What are the Alternatives to Liposuction?

There are a variety of different options for surgically removing excess belly fat. A good plastic surgeon will pick the best technique for you. This will depend on the amount and location of the fat you want removed, and also whether you also have excess skin.

The most common methods for removing fat are liposuction, ultrasound-assisted liposuction and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck!)

Liposuction is when suction is used to remove deposits of fat. The surgeon inserts a tube into a small incision. Fat cells are then sucked out of the body.

All sounds a bit scary? Well do not panic, there are other options open to you if you want to get rid of belly fat.

Ultrasound-Assisted liposuction is a new liposuction technique. Ultrasound (sound waves) are used to ‘dissolve' fat. The fat is then sucked out via a tube. This may be the best option for you if you have a large volume of fat you wish to remove, or the fat is in a difficult or stubborn area.

Finally you have the option of abdominoplasty (the tummy tuck to you or I). If your tummy has a large amount of excess skin and fat, abdominoplasty may be the best choice for you. Abdominoplasty is an operation in which the surgeon removes excess fat and skin from the belly. It may also involve tightening the abdominal wall muscles. After abdominoplasty you will be left with a flatter stomach.

If you do decide to opt for liposuction, there are a number of risks you should take into consideration.

You may be allergic to the aesthetic used to carry out the procedure. Although this is extremely rare, it is likely to result in an emergency hospital admission.

After surgery you may experience prolonged swelling and hyperpigmentation (dark spots on the skin). If you stay in hospital while you recover, there is a slim risk that you may pick up an infection / super bug such as MRSA. If you are taking contraceptive pills you will be at an increased risk of experiencing blood clots during and after surgery.

There is also a risk that liposuction can leave you with lasting nerve damage, and a perforated bowel. Smokers and diabetes sufferers should note that necrosis (skin tissue death) is more likely to occur for them, after liposuction.

As with any cosmetic procedure, make sure you do your research before committing to anything. Liposuction may be the best known procedure, but that does not mean it is the best procedure for you.