subject: Different Factors Determine Success In Abdominal Liposuction [print this page] Liposuction is a popular body-contouring procedure that shapes the body by suctioning away unwanted fat until the area is a more desirable shape. When people think of unwanted fat, the most common body area they think of is the abdomen. Thus it is no surprise that this is the most commonly treated area in the field of liposuction.
There are many different factors that are considered when liposuction is performed on the abdomen that are not issues when the procedure is performed on other parts of the body. For instance, sex, age, history of pregnancy, history of weight loss and gain, and location of fat all affect the quality of abdominal liposuction.
Because females have softer, less fibrous fat tissue than males, liposuction is easier to perform on women patients. Older patients may have health issues that conflict with the lipo procedure, but there is no maximum age, and abdominal liposuction can be very successful with little discomfort for older patients.
Post-pregnancy weight is a common reason women undergo liposuction. Pregnancy stretches the abdominal muscles and causes the lower abdomen to bulge. The size of the bulge will determine how flat liposuction can make the abdomen after surgery, but most women will be happy with their results. It is a good method for removing the bulge of subcutaneous fat that occurs just above a Pfannestiel incision which is made during a C-section.
Prior weight gain and loss makes fat tissue more fibrous. This can make liposuction slightly more difficult.
When performing abdominal liposuction surgeons must consider the location of the undesired fat. Fat is found in two different levels: superficial and deep. Superficial fat is found just below the skin and is often also referred to as subcutaneous fat. This fat is very easy to remove. Deep fat is found inside the abdominal cavity and attached to the intestines. It is too dangerous to remove this type of fat with liposuction, though it can be reduced with diet and exercise. Luckily most unwanted fat is superficial, and thus easily treated.
There are always general health and procedural factors to consider when undergoing liposuction, but abdominal lipo has specific factors that may influence success. Things like sex and age may seem small, but every little factor must be considered. Doctors should discuss these with patients and help them understand the extent of contouring that will be possible for them as individuals.
