Aesthetic abdominal procedures are among the most commonly performed procedures in the United States. Abdominal liposuction, abdominoplasty, and "mini" abdominoplasty share the goals of a smooth, flat abdomen and a better overall contour. Although the goals are the same, the procedures are quite different. After a consultation you should have a good sense if one of these procedures is right for you.

Abdominal Liposuction (also called liposculpture, lipoplasty, suction lipectomy)

The abdomen is often the site of localized fat accumulation that may result in a bulge or prominence. Many patients are frustrated by their inability to correct this completely with diet and exercise. Liposuction will remove this fat from underneath the skin without leaving significant scars, resulting in an improved abdominal contour. Recovery times are minimized by this approach as well. However, the skin must have sufficient elasticity to tighten after the fat is removed. Patients with many stretch marks or generally loose or flabby skin may be better candidates for abdominoplasty.

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"Mini" Abdominoplasty

A mini-abdominoplasty is similar to an abdominoplasty except a shorter incision is made and the skin is only lifted to the the navel, which does not have to be moved (although it may be pulled into a different shape as the skin is stretched). This procedure is beneficial for patients with excess skin and fat that is limited to the lower abdomen below the navel. Liposuction may be added to achieve optimal contour.

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