Abdominal liposuction

Abdominal liposuction is a popular surgery aimed at improving the contours of the abdomen by removing excess fat deposits. This procedure is particularly suitable for individuals who want to eliminate fat folds or “fat pockets” that are resistant to diet and exercise. Contrary to the belief that abdominal liposuction is only for women post-pregnancy or men with “beer bellies,” most of our clients are women without a history of pregnancy and men who are active in sports. During the operation, the surgeon makes 4-6 small incisions through which fat is suctioned out using a special cannula. The procedure is carried out under sedation and usually takes between one to two hours. It is important to note that abdominal liposuction is not a method of weight loss but is intended for contour correction. If you want to combine liposuction with weight loss, you can learn more about our eating disorder treatment program. Typically, during abdominal liposuction, one can remove from 700 to 4,000 ml of fat. Possible areas for abdominal liposuction include the lower anterior, upper and lateral parts of the abdomen, sides (love handles/flanks), pubic area, and the line above the buttocks (hip line).

Brief information about the surgery

• Duration of operation: 1.5 – 2 hours

• Type of anesthesia: Sedation and local anesthesia; general anesthesia for individuals weighing over 100 kg

• Hospitalization: 2-3 hours

• Return to normal life: The next day

• Clinic visits: 2-3 times

• Stitches removal: 7-14 days

Why do patients consider abdomen liposuction?

• Post-pregnancy and childbirth effects: Many women want to regain their figure after pregnancy, and it can be challenging as hormonal fat is difficult to eliminate. If you don’t have loose skin and diastasis, liposuction can restore firmness and contour to the abdomen. In other cases, abdominoplasty can help, which you can read more about here.

• Desire for an “hourglass” figure: In this case, clients often combine abdominal and leg liposuction with fat grafting to the buttocks area. The volume might not be enough for Kardashian-like curves, but it’s perfect for a feminine “hourglass” figure. For those seeking extra volume, you can read about buttock augmentation with implants here.

• Hereditary reasons: Not everyone can achieve a flat stomach and definition through exercise and regular sports activities, especially in areas like the sides in women and the lower front part of the abdomen in men. In these cases, liposuction is an excellent solution as it helps quickly and easily get rid of unwanted centimeters and folds.

Who is suitable for the surgery?

The ideal candidate for abdominal liposuction typically meets the following criteria:

• Close to ideal weight: Weight is within 30% of their ideal weight. This is important because liposuction is not meant for significant weight loss but for body contouring by removing stubborn fat deposits.

• Firm and elastic skin with good muscle tone: Liposuction is most effective in people with firm skin and good muscle tone, as this contributes to a smoother and more even appearance after fat removal.

• Healthy without serious illnesses: Candidates should be healthy and not have life-threatening diseases or medical conditions that can hinder healing.

• Free from harmful habits: Non-smokers and those able to abstain from alcohol are preferred for successful healing and minimized risks.

Why South Korea?

South Korea conducts the highest number of cosmetic procedures and surgeries in the world annually. Local doctors are considered the most educated and competitive globally, as only 0.01% of medical school graduates can become plastic surgeons in the country. Korean medical equipment and technology are on par with the United States and Germany, making it one of the top three countries for the best technical equipment in clinics.

All liposuction surgeries are performed in accredited clinics authorized to work with international patients and equipped with anesthesiologists. All surgeons operating on our patients have 15 to 30 years of experience, specialize in liposuction, and do not operate on more than two patients per day. Fill out the QUESTIONNAIRE to help us calculate the cost of treatment, conduct a preliminary consultation, and prepare a travel plan to South Korea for the operation.

How to prepare for abdominal liposuction in South Korea

• Refrain from eating and drinking for 8 hours before the procedure. Take a shower.

• Avoid taking Aspirin, Ibuprofen (including drugs like Advil or Motrin), and other medications that may increase the risk of heavy bleeding for two weeks before the operation. Tylenol is prohibited only during the 3 days before the operation.

• Do not smoke, including hookah and electronic cigarettes. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and can slow down the healing process of tissues. If you smoke, your doctor will recommend quitting before the surgery. Some doctors refuse to operate on smoking patients due to a high risk of complications. It’s unsafe to be around smoking relatives and friends or in public smoking areas.

• Review your medical history. Be ready to answer questions about current and past illnesses, as well as any surgeries you have undergone. Tell about any medications you are taking or have taken recently. Please do not hide this information from the surgeon and coordinators.

• Visit the surgeon for an examination and show him photos of the desired result. When selecting them, try to choose those where the patient’s physique is similar to yours.

• If you have had tests done less than a month ago, you can bring them with you. If not, we will conduct all necessary tests in Korea.

• Ask someone to drive you to the clinic or help you after the operation if you plan to come by car.

• Place items you might need during rest, such as lip balm, water, a chocolate bar, or a mobile phone, next to your bed.

How liposuction is performed

• Before taking the patient to the operating room, the surgeon draws a design on the body. Don’t worry about the marker traces remaining on the skin – after the operation, nurses will wipe down the liposuction area with warm towels.

• Before the operation begins, the patient is taken to the restroom, asked about their well-being, and the last time they had food and water, then laid on the operating table. A catheter is inserted into the arm or leg, through which medications used before anesthesia are administered. The surgical area is disinfected, and the hands and legs are secured with straps to minimize the possibility of the patient moving during sleep. Blood pressure is measured, the anesthesiologist administers a sedative solution, and checks the patient’s condition.

• After the medication takes effect and the patient falls asleep, the surgeon administers a pain relief injection (usually, in the buttock) and begins the operation. A medical solution is injected under the skin to turn solid subcutaneous fat into a liquid, and after a few minutes, it begins to be suctioned out using a cannula.

• After completing the fat suction procedure, the edges of the incisions (2-4mm) are stitched, the area is dried with towels, the patient is awakened, and helped to move to a room for further rest and recovery.

What to expect after

• After the operation, the translator and nurses will wake you up and help you move to the room. Most patients don’t remember this moment and feel as if they woke up in a warm bed – such is the effect of anesthesia.

• In the first 10-20 minutes after waking up, you may feel chills, which will quickly pass. A warm mattress is placed on your bed to make this period more comfortable. There will be almost no pain, dulled by the pain relief injections and medications used during the operation. You will be offered to rest, drink orange juice, and eat porridge to recover faster.

• An hour after waking up, you need to stand and walk for 5-10 minutes in the clinic corridors – you will feel discomfort similar to muscle stretching after a workout, but walking will help you adapt to the symptoms and understand your condition post-operation. If you do not experience symptoms like nausea and dizziness, the clinic staff will start preparing you for discharge – you can change clothes, put on compression garments, take medications and recommendations, and go home.

• Each time you move and strain the area where the operation was performed, you will feel discomfort similar to muscle pain, but there will be no pain at rest, and the body will recover within 5-7 days.

Recovery process

Immediately after the procedure: There is no pain at rest, though medical fluid may leak from the stitches (do not be alarmed by its red color). You can leave the clinic 1-3 hours after the operation ends, provided there are no symptoms such as nausea, weakness, or dizziness.

Days 1-2: The operated area begins to swell; bruises may appear, and active movements can cause discomfort. Try to move and walk as much as possible to help reduce swelling and speed up recovery.

Days 3-7: Swelling reaches its peak and gradually begins to decrease. Bruises, if present, start to yellow. Both swelling and bruises may descend below the operated area – from thighs to knees, knees to calves, from armpits to elbows or chest. This is a natural rehabilitation process.

Days 7-14: Swelling reduces, possible bruises disappear, and you can return to normal life. The surgeon removes the stitches, and you can start showering without using waterproof patches. Regular, prolonged walks are recommended for faster recovery. Don’t forget to apply healing ointment for the stitches to dissolve, soon making the fact of the operation unnoticeable.

Days 14-21: Patients can perform daily activities without discomfort. Continue to avoid intense workouts and physical exercises. Compression garments can be temporarily removed.

Days 21-30: Swelling decreases, and the new shape of the liposuction area gradually appears.

Days 31-60: Residual swelling gradually subsides, symmetry is restored. You can start doing sports, swimming in the sea or pool.

Days 60-90: Swelling completely subsides, and rehabilitation gradually concludes.

6 months post-operation: Full completion of rehabilitation.