Did you know that statistics show that almost 271,000 people got liposuction in the U.S. in 2019? It is the most popular surgical procedure in the country, and it is probably one of the most well-known ones. Plastic surgery, in general, is up, and even though liposuction may not be rising in popularity as fast as some other procedures, it’s still rising.

If you’ve been considering liposuction you aren’t alone, as so many other Americans have already gone ahead with the procedure. But before you decide if it’s worth the investment, it’s wise to be aware of the kind of results liposuction can and can’t offer. If you’re going in with the hopes of getting a flat stomach thanks to liposuction, here’s what you need to know. 

One of the Quickest Solutions 

Liposuction is widely embraced as one of the quickest, most effective ways to achieve a flat stomach and a more slender physique. What liposuction can address is excess body fat and skin in a specific area. That is extremely difficult, if not impossible to do with exercise and diet alone. 

After the procedure, you will have a fair amount of swelling but as that starts to fade in the coming days and weeks, you’ll start to see a more contoured and flat stomach region. That’s just not achievable in mere weeks thanks to diet and exercise. 

Liposuction Can Address More Areas than Just the Belly 

It’s also important to note that liposuction can address more than just a flat tummy. It can shape and sculpt the entire abdomen area, which is more impactful than just a flat tummy. There are targeted exercises you could use to get these results but it would take a lot of time and there is no guarantee of how successful you’d be. 

Will Your Flat Stomach Remain? 

Another question people have is how long those results last. Can you expect a flat stomach for life? The answer is that it’s in your hands. Your results will need to be maintained, which means you could start to see fat accumulate again if you don’t transition to a healthier lifestyle. Embracing a well-balanced diet and regular exercise will ensure the results are lasting, and they can even enhance the results. 

It Can Address Stretched Stomachs 

For some people, the issue isn’t so much excess fat; rather it is stretched muscle that then looks like sagging or excess skin. No amount of dieting or exercise will eliminate this issue. One of the main reasons this happens is that a person had quick and significant weight gain and then lost it. This is what can happen in pregnancy when a woman puts on a significant amount of weight then loses it after the baby is born. That skin may never lay flat again.

This can also happen to a person who was overweight or obese and was able to lose a large amount of weight. The skin may sag as it’s lost all its stretch and elasticity. 

Who Is a Good Candidate for Liposuction? 

The next logical question is whether or not you are a good candidate for liposuction? Meeting with the doctor who will perform the procedure is the best way to get an answer, but outside of that, there are some things to keep in mind. Those who tend to be ideal candidates include: 

  • Non-smokers 
  • Those who have firm skin 
  • Those who have good muscle tone 
  • Those who aren’t seniors 
  • Those who are willing to make healthy lifestyle changes to maintain the results
  • Those who are willing to follow the post-op care and guidelines 
  • Those who are physically well and without any medical concerns or issues 

By meeting all these guidelines you will be less at risk for complications that can arise after liposuction. 

What About Complications? 

Just like with any surgical procedure it’s wise to know what the potential complications can be so you know the red flags to watch for. This will allow you to act in a timely and appropriate manner. 

Some of the complications that can happen include:

  • Infection after the surgery 
  • An allergic reaction 
  • An anesthesia reaction 
  • Fat embolism 
  • Seroma 
  • Fibrosis 
  • Internal puncture 
  • Uneven results 
  • Heart and kidney issues 
  • Numbness 

It’s for these reasons that it’s important to consult with the doctor first to ensure you’re a good candidate, then follow the post-op instructions and attend your follow up appointments. This will ensure that if there are any issues or red flags that they are addressed. 

A Flat Stomach Could Be Yours 

So if you have long since given up on the notion of a smooth flat stomach it may be time to reassess your expectations. If exercise and a healthy diet aren’t cutting it, why not look into liposuction and see if it could be the right solution for you.