The Savvy Patient's Guide to Stomach Liposuction Cost, Recovery, and Results

Think a stomach can’t be as sexy as breasts or a butt? The next time you see a Victoria’s Secret ad, look beyond the cleavage - you’ll see tight, perfectly toned abs that most women would give anything to achieve.

Let’s face it: the body part most women are unhappy with, particularly after having children, is the stomach. It’s also one of the hardest areas to tone, which is why a lot of women (and men) are turning to stomach liposuction to beat that last bit of stubborn fat.

A lot of people who are interested in stomach liposuction don’t know where to start. So, in this article, we’re going to look some important factors you should consider before getting a stomach liposuction treatment.

Stomach Liposuction Guide

Stomach liposuction is generally safe and comes with a short recovery time, making it a popular choice for those who have tried other options such as diet and exercise. In fact, it is one of the most sought after cosmetic procedures.

Prospective patients decide on stomach liposuction for numerous reasons:

• To get a flat tummy.
• To look better in and out of clothes.
• To eliminate a belly pooch or muffin top.
• To look thinner overall.

Whatever your reason, liposuction helps many patients feel better about, and improve their appearance.

7 Considerations for Stomach Liposuction

#1 - How Much Does Stomach Liposuction Cost?

Generally, the cost of stomach liposuction in San Francisco falls between $12,000 to $20,000. While this is a sizable range, many factors affect the overall price.

Cost variables can include:

• Your surgeon’s level of skill and reputation.
• The extent of the work you need done.
• Other factors, such as the type of anesthesia and operational facilities.

Although you should be prepared to make an investment in your appearance, especially for a top surgeon, stomach liposuction doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, most reputable plastic surgeons offer payment plans and financing.

Read about our financing plans here.

#2 - Stomach Liposuction and Sagging Skin

Stomach liposuction targets fatty areas and can tighten you up (and stop any jiggling). But if your issue is loose skin or lax stomach muscles — whether from pregnancies or weight fluctuations — liposuction alone will not be the fix you need.

While your plastic surgeon will know best, most patients with sagging skin and lax muscles require a tummy tuck. In some instances, liposuction and a tummy tuck together deliver the best result.

#3 - Have Realistic Expectations

Liposuction is the gold standard treatment for removing fatty deposits under the skin and reshaping the body. The results can be downright dramatic when performed on the right candidate by a skilled surgeon.

But let's get real. Liposuction can help you look slimmer, but it's a not a cure for obesity or lax skin. Expect significant improvement but not perfection.

#4 - Maintaining Results

While stomach liposuction can remove unwanted fat, maintaining results can take personal discipline. If you gain a significant amount of weight after liposuction, the results of liposuction will be lost. Obviously, this is not desirable.

Committing to a healthy lifestyle with proper diet and exercise will generally prevent that from happening.

#5 - What It's Like to Undergo Stomach Liposuction

Your surgeon will perform your liposuction procedure with local or general anesthesia, or twilight sleep. It usually takes 1-2 hours to perform stomach liposuction, depending on the extent of the treatment.

Those who opt for general anesthesia or twilight sleep usually remember very little about the procedure. While you can skip the grogginess by opting for local anesthesia, some patients report feeling stinging sensations during the anesthesia injections, as well as having sensitive spots during fat removal.

Whichever method you and your surgeon decide on, the overall experience isn’t usually painful. Many patients describe it as “tolerable but not delightful.” Afterward, you will experience temporary swelling, bruising, numbness, or tingling.

#6 - Recovery and Downtime

Recovery and downtime really depend on the patient and the extent of the operation. As a general rule, your recovery will involve a combination of bruising, swelling, altered sensation, and mild discomfort.

Expect to be up and about the next day. You will be back to doing normal light activities within a few days and back to exercising in 4-6 weeks. There will be bruising for a week or two and swelling for a month or two.

#7 - Choosing a Qualified Plastic Surgeon

Not all plastic surgeons are created equal. Do your homework, ask around, and select a surgeon who consistently produces great results. Pick someone who is skilled in stomach liposuction.

Some people get distracted by the marketing of a particular “method” of stomach liposuction. They’ll often start searching for “Smart Lipo” or “Laser Lipo,” because they have heard a friend or read somewhere that a certain technique is better than another. But, here’s the thing, 'technique' does matter, but not nearly as much as the skill and the experience of your surgeon.

You shouldn't shop on the "type" of liposuction. Instead, shop for the best plastic surgeon. The best surgeons apply expert skill, knowledge, and technique the situation calls for to accomplish the most gorgeous outcomes. Less qualified surgeons usually apply one technique to all situations.

The right surgeon will be honest about problem areas and help you select the best procedures for your desired results. He or she will not promise the body of a supermodel if you’re overweight or middle-aged. If you come across anyone who's promises are too good to be true - run.

You should be especially mindful of liposuction “chains,” which are more interested in selling as many procedures as possible rather than the health and wellness of their patients.

What To Do Next

Take your time finding a plastic surgeon you trust. Someone whose vision and goals align with your own. If you’re smart and patient, the journey to a better you will be both smooth and rewarding.

If you’re interested in getting a free, no obligation consultation with Dr. Larry Fan, click here. If you're not ready for an in-person consultation, you can take our quick, online self-evaluation to confirm if you're a good candidate for stomach liposuction.