Scottsdale Abdominal Liposuction

Why liposuction?
It is important to know that undergoing abdominal liposuction is not “giving in,” and it doesn't mean “giving up” on a healthy diet and regular exercise. Whether you are a man or woman who has suffered through thousands of crunches in hope of a defined six-pack or a flat tummy, abdominal liposculpture is not cheating your way out of being physically fit. In fact, many types of fat deposits are stubborn and inherently resistant to diet and exercise. So, no matter how many hours you spend in the gym, you just won't see the results you expect... without some help.

For whom?
Contrary to popular belief, abdominal liposuction is designed more for those in fair physical shape, not those who are very overweight or obese. The success of an abdominal liposculpture surgery depends heavily on maximizing skin retraction—meaning that once the fat beneath the skin has been removed, the skin retracts to “shrink wrap” itself over the newly formed muscle and fat structures. For optimal results, the skin cannot hang in empty rolls, as it would in an obese person. (Patients who are very overweight should look into an abdominoplasty for abdominal augmentation.) This procedure is designed to be a helping hand to the body you deserve. A detailed consultation with Dr. Shapiro, a Scottsdale liposuction specialist, can help you decide if you are an appropriate candidate for liposculpture to reach your body contouring goals.

Liposuction Procedure

Dr. Shapiro, a Scottsdale surgeon, routinely uses VASER Liposuction on the abdomen, one of the most advanced technologies in the industry today. VASER Liposuction is a low-energy ultrasound-assisted liposculpture procedure that melts fat tissue before it is suctioned away. This results in a less traumatic surgery with phenomenal, sculpturesque results. VASER technology facilitates maximal skin retraction by allowing the surgeon to work as close as possible to the skin, without causing burns or other complications. Working in close proximity to the skin allows it to tighten effectively over the newly crafted abdominal muscles and waistline, for a taut, athletic look.

For patients who only desire a few, minimal changes, standard VASER Liposuction is the recommended procedure. For those who wish to have defined muscular structures and a more sculpted physique, the VASER Hi-Def procedure will fulfill those desires. In both procedures, scars are minimized by using only small incisions made just below the waistline, at the navel, and below the crease of the breast in women or pectoral muscle in men. For more on a Hi-Def Abdomen, please see the VASER Hi-Def Liposuction section of this website.

Because VASER and VASER Hi-Def are very minimally invasive procedures, they can be performed in Dr. Shapiro's Scottsdale office under local tumescent and oral sedation.

Decisions, decisions...

Abdominal liposculpture is not a simple procedure and should not be taken lightly. The most important decision you are going to make is the surgeon you choose for your operation. Errors made by novice surgeons can result in contour irregularities and dimpled skin... which are both unattractive and extremely difficult to fix. Surgeons should always be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Remember, a surgeon's expertise is more important than the technology he uses.
A successful procedure requires intimate knowledge of fat anatomy and its relationship to the superficial appearance—for example, the natural shape of the abdominal muscles. It is a precise operation that requires careful pre-operation planning, a detailed consultation that define the patient's exact expectations, and an understanding that there is no “one size fits all” procedure. Each patient is made up of a unique anatomical structures and they must be appreciated that way.

Liposuction Recovery

Generally after liposuction, a compressive garment is worn for 3 to 6 weeks, and final results are not evident for approximately six months. Surgical drains are often left in the incisions to help facilitate fluid exiting the body and keep from causing complications. Scars are very minimal.