Liposuction upper abdominal area after 2 pregnancies

Question

Hi, I am planning to do a liposuction in the upper abdominal area after 2 pregnancies. Is this a good decision?

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

Upper abdominal liposuction can be a good decision for the right patient, but only if the problem is mainly a localized fat layer and your skin has enough elasticity to contract afterward. After two pregnancies, many patients also have some skin looseness, stretch changes, or muscle separation, and liposuction will not correct those issues.

If there is rectus diastasis, a hernia, or loose abdominal skin, liposuction alone may leave the abdomen still rounded or can make wrinkling and irregularity more noticeable. In those cases, a tummy tuck, muscle repair, or a combined approach may be more appropriate than isolated upper abdominal liposuction.

It is also important to evaluate the whole abdomen, waist, and flanks rather than treating only one small area. Removing fat only from the upper abdomen can sometimes create imbalance if the lower abdomen or sides are not addressed in the plan.

A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon can determine whether your concern is fat, loose skin, muscle separation, or a combination. If your skin is firm and your concern is a pinchable fat pocket, liposuction may be reasonable. If the issue is pregnancy-related laxity, liposuction alone may not give the result you are hoping for.

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry!   Liposuction is an option, but an abdominoplasty would correct the muscle that usually separates during pregnancies.  We would love to sit down with you to discuss your concerns.  Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your options.

Fernando Ovalle Jr., MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question! Unfortunately we don't have enough information to make a personalized recommendation. In my opinion, liposuction of the abdomen is typically best done to the entire abdomen/flanks area since it is one cohesive unit. We also look at the back as well and may recommend lipo 360 for best results on the entire trunk. Liposuction in general is best for patients of stabe weight with good skin tone (no excess laxity, stretch marks, overhang, which can all potentially worsen after aggressive liposuction). Pregnancy usually stretches the skin and also results in spread of the abdominal/rectus muscles (diastasis). Liposuction can only remove fat and not skin, and cannot fix the position of the muscles in the same way an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) can. An in person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon will be able to guide you to the appropriate plan for you!

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry. 
For me to offer a valid medical opinion, it's essential to review images of your body from various perspectives. I recommend seeking treatment from a board-certified plastic surgeon with expertise in this procedure to achieve optimal results. 
Respectfully, Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, you have not provided any photographs. However, liposuction only removes fat, not excess skin. The skin can hang and you may be better off with a tummy tuck. I would need photographs to give you a more accurate answer.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Brian May, MD · Answer

Hi, unfortunately without photographs, it is difficult to give a great answer. However, after pregnancy there are multiple changes that can happen to the abdomen which include 1) increased skin laxity/excess skin 2) increased fat/change in the fat distribution, and 3) abdominal muscle separation. Liposuction alone treats the fat and and can aid in some level of skin contraction if done correctly. However there is a limit to what can be accomplished with liposuction alone. I would recommend consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals. After a comprehensive physical exam, your physician should be able to guide you through your treatment options which may or may not include liposuction. I hope this helps and best of luck!

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Depending of the underlying problem and your weight it is possible that you may need more than liposuction of upper abdomen in order to achieve desired look. However, without any photos it would be very hard to guess. Good luck.

Ven Erella, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. To decide to get upper abdominal liposuction is a personal choice that is influenced by your health, your expectations, and the consultation of a board-certified surgeon. Liposuction can be helpful for fat deposits that may not go away with diet and exercise. Although liposuction eliminates fat, it does not tighten or remove extra skin. However, to give your body time to heal from the physical stress of pregnancy and childbirth and to regulate your hormone levels, it is advised to wait at least six months to a year after giving birth before liposuction. A comprehensive consultation with a board-certified surgeon is essential to discuss your goals, the possible options after examination, the risks, and the best time for the procedure.

Roger Smith, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Witty245956!
Yes, liposuction to the upper abdomen can be a beneficial option for improving the contour of your abdomen after pregnancies, however, there are important factors to consider in order to choose the treatment plan that will yield the results you are looking for:1. Do you have significant separation of the abdominal muscles after your pregnancies (rectus diastasis)? If so, an abdominoplasty may be required to yield the abdominal contour that you want.2. Is there a reason that you would not consider liposuction to the lower abdomen as well? In most instances, there is usually excess abdominal fat in this region as well that may need to be addressed.
Certainly, a consultation and examination with a qualified surgeon can help to understand your specific aesthetic goals and guide you to the appropriate treatment approach. 
Sincerely,
Dr. Smith'

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, if you have excess fat in your upper abdomen, then liposuction will be very helpful. An examination can determine if liposuction of the lower abdomen or flank areas will be helpful too.

Liposuction upper abdominal area after 2 pregnancies

Answers (15)

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