To Ab or Not to Ab, That is the Question!
The Importance of the Abdomen
The abdomen is one of the most important areas in body contouring. Nothing exalts an athletic figure like a well-defined, muscular abdomen (also know as a six-pack). In both males and females, a beautifully sculpted abdomen is a sign of physical fitness and attractiveness. In men a six-pack represents masculinity and strength and in women a flat, well demarcated abdomen with smooth contours enhances beauty and femininity.
Different surgical and non-surgical approaches have been developed throughout the years to improve the appearance of the abdomen.
Non-surgical approaches, such as cryolipolysis (also known as freezing fat), radio frequency, external ultrasound and external lasers have all been used to decrease the girth of the abdomen. Each of these techniques uses a different mechanism of action. They have varying degrees of success. By non invasively targeting the fat cells, the treatments cause the shrinkage or reduction of the cells leading to a decrease in the size of the areas treated. Shortcomings of these techniques include the need for multiple treatment sessions and (for the most part) a conservative decrease in the size of the areas treated.
Surgical approaches to contouring the abdomen include abdominoplasty (“tummy tuck”), liposuction, liposculpting, Hi-Definition Liposculpting and multiple combinations or variations of these procedures.
- Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is a much more invasive surgical procedure requiring general anesthesia and a prolonged recovery time. A tummy tuck also requires a long incision across the lower abdomen, generally running from hip to hip. Fortunately, the scar can usually be concealed under the “bikini line”.
- Liposuction, also a surgical approach, can be performed under general or local anesthesia. Several variations to liposuction exist. Lipo can be assisted with lasers, water or ultrasound. It can also be performed without the aid of any of the above. In that case, it is known as traditional liposuction. Liposuction targets specific areas of fat accumulation. It is not a treatment for general obesity or a substitute for weight loss. The goal of liposuction is the reduction of fat. It can also be used to treat other areas of the body in addition to the abdomen.
- Hi-Definition Liposculpting can be performed under local or general anesthesia. The incisions are small (approximately ¼ inch) and well concealed. The use of local tumescent anesthesia allows the patient to be awake without the need of general anesthesia and therefore reducing the risks associated with “being put to sleep”. During Hi-definition liposculpting, the surgeon approaches the body using the eye of a sculptor to reveal the underlying musculature, smooth contours and achieve a natural looking but well-enhanced physique. Similar to liposuction, excess fat is reduced but unlike liposuction the complex and elegant arrangement of anatomical landmarks and musculature that hides beneath the skin and fat are revealed. The result is a much more physically fit and attractive body.
With any surgical and nonsurgical procedure your result depends on the skills, knowledge and experience of your surgeon and on your goals and expectations. Make sure to ask questions, understand the recommended treatments and request to see pictures of previous patients that underwent the same treatment to make sure you and your surgeon are on the same page with regard to the expected results *.
Frank Soto León, MD is a cosmetic surgeon who is board certified through the American Board of Aesthetic Medicine. For more advice from Dr. Soto on body sculpting and other aesthetic treatments please visit www.omahaliposuction.com where you can read his blog and see before and after photos of actual patients. If you have a question you would like to see answered as one of our blogs, let us know!
