Obtaining the ideal body shape is still a dream for many people, especially in light of the stubborn fat accumulated in many areas of the body that does not respond to exercise or heavy dieting. Therefore, abdominal liposuction operations are one of the most used cosmetic methods to get rid of them, remove sagging skin, and obtain a firm abdomen. So let us walk you through this article to learn about the most important advantages and disadvantages of traditional tummy tuck surgeries, in addition to the role of modern types in reducing the recovery period and avoiding complications.

What is abdominal suction?

Also known as abdominoplasty or tummy tuck surgery, it is a cosmetic procedure that primarily aims to improve the shape of the abdomen and remove stubborn fat accumulated in the abdominal area.

What are the benefits and advantages of abdominal liposuction?

There is no doubt that abdominal liposuction is one of the therapeutic and cosmetic options used to obtain the desired shape, and its most important advantages are the following: 

• Removing excess skin and fat: This surgery may be a major step for obtaining a taut abdomen and an ideal figure, especially after pregnancy, or losing a large amount of weight quickly, as a result of sagging skin and weak abdominal muscles in this area. 
• Improving the shape of the abdomen: Abdominoplasty gives a slimmer, more beautiful waist, which reflects on the individual’s self-confidence.  
• Long-term results: The results of abdominal liposuction last for long periods, especially when adhering to the doctor’s instructions and following a healthy lifestyle. 
• Other health benefits: Tummy tuck surgery provides adequate back support and may reduce the likelihood of stress-induced bedwetting.

What are the disadvantages and risks of abdominal liposuction?

There are a group of side effects and complications that may occur after the procedure, the chances of which may be greatly reduced when choosing the best doctor for a tummy tuck. The risks and side signs include the following: 

• Infection: It is one of the most common side effects that occur after surgical operations, especially when neglecting to take medications on time, or constantly disinfecting the wound.
• Bleeding: Bleeding may occur, especially in cases of people who suffer from blood thinners, and blood clotting usually occurs.
• Skin tissue damage: This is one of the rare side effects that can be overcome by choosing a good doctor.
• Deep vein thrombosis: It is one of the complications whose probability does not exceed 1%, but preventive measures must be taken to avoid it.
• Skin numbness and nerve damage in the abdominal wall: These are changes in skin sensitivity that occur after the operation, and usually disappear during the recovery period.
• Scars: More noticeable scars may form after surgery, especially if non-cosmetic sutures are used, or the surgeon does not have sufficient skill.
• Blood pooling: Blood or plasma may leak under the skin in the surgical area, which usually drains and disappears  during the recovery period.

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What are the types of tummy tuck surgery?

The types of abdominal liposuction surgeries are divided into two main types: 

• Complete abdominal liposuction surgery: It is known as traditional tummy tuck surgery, which aims to treat problems of the entire abdomen. It is also suitable for people who suffer from sagging skin and stubborn fat accumulation. However, it requires a longer recovery time, in addition to the necessity of following a set of instructions to avoid a setback, or failure of the procedure to succeed despite success rates exceeding 90%.
• Partial tummy tuck surgery: Also known as mini-surgery, it is a precise surgery that targets fat in the lower area of ​​the abdomen, specifically under the navel, which is usually associated with aging or minor weight problems. It does not require a long period to complete the recovery process, and its complications are few compared to traditional surgery, but it is not suitable for all cases.

What are the types of liposuction operations? 

The surgical option is no longer the only treatment to get rid of stubborn fat in the abdominal area and obtain the ideal shape. Rather, there are a group of other modern methods, such as:

• Laser liposuction: Laser beams are used to heat the area to be treated and dissolve stubborn fat in preparation for suction and disposal.
• Vaser liposuction: It is one of the modern techniques alternative to surgery, which relies on the use of ultrasound waves to precisely target fat cells without affecting the surrounding area.

What should I do before liposuction?

There are a set of preparatory steps that must be followed before abdominal liposuction surgery, including: 

• The doctor conducts a set of examinations and laboratory tests to ensure the patient's readiness for the operation, and usually includes blood and urine tests. 
• In addition to the previous tests, an electrocardiogram is performed, especially for patients over the age of 45 years. 
• The doctor must be informed of all the medications that the person is taking, in addition to clarifying the medical condition that the doctor identifies during the first visit, to avoid any complications or conflicts between medications. 
• The doctor advises that you should take non-steroidal analgesics and blood thinners such as aspirin for 10 days before surgery to speed up the recovery process and reduce the chances of bleeding. 
• The patient must fast during the day of the operation, and refrain from eating or drinking, including water.

What are the steps of the tummy tuck procedure?

Tummy tuck surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, and lasts for a period of up to 5 hours, and its most important steps are the following: 

• Disinfect the abdomen at the surgical site, to avoid the possibility of infection before surgery.
• Make a partial or complete incision in the abdomen until all layers of the skin are reached, including the muscles. 
• Strengthening the abdominal muscles and separating the main abdominal tissues from the layer of fat that needs to be removed. 
• Suction stubborn fat and trim excess sagging skin.
• Stitch the wound evenly, and apply a bandage to ensure protection of the wound.
• Using tubes to drain fluids and prevent their accumulation in the abdominal area.

The doctor may need to change the position of the navel to suit the new condition, especially if the entire abdomen is incised. 

In conclusion, there are many methods for abdominal suction, ranging from using traditional surgical methods, which have proven their effectiveness over many years, or modern methods such as laser and VASER, which are distinguished by reducing the chances of complications and serious side effects that threaten the chances of the success of the operation, in addition to reducing the recovery period, so you can visit Al-Mousa Specialized Clinics to find out which methods are most effective for your case.

Frequently asked questions

What is the appropriate age for liposuction?

The appropriate age for liposuction is not determined by a specific number. It depends on the individual’s general health condition and the elasticity of his skin. It does not depend on age alone. However, it is preferable that the person be over 18 years old, and his weight must be relatively stable. It is important that he enjoys good health without serious chronic diseases that can hinder surgery or hinder the recovery phase. It is preferable that the accumulated fat be resistant to diet and exercise.

What is the weight required for liposuction?

There is no specific weight required to perform liposuction, but it is preferable that the patient be close to his ideal weight, or that he suffers from slight to moderate weight gain, that is, the body mass index must be less than 30, as liposuction is not for weight loss, but for improving the body’s shape and getting rid of stubborn fatty accumulations in specific areas that do not respond to diet or exercise. The doctor evaluates the condition comprehensively to be able to determine whether the weight is appropriate to perform the procedure safely and achieve effective results.

Does abdominal suction remove belly?

Yes, liposuction can help get rid of belly fat, especially if it results from the accumulation of subcutaneous fat in the abdominal area. Liposuction reduces the size of this fat and thus significantly improves the appearance of the abdomen. However, this operation is not considered effective in getting rid of belly fat resulting from sagging muscles or deep fat surrounding the internal organs, which require a healthy lifestyle that includes balanced nutrition and exercise. Therefore, liposuction is considered a cosmetic solution to improve the shape of the abdomen and is not considered a substitute for weight loss.

Does abdominal suction help get rid of belly fat?

Yes, the abdominoplasty exercise helps in getting rid of belly fat and getting a tight stomach, but you must know that you should apply a healthy, balanced diet and avoid drinking soft drinks, as they are among the main causes of belly fat. You should also eat easy-to-digest foods that do not cause stomach fatigue, drink sufficient amounts of water, and avoid eating foods that contain a lot of fat.

What are the benefits of abdominoplasty exercise?

This exercise strengthens the abdominal muscles and pulls them inward. Suctioning the abdomen while walking is very important in order to get rid of the accumulated fat in this area. It is easy to do at any time without feeling tired and stressed. It helps in getting rid of sagging abdomen and belly. 

What are the best ways to get rid of belly fat permanently?

There are many ways that help in getting rid of belly fat permanently, the most important of which is drinking large amounts of water and making sure to exercise daily, in addition to implementing a healthy diet, an example of which is a calorie deficit.

How many times do I do the abdominoplasty exercise?

You can do the abdominal sucking exercise easily at home, at work, or while driving a car. You can do this exercise at least 5 times a day, by sucking the belly inward for a period ranging between 10 to 15 seconds, taking a few short breaths every now and then, and repeating it at least 10 times at a time.

Medical references 

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