Abdominal Liposuction: How to Remove Belly Fat?

At IMAGE REGENERATIVE we deeply understand how the desire to feel comfortable in one's own body is fundamental to psychophysical wellbeing. Often, despite a healthy lifestyle characterized by proper nutrition and regular physical activity, one faces resistant fat deposits localized in critical areas such as the abdomen.

These pockets, defined in medical terms as localized adiposity, can alter the harmony of the silhouette and mask natural muscle tone.

At IMAGE REGENERATIVE, under the scientific guidance of Professor Carlo Tremolada, we approach body contouring with a distinct and cutting-edge philosophy. We consider adipose tissue a precious and living biological resource, not simply waste to be eliminated indiscriminately.

This is why we prefer precision lipoaspiration over large-scale liposuction procedures. We believe that true improvement comes from respecting tissues, not from their aggressive removal. Our priority is to harmonize the silhouette with targeted interventions that enhance your natural structure, ensuring a balanced aesthetic result and avoiding the physical stress typical of more invasive surgical approaches.

What is Abdominal Liposuction and How Does It Work

Abdominal liposuction, or more correctly lipoaspiration when performed with precision techniques, is a surgical procedure aimed at removing subcutaneous fat deposits that resist diet and exercise. It is essential to clarify from the outset that this procedure is designed to reshape the body and redefine volumes, substantially differing from methods for generalized weight loss.

At our clinic, the technique has evolved towards a minimally invasive approach. Through millimetric incisions, almost invisible once healed, the surgeon inserts small-diameter cannulas connected to a gentle aspiration system. The surgeon's expert hand guides the cannula in the deep and superficial adipose tissue, breaking up and aspirating excess fat cells (adipocytes).

The great difference lies in our methodology. Unlike massive liposuctions that can traumatize tissues and require long recovery times, our precision lipoaspiration aims to preserve vascular and lymphatic structures. This respect for tissues allows us to drastically reduce post-operative bruising and swelling. Furthermore, surgical precision enables us to perform, simultaneously with removal, a true "liposculpture", defining areas such as the flanks and waistline to enhance the transition between the chest and pelvis.

The Benefits of Abdominal Liposuction for Fat Loss

Choosing to undergo an abdominal contouring procedure brings benefits that go well beyond simple aesthetic appearance. The first and most evident benefit is the immediate correction of body profile. By eliminating excess adipose tissue in the abdominal region, clothes fit better and the figure appears more streamlined and proportioned.

However, there are biological and functional benefits related to targeted fat removal. Excess fat cells, especially in the abdominal area, can be metabolically active. By reducing their number in strategic areas, the local tissue load is lightened. Furthermore, skin retraction induced by the healing process, if properly stimulated and in the presence of sufficiently elastic skin, leads to a more toned and compact abdominal appearance.

Another fundamental aspect concerns the regenerative approach that distinguishes us. Although the primary objective of this procedure is removal, the fat harvested with our gentle technique is of the highest biological quality.

In many combined protocols we offer at IMAGE REGENERATIVE, this same tissue can be processed using Lipogems technology - Prof. Tremolada's international patent - to be re-grafted in other areas of the body that need volume or regeneration, transforming an aesthetic concern into a precious resource for tissue rejuvenation.

The Pre-Operative Process: What to Expect Before the Procedure

The preparatory phase is a crucial moment to ensure the success of the procedure and complete patient satisfaction. Everything begins with an in-depth specialist consultation at our Milano location. During this meeting, the surgeon evaluates not only the extent of fat accumulation, but especially skin quality. Skin elasticity is a determining parameter: toned skin will perfectly adapt to the new reduced volumes, while skin with poor elasticity may require complementary aesthetic medicine or regenerative surgery treatments to optimize the result.

The physician will take a detailed medical history to exclude contraindications and prescribe routine blood tests and any specific investigations, such as an electrocardiogram. It is established practice to provide precise indications on the lifestyle to adopt in the weeks preceding the procedure. It is strongly recommended to stop smoking, as nicotine constricts capillaries and slows healing processes, and to discontinue intake of blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin, to minimize bleeding risk.

During this phase, the type of anesthesia is also discussed. For precision lipoaspirations on circumscribed areas such as the abdomen, we often prefer deep sedation accompanied by local anesthesia. This approach guarantees maximum comfort for the patient, who sleeps during the procedure, while allowing rapid awakening and same-day discharge (day surgery), avoiding the discomforts of prolonged general anesthesia.

Post-Operative Course and Recovery After Abdominal Liposuction

Recovery after precision lipoaspiration performed with current techniques is decidedly faster than in the past. Immediately after the procedure, the patient will wear a specific compression garment. This garment is an integral part of the therapy: it serves to contain swelling (edema), to shape tissues in their new position, and to promote skin adherence to underlying planes. The garment must be worn continuously for a period varying from three to four weeks, according to the surgeon's indications.

In the first 48-72 hours it is normal to feel soreness, similar to what you experience after a very intense abdominal workout. This discomfort is easily manageable with common analgesics prescribed at discharge. The small surgical access points close quickly and stitches, if present, are removed after about one week.

To accelerate edema reabsorption and optimize the aesthetic result, we warmly recommend associating post-operative course with manual lymphatic drainage cycles or specific instrumental therapies available at our Advanced Aesthetic Medicine area. Return to social and sedentary work activities usually occurs within a few days, while for intense sports activity it is preferable to wait about one month, allowing tissues to stabilize completely.

Long-Term Results and Maintenance After Abdominal Liposuction

The results of abdominal liposuction are to be considered definitive in terms of number of fat cells. Once adipocytes have been aspirated, the body does not produce new ones in that specific area. This means that the profile sculpted by the surgeon will remain stable over time, provided a balanced lifestyle is maintained.

Below we report a table illustrating the key differences between the precision approach we adopt and more invasive methods, to help better understand the value of the long-term result.

Although the removed fat does not return, residual fat cells have the ability to increase in volume if significant weight gain occurs. To protect the investment made in oneself and maintain the harmony achieved, it is essential to follow a balanced diet and practice regular physical exercise. Our patients often notice that, even in case of slight future weight variations, fat tends to be distributed more uniformly in the body rather than accumulating again on the belly, maintaining the acquired proportions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How to eliminate abdominal fat with liposuction?

Liposuction eliminates abdominal fat through the use of thin cannulas connected to an aspirator. The surgeon makes micro-incisions in strategic and hidden points, through which the adipose layer is reached.

With precise and controlled movements, excess fat is fragmented and aspirated, reducing adipose tissue thickness and sculpting the abdominal profile. At IMAGE REGENERATIVE we use precision lipoaspiration techniques that respect surrounding tissues for a natural result.

How many kg of fat can be removed with liposuction?

Liposuction is not a method for losing weight (slimming), but a body contouring procedure. The amount of fat removed is measured in liters, not kilograms, and varies based on patient safety and anatomical characteristics. In precision lipoaspiration, the objective is harmony of forms, therefore moderate and targeted quantities are usually removed to flatten the abdomen and define the waistline, without creating metabolic imbalances.

How is fat aspirated from the belly?

Fat is aspirated using a technique that involves preliminary infiltration of a solution containing anesthetic and vasoconstrictor (tumescent or super-wet technique). This step is fundamental to reduce bleeding and facilitate adipocyte removal.

Subsequently, the surgeon moves the cannula in subcutaneous tissue creating crisscrossed tunnels; this pattern allows uniform reduction and stimulates subsequent skin retraction, avoiding depressions or irregularities.

What happens to the fat from liposuction?

In most traditional facilities, aspirated fat is disposed of as biological waste. However, at IMAGE REGENERATIVE, we have a different vision. If the patient is eligible and wishes, the harvested fat can be processed using Lipogems technology.

This allows obtaining micro-fragmented adipose tissue, rich in regenerative properties, which can be immediately re-grafted to rejuvenate the face, improve skin quality or treat orthopedic conditions, maximizing the value of one's own biological heritage.