Liposuction for Belly Roll

I frequently see patients who have concerns about lower abdominal rolls.  Many of these women present because of the effects of pregnancy, massive weight loss, over eating or lack exercise.  Most of them have tried diet and exercise and despite this, have been unable to solve their problem.  These patients have difficulty finding clothes that fit properly and feel that people stare at them.  This results in lowered self-esteem, self-image and self-confidence.
There are multiple options available for treating abnormalities of the lower abdomen.  Two of the most commonly used procedures are tummy-tuck and liposuction.  These procedures have different levels of complexity, pain, recovery and cost.
Liposuction involves passing a cannula through the subcutaneous tissue while applying suction, which ultimately removes fat cells.  It has a relatively short recovery, is affordable and has a low complication rate.  High satisfaction rates are associated with this procedure.  Its major drawbacks include, less effectiveness in patients with weak abdominal muscles, loose skin and large amounts of fat.
Abdominoplasty tightens the abdominal wall muscles while removing excess skin and fat.  This procedure has a higher level of complexity and longer periods of recovery.  It’s also associated with high satisfaction rates.
For patients with lower abdominal rolls, it’s essential that the appropriate procedure be chosen to correct the problem.  Proper analysis of the skin laxity, muscle tightness, and the amount of fat present are important components of this evaluation.  Using this approach, the best procedure can be chosen and the best result obtained.

If you have excess fatty tissue of your abdomen you may benefit from liposuction or a tummy tuck. If you have good skin tone, with little to no stretch marks then liposuction may be for you. However if you have loose, sagging skin with poor elasticity (stretch marks) then liposuction may not be very effective for you- a tummy tuck may be a better option as it can remove the skin entirely.
A board certified plastic surgeon will be able to evaluate you and determine which procedure is right for you.
Best wishes,
Dr. Bruno