Belly fat begins to accrue due to certain factors, such as hormonal changes, heredity or aging, notes the Mayo Clinic. In women, these changes may be particularly noticeable after menopause. Belly fat isn't only a cosmetic concern; accumulation of visceral fat--the belly fat that lies deep in the abdomen--has been linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and certain cancer types. The Mayo Clinic notes that daily exercise, including strength-training and tummy-toning exercises, as well as a change to a healthier diet, are key to losing belly fat. But if your belly fat fails to respond to diet and exercise, this leaves you with a sure option--liposuction, a surgical cosmetic procedure that suctions away fat in certain areas of the body.
Step 1
Determine whether you're a good candidate for liposuction. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons notes that the best candidates for this procedure are nonsmoking adults within 30 percent of their ideal weight who don't have a medical condition or illness that could hinder the healing process. Additionally, the ASPS notes that those with a "positive outlook and specific goals in mind for body contouring" make for the best candidates.
Step 2
Consult with a plastic surgeon. Make sure he is someone you can trust. The ASPS advises that you select a cosmetic surgeon with at least five years of surgical training and two years of expertise in all aspects of cosmetic surgery. You'll also want to make sure your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and that he has met current continuing medical education requirements.
Step 3
Know both the risks and the reality. Liposuction is an efficient way to lose belly fat without diet or exercise, but it can cause complications, such as fat or blood clots, uneven skin, rippling of the skin, and anesthesia risks, to name only a few. Swelling from liposuction may take several months to resolve, warns the ASPS. The results of liposuction can be long-lasting; but they can easily be reversed if you gain a significant amount of weight. A healthy, active lifestyle is necessary to maintain the benefits of liposuction.
Step 4
Prepare for your new flat belly well before surgery. The ASPS states that you may require additional lab testing, or that you take certain medications (or adjust those currently being taken). Smokers should quit well before their surgery. Also the ASPS notes that aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements should be avoided, as they can result in increased bleeding.
Step 5
Follow your cosmetic surgeon's post-operative recommendations. The Mayo Clinic notes that you may need a few days before you go back to work and a few weeks before you can return to normal activities. Pain pills and antibiotics may also be prescribed. Your doctor may also have you wear a compression garment after the surgery to decrease swelling.
Tips and Warnings
- A procedure related to liposuction is the abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), which also removes excess belly fat and skin (see Resources).
- If you gain weight after liposuction, you probably won't get it back in your belly, notes the Mayo Clinic, but it will show up in other areas, such as the buttocks and thighs. Liposuction is an elective procedure. The ASPS notes that the majority of health insurance companies will not cover the procedure, nor will they pay for costs associated with complications related to liposuction.
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