Liposuction of Abdomen & Waist

Procedure time: 1–3 hours • Stay: day-case or 1 night • Recovery: light activities in days; final contour 3–6 months

What is it?

Liposuction removes localized subcutaneous fat using suction-assisted cannulas under tumescent technique, often with optional energy-assisted devices (ultrasound, laser, radiofrequency) to aid contouring and skin retraction.

Who is a candidate?

• Individuals near their ideal weight with localized fat deposits resistant to diet and exercise and with good skin elasticity.
• Not a substitute for weight loss; best results in patients with realistic expectations and stable weight.

When to choose liposuction?

Choose liposuction when you need targeted contouring of the abdomen and waist but do not have significant excess loose skin or severe muscle laxity that would need abdominoplasty.

Comparison with alternatives

• Non-surgical fat reduction (CoolSculpting, injectable deoxycholate) is less invasive but typically offers subtler results and may require multiple sessions.
• Abdominoplasty is preferred when excess skin or muscle separation exists—see combined procedures below.

Pre-op preparation & tests

• Medical history, blood tests, photos and markings in standing position; stop blood thinners and smoking per instructions.
• Discuss expectations, garment use and limitations; anesthetic assessment.

Day of surgery & expectations

Under local tumescent anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia depending on volume. Tumescent fluid infused, small incisions placed, and fat aspirated with cannulas. Compression garments applied immediately.

How it's done (short)

Tumescent infiltration → fat aspiration with cannula → contour refinement and closure. Energy devices may be used selectively to assist fat emulsification or skin tightening.

Benefits

• Improved waist-to-hip ratio, flatter abdomen, and clothes fit better.
• Quick visible change with relatively short downtime compared with excisional surgery.

Expected timeline

• First 1–2 weeks: swelling, bruising and numbness; wear compression garments.
• 4–12 weeks: reduction in swelling and visible contour improvement.
• 3–6 months: final contour and skin contraction (may take longer if large volumes or poor skin elasticity).

Post-op instructions

• Wear compression garment as advised (often 4–6 weeks), mobilise early, avoid heavy exercise 4–6 weeks.
• Maintain stable weight to preserve results; smoking cessation improves skin retraction and healing.
• Follow-up for wound checks and to address asymmetries or residual fat areas.

Tourmedx packages

We coordinate accredited plastic surgeons, pre-op assessment, recovery accommodation and virtual follow-up. Packages tailored to combined procedures (eg. liposuction + abdominoplasty) are available.