Why are most doctors against liposuctioning the upper abdomen?

Question

Why are most doctors against liposuctioning the upper abdomen? I had my lower abdomen liposuctioned and now my upper abdomen sticks out further than my lower and I have consulted several plastic surgeons that don’t like to liposuction the upper abdomen and seem like they don’t like liposuctioning that area. I’ve have friends tell me the same thing when consulting about their upper abdomen? Why is this?

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

While it is important for each patient to be evaluated individually to determine if you are a candidate, the upper abdomen can absolutely undergo liposuction.  However this area is typically avoided in conjunction with a tummy tuck.  The reason is blood supply issues for the healing abdomen.  I encourage you to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you for a consultation to learn more.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding why most doctors are against liposuctioning the upper abdomen. I am not sure why the doctors you have seen counsel against liposuction. Most experienced board-certified plastic surgeons perform a lot of liposuction, liposuction of the upper abdomen all the time. The only time I think a plastic surgeon would not liposuction the upper abdomen is when the procedure is combined with a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty relies on the upper abdomen. Otherwise, I think there is no reason a plastic surgeon wouldn't liposuction the upper abdomen. I would seek advice from other plastic surgeons. Thank you for your interesting question regarding why most doctors are against liposuctioning the upper abdomen. 
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @Teena14, thank you for your question. Liposuction of the upper abdomen can be performed safely and effectively if the surgeon has extensive experience and skill in the technique. As with any cosmetic procedure, a consultation is vital to establishing a surgical plan that meets your needs, meets your expectations, and takes into account what is possible. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS),International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science” Member (IFATS), American Society of Plastic Surgery Member (ASPS), Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery member (SCCP).

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You may not be seeing the right surgeon, or perhaps your issue is not accessible fat for liposuction. You may have internal fullness that cannot be treated with liposuction.  Most of my patients who have liposuction of the abdomen get upper and lower done at the same time.

Tania Najar, MD · Answer

If you're doing a tummy tuck it's in the patients best interest not to lipo the upper abdomen to avoid skin necrosis due to lack of blood flow. If you are doing lipo only, upper ab liposuction should not be an issue.

Why are most doctors against liposuctioning the upper abdomen?

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Answer: Liposuction

Answer: Liposuction

Answer: Ab liposuction

Answer: Ab liposuction

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Why are most doctors against liposuctioning the upper abdomen?

Answers (8)

Answer: Liposuction

Answer: Liposuction

Answer: Ab liposuction

Answer: Ab liposuction

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.