Safe & Effective Fat Removal from Belly

What Happens During Abdominal Liposuction?

Belly or abdominal liposuction generally takes around an hour or so. The steps vary slightly depending on the technique used for belly fat removal. Here is a general overview of the procedure steps:

• First, the surgeon will administer anesthesia to ensure the patient doesn’t feel pain or discomfort. In most cases, general anesthesia is used, and the patient is put to sleep, but in some cases, local anesthesia with sedation may be used. 
• The surgeon makes small incisions strategically in inconspicuous locations to ensure the procedure doesn’t leave visible scars. In most cases, the incisions are placed along the natural skin crease or within the belly button. 
• The liposuction cannula is inserted through the incision to access the fat pockets. Typically, only the cannula does the work, but if the tumescent liposuction technique is being used, a solution of local anesthetic, epinephrine, and saline is injected into the target area beforehand. 
• The cannula breaks up the fat tissues. The movement of the cannula will be different depending on the technique used. For instance, in the tumescent technique, the cannula moves back and forth, but in PAL, the cannula vibrates to break the tissues.
• Once the fat tissues are broken, they are removed through suction. The surgeon will strategically shape and contour the abdominal area and sculpt it according to the patient’s requirements. 
• After fat removal, the incisions are covered by sutures, adhesives, or surgical tapes. A small drainage tube may be placed in the surgical site to allow the excess fluid and blood that might accumulate after surgery. 

Immediately after the surgery, the patient is transferred to the recovery room, where his/her health is monitored for a few hours until the effects of anesthesia wear off. In most cases, the patient is discharged from the hospital on the same day.

How to Prepare for Fat Removal from Belly?

The preparation for belly liposuction begins with the initial doctor consultation. He/she evaluates the patient’s physical and mental health and takes a detailed medical history. The doctor does a physical exam and discusses the patient’s goals to determine the best approach for belly fat removal. In some cases, the doctor may also recommend some imaging studies to ensure that the procedure is safe for the candidate. 

After confirming the patient’s eligibility, the doctor will provide some tips to prepare the patient for the procedure. The common instructions include:

• Quit taking medications and supplements that can increase the risk of bleeding or interact with anesthesia, leading to complications. 
• Avoid smoking at least 2 weeks before the surgery as it affects nerve health and blood circulation, impairing the body’s healing abilities. 
• Start eating a healthy and balanced diet to detox the body beforehand and get ample nutrition that improves the healing. 
• Work on reaching a healthy and stable weight before the procedure through diet and exercise to get optimal results. 
• Avoid drinking 2-3 days before the procedure as it causes severe dehydration, and the alcohol can react with pain medications or anesthesia given during the treatment. 
• Arrange for transportation and assistance after the surgery to handle the household chores, childcare, and other things. 

The doctor ensures that the patient is well-prepared and well-informed about the risks and complications, benefits, and other aspects of the treatment. Depending on the specific case, the doctor may provide additional instructions. 

What to Expect After Belly Liposuction?

After belly fat removal, the patient can expect the following:

• Swelling and bruising in the treated area, which is normal and should subside gradually over the next few weeks. 
• Discomfort and pain in the abdomen, which can be managed by pain medications and limited physical movements. 
• A compression garment is placed around the abdomen to reduce the swelling and support the muscles. 

The patient is given detailed instructions for activities, diet, and follow-up appointments to ensure they have a smooth recovery and get the expected results. 

Risks & Complications of Belly Liposuction

Most of the time, belly liposuction goes smoothly, and patients recover without any obstacles. But in some cases, despite the precautions taken by the surgical staff and surgeon, complications do occur during or after the surgery. Some of them are: 

• Seromas or fluid buildup due to damaged blood and lymphatic vessels.
• Reaction to anesthesia, such as nausea, vomiting, confusion, itchiness, etc. 
• Infection in the surgical site due to excessive movement, bacteria exposure, or other reasons.
• Fat embolism if fat tissues are trapped in the blood vessels or travel to other organs, impairing organ function.
• Contour irregularities if the subcutaneous fat is distributed unevenly. 
• Loose skin in people who are older or have poor skin elasticity. 
• Scarring in the incision site may get worse due to poor care or sun exposure. 

Besides these, there may be minor side effects, such as bruising, redness, and swelling in the treated area. These side effects are temporary and often resolve on their own in 2-3 weeks after the surgery. If any of these signs present or persist for a longer period, it’ll be best to see the doctor right away. 

Benefits of Stomach Fat Removal

The potential benefits of abdominal or belly liposuction involve the following:

• It effectively removes stubborn fat pockets and helps to reshape the abdomen to create a flatter and more contoured appearance. 
• Belly liposuction enhances body proportions by creating a symmetrical figure. It gives smoother transitions between the upper and lower body. 
• Most individuals who undergo abdominal liposuction surgery feel satisfied with the results and experience a boost in self-confidence.
• The treatment often serves as a motivation to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle to maintain the results. 
• Excessive abdominal fat is also associated with several health issues, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, etc. The removal improves overall health and reduces the risk of such issues. 

Belly Fat Removal Surgery Cost

On average, belly fat removal surgery cost in India ranges from Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 2,00,000. This is an estimated cost range for the patients, which varies due to the following factors: 

• The targeted body part, i.e., the abdomen
• The amount of fat that needs to be removed 
• The type of liposuction or technique 
• The plastic or cosmetic surgeon’s fee 
• Hospital or clinic-related expenses
• Anesthesia fee 
• Post-surgery care and follow-ups 

As belly liposuction is a cosmetic treatment, it’s not covered by health insurance. Patients have to bear the expenses personally from their own pockets. 

Recovery After Abdominal Liposuction

Generally, it takes several weeks to months to fully recover and see the final results. The overall recovery duration after belly fat removal can vary depending on individual factors and the extent of the procedure. 

The entire recovery will take place at home, and the patient has to be very diligent in following the post-surgery care tips. In the first few days, the patient will have significant swelling, bruising, and redness across the treated area. The patient needs to wear the compression garment 24×7 in the first 2-3 weeks to support the muscles and reduce the swelling. 

Surgery side effects will gradually subside, and the patient will start to feel better and move freely within 2-3 weeks. The results in the earlier phase of recovery are not final, and the abdominal contours will continue to improve over the next few months. The final results may take around 3 to 6 months with a healthy and active lifestyle. 

Tips to Follow While Recovery From Belly Liposuction

Here are some important tips that patients should follow for optimal results. 

• Wear compression garments as instructed by the surgeon to minimize swelling and support the healing tissues.
• Take prescribed pain medication to manage any discomfort, and don’t use over-the-counter pain relievers without the doctor’s permission.
• Avoid strenuous activities and exercise for several weeks to allow proper healing.
• Stay hydrated and follow a nutritious diet to support the body’s healing process.
• Take short walks to promote blood circulation and prevent blood clots.
• Keep the surgical area clean and follow proper wound care instructions provided by the surgeon.
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption, as they can hinder the healing process.
• Sleep in a slightly elevated position to reduce swelling.
• Use cold compresses or ice packs on the treated area to alleviate swelling and discomfort.
• Avoid exposing the surgical area to direct sunlight, and use sunscreen with a high SPF when going outdoors.
• Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with the surgeon for monitoring and guidance.
• Engage in gentle stretching exercises recommended by the surgeon to maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness.
• Maintain a positive mindset and be patient with the recovery; it takes time for final results to become evident.

Following these tips helps the patient to get back to their regular life as soon as possible and enjoy the results of liposuction for a long time.