Abdominal Liposuction

Medically reviewed by John Bergeron, MD

One of the most common areas on the body people struggle with excess fat is the abdomen. It does not matter how many hours you spend at the gym — sometimes you just do not see the results of your hard work.

Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery technique that targets localized fat deposits such as those of the stomach. Some abdominal fat deposits simply do not respond to diet or exercise, and in these cases liposuction is an ideal solution. It is also helpful when patients are happy with their overall shape but certain areas are out of proportion.

It is important to note that liposuction is not meant as a weight-loss solution or substitution; it is designed for those who wish to address specific pockets of fat. Abdominal liposuction can create a smoothed, defined abdominal contour.

What Is Abdominal Liposuction?

Abdominal liposuction removes stubborn, localized fat from the upper and lower stomach and waistline — fat that resists diet and exercise — to create a flatter, smoother, more defined midsection. It is one of the most requested liposuction procedures for both men and women. At Houston Liposuction Center, abdominal liposuction is performed awake under local (tumescent) anesthesia, so general anesthesia is never required. It targets stubborn belly and stomach fat, but it is not a weight-loss method or a substitute for a healthy lifestyle.

Benefits of Abdominal Liposuction

• A flatter, smoother, more defined stomach and waistline
• Removes stubborn upper- and lower-abdominal fat that resists diet and exercise
• Performed awake under local anesthesia — no general anesthesia
• A natural-looking contour tailored to your body
• Minimal downtime, with a return to light activity within days
• Long-lasting results, since the removed fat cells do not return

Am I a Candidate for Abdominal Liposuction?

Good candidates are men and women in good overall health with localized stomach fat that persists despite diet and exercise, and who have realistic expectations. Because liposuction removes fat but does not tighten loose skin or repair separated abdominal muscles, patients with significant loose skin may be better suited to another approach — during your consultation, Dr. Bergeron can help you weigh liposuction versus a tummy tuck. If you would like to sculpt your entire midsection, ask about Lipo 360, which treats the abdomen, waist, flanks, and back together. Consultations are always free at our Houston Heights, Katy, and Webster locations, with virtual consultations available for out-of-town patients.

The Abdominal Liposuction Procedure

To begin, the patient is given local anesthesia and the abdominal area is numbed. The procedure involves only a few puncture spots on the abdomen, each a few millimeters wide, so scarring is uncommon. Any visible marks are about the width of a spaghetti noodle and fade with time, becoming camouflaged in the skin tone. Once the entry points are made, excess fat is loosened and suctioned out through a thin cannula.

Liposuction of the abdomen is a fantastic solution for getting rid of those stubborn fat deposits. The shape of your muscles and the amount of fat removed determine whether you’ll see more defined abs, and good results are typically visible in 1–2 months.

Abdominal Liposuction Recovery & Downtime

There is minimal downtime after abdominal liposuction. You are able to walk right after the procedure and can continue with light activities. You’ll be given a compression garment to wear around the abdomen 24 hours a day for the following 2 weeks. Discomfort is minimal — similar to soreness after a hard workout — and mild swelling and bruising can occur. Results continue to refine over the following weeks as swelling resolves.

Abdominal Liposuction Before & After Photos

See All Abdomen Before & After Photos »

At the time of discharge, all patients are given a prescription for pain medication. If they choose to fill it, they will do so at their own pharmacy. Some patients also choose to buy a second compression garment at their own expense.

Financing for Abdominal Liposuction

To learn about liposuction pricing for other body areas, please visit our liposuction cost page.

We accept financing through CareCredit and Cherry starting as low as $79/month. Apply online at CareCredit.com or Cherry Financing.