symptoms. We strongly advise you to wear it for the recommended period advised by the doctor.
- Puffiness
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Puffiness typically peaks 2-4 days after surgery and settles within about 2 weeks. This occurs as lymphatic fluid and anesthetic solution fill the space created during the process of fat removal. It is essential to wear your compression garment to help minimize puffiness as it also helps with swelling.
The puffiness may rarely last 1-3 months since the abdomen contains more fat, but this shouldn’t interfere with normal daily activities.
- Bruising
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Bruising appears a few days after liposuction, at most around a week later. The color changes from dark red/purple to yellow before disappearing naturally within 1-2 weeks.
The extent of bruising varies depending on the amount of fat removed and individual factors. The bruising occurs when small blood vessels are stimulated during the procedure. Your body will naturally break down and absorb the blood and the bruising will fade over time.
- Itching
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You may experience itching after the surgery. The duration and intensity vary between individuals, but it typically appears 3 days to 1 week after surgery.
Main causes include skin dryness from puffiness and skin retraction, as well as friction or sweat from the compression garment. After surgery, fluid tends to concentrate between cells, causing skin dryness and resulting in itchiness.
Moisturizing creams and humidifying your room can be helpful to ease the itchiness, but if your skin is severely itching, you can temporarily loosen the compression garment.
- Skin Retraction
(Tightness and Uneven Skin Texture) -
About a month after surgery, you may notice your skin gets firmer or tighter as skin retraction begins. This is a normal part of the healing process after liposuction and typically subsides over about 3 months.
Skin retraction occurs as tissues work to fill the space created by liposuction. As new cells form and damaged tissues rebuild, the skin temporarily hardens and contracts unevenly.
Rest assured that this is an essential part of the healing process and these are temporary symptoms. Regularly moisturizing and gently massaging the area can help maintain skin elasticity and minimize these symptoms.
Risks & Side Effects of Abdomen & Waist Liposuction
- Infection
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In rare cases, bacteria entering through incisions can cause infection, resulting in swelling and warmth in the treated area. Infection typically can be treated with antibiotics, though severe cases may require additional treatment.
To prevent infection, procedures should be performed in a thoroughly sanitized environment, and incisions must be kept clean.
- Fat Embolism (Economy Class Syndrome)
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Fat embolism is a rare risk during liposuction. It occurs when tiny fat particles enter blood vessels during fat breakdown, blocking blood flow.
These fat particles can form clots that, if they reach the lungs or other vital organs, may cause serious symptoms such as breathing difficulties, chest pain, or decreased level of consciousness. While it is extremely rare, there is a risk of fat embolism syndrome with liposuction. It is important to stay active after liposuction to maintain good circulation in order to avoid forming clots.
- Hyperpigmentation
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During liposuction, cannulas move back and forth through small incisions to evenly remove fat. This process can occasionally cause friction and irritation to the skin, rarely resulting in hyperpigmentation.
At our clinic, we use protective skin ports at the incision sites to minimize scarring. If hyperpigmentation occurs, it typically fades naturally over time and can be further improved with moisturizers and vitamin supplements.
Abdomen & Waist Liposuction Procedure Process
STEP1Consultation
You will need to fill in our patient form and wait in our reception area until you’re called. We offer initial consultation in a private room to ensure you feel relaxed and comfortable. Please feel free to share your concerns in detail during your consultation.
During the consultation, we’ll explain the equipment and instruments used, suction areas and incision locations, estimated downtime, risks and side effects, and post-operative precautions/guidelines. To achieve your desired results, we’ll physically examine your thighs to assess fat quality and quantity.
Once you’re confident with the information provided and decide to proceed with the surgery , we’ll ask you to sign a consent form and schedule your surgery and suture removal dates.
STEP2Pre-Surgery Health Evaluation
On the same day as your consultation, we will draw your blood and confirm you’re a suitable candidate for the surgery. These tests will determine whether anesthesia can be safely administered and screen for anemia or allergies.
Blood tests are essential for monitoring your overall condition during surgery. (Results take 2-3 days, so your surgery date will be scheduled after results are available.)
Our nurse will also explain the compression garment sizing, instructions for when using, and precautions. Please don’t hesitate to ask if you have any concerns or questions.
STEP3Measurements & Photos
On the day of surgery, after our nurse checks your condition, you’ll change into a surgical gown. To track your progress, we’ll take measurements and photos of the treatment areas before the procedure, making it easier to compare your before and after results.
STEP4Surgical Planning (Marking)
After measurements and photos, our doctor will do a final check while marking the ideal contouring shape. We’ll confirm the amount and areas of fat removal based on your concerns. If you want to change the marking area during this time, feel free to share any specific requests.
STEP5Anesthesia
You’ll move to the operating table. We will administer local anesthesia to the suction areas after intravenous anesthesia takes effect. We carefully monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure to ensure your safety.
STEP6Liposuction
We make small incisions (a few millimeters) in the treatment areas and inject a tumescent solution. After attaching skin protectors to the incision sites, we insert cannulas to remove fat. After suctioning is complete, we place drains to help get rid of remaining anesthetic fluid.
STEP7Compression Bandaging
Our nurse will apply compression garments to the treated areas.
STEP8Recovery Room Rest
After surgery, you’ll rest in our private recovery room until you feel better. (We provide warm blankets, since your body may feel cold after anesthesia.)
Once you’ve recovered, we’ll check your heart rate and blood pressure and confirm you don’t have pain or nausea. Please let us know if you experience any discomfort in this process.
Aftercare for Abdomen & Waist Liposuction
Day of Surgery
You’ll be wearing a compression bodysuit immediately after surgery to compress the treated areas. You can go home wearing this garment though we recommend keeping it on for at least 24 hours to help reduce swelling and bruising.
After the first day, you don’t need to wear the bodysuit all day, but for optimal results and minimal postoperative symptoms, we recommend continuing compression when at home and while sleeping for about a week.
Please avoid showering on the day of surgery to prevent bacteria from entering the incision sites.
Day After Surgery
If you prefer to have drainage sutures checked, you can visit our clinic the day after the surgery.
Some patients return to work the day after surgery, but if your job involves more physically demanding work, we recommend taking time off as it could increase swelling and bruising.
3 Days After Surgery
Pain and swelling typically peak around the third day. If pain becomes severe, please take the prescribed pain medication.
The pain level is generally comparable to intense muscle soreness, and while movement may feel difficult, most patients don’t find it significantly challenging to maintain their daily routines.
Whether to return to work or not depends on individual pain tolerance, but most patients resume work 2-3 days after surgery.
1 Week After Surgery
You will need to visit our clinic for suture removal after the first week. After suture removal, you will not be required to follow restrictions such as no bathing, drinking alcohol, and exercising, allowing you to return to your normal lifestyle. However, if swelling or pain persists, please avoid overexertion and gradually return to your routine.
1 Month After Surgery
1 month after surgery, we will ask you to visit us for a post-operative check-up.
By this time, noticeable postoperative symptoms such as swelling and bruising have typically subsided, and your skin starts to retract. Many patients express concerns about uneven skin texture and tightness, wondering if their skin will return to its smooth texture. During your check-up, we’ll not only assess your progress but also address any concerns about postoperative symptoms or results. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to ask, —we are here for you.
3 Months After Surgery and Beyond
After 3 months, most patients notice skin retraction has eased, and results are close to being completed. While the timeline varies between individuals, final results typically can be seen between 3-6 months after surgery.