Discover our technical expertise and creativity dedicated to body contouring surgery in Switzerland. On this page, we will discuss liposuction of the abdomen and abdominal muscles.

   You will also find useful information on liposuction in general on this page, including questions related to abdominal liposuction.We then invite you to discuss your project during a medical consultation at Quai Perdonnet 3 – 1800 VEVEY or at Avenue Mon-Repos 14 – 1005 LAUSANNE.

   During your consultation with Dr. Stéphane Smarrito, time will be taken to answer all your questions with professionalism and care! We can then discuss together how to plan your abdominal liposuction according to your goals and your project, which will become our project!

Our stomach and hips are the preferred area for small, localized, and stubborn fat deposits, often resulting in bulges. Skin laxity following pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or simply the passage of time, excess fat, and weakened abdominal muscles—when exercise and a healthy diet aren't enough—can correct these imperfections and restore a flat stomach through surgery.

HOW TO GET A FLAT STOMACH THROUGH COSMETIC SURGERY?

Let's look at the different techniques available for men and women and their indications for a flatter and more harmonious stomach.

Why do we tend to store fat in the belly area?

Unfortunately, this is a genetic problem that affects both men and women. Although men are more prone to developing visceral fat, both sexes tend to store fat around the abdomen. This fat, often deep-seated—called steatomerism—is particularly stubborn and more pronounced in some individuals depending on their body shape, much like saddlebags or fat on the thighs and knees in women.
After one or more pregnancies, a small roll of fat may persist even if you are slim and have a balanced lifestyle.
The skin on the body is also subject to aging and loss of tone. Thus, over time, after one or more pregnancies, weight loss or gain, these localized fat deposits can contribute to a more or less significant sagging of the skin, which can even lead to what is called an "apron belly".
While non-invasive body contouring techniques – cryolipolysis, radiofrequency or electrostimulation – are sometimes sufficient to permanently firm the stomach and eliminate small bulges, surgery is sometimes the only lasting solution to regain a more elegant and shapely silhouette.

Liposuction of the abdomen to remove excess fat

Abdominal liposuction is a common and quick cosmetic procedure that yields excellent results and high patient satisfaction. Furthermore, the incisions are minimal, leaving only small scars (3 to 4 mm). In some cases, it can even be performed under local anesthesia or with light sedation.
A very fine cannula is inserted under the skin to suction out excess fat. Skin quality is crucial: if it is firm and very elastic, liposuction may be sufficient.
In cases of muscle relaxation (except diastasis), patients are advised to undergo trunk strengthening exercises.
Liposuction is not a weight-loss method: it reshapes the abdomen permanently, but weight loss is generally minimal (or even nonexistent). Therefore, your weight must be stable before any procedure and even more so afterward.
An abdominoplasty to regain a flat and firm stomach
As previously mentioned, an abdominoplasty is indicated when there is significant excess skin requiring tightening (or simply a tummy tuck). This tightening of damaged and stretched skin can also be combined with liposuction of the abdomen, hips (love handles), and/or back (360° liposuction). Furthermore, if you have diastasis recti (separation of the vertical abdominal muscles, often after pregnancy), this can be corrected during the abdominoplasty.
Because the skin is tightened, an abdominoplasty requires a horizontal incision along the pubic hairline (similar to a large cesarean scar) which is therefore hidden by underwear. With normal healing, it is almost invisible and, in any case, can be concealed using micropigmentation techniques.
The procedure is longer than liposuction of the abdomen alone and is performed under general anesthesia.
A body lift for a more global impact on the silhouette
Generally indicated for people who have lost a lot of weight following a diet or obesity surgery (gastric band, sleeve gastrectomy or bypass), the body lift is a 360° (circular) cosmetic reconstructive procedure that aims to remedy excess skin and fat in the stomach, hips, back but also buttocks and thighs.
The incision is circular and located on the lower abdomen. It is also concealed under underwear and remains quite discreet. However, it is important to follow the necessary post-operative care and avoid sun exposure for at least 12 months.
This is the most invasive of the three procedures and often requires several days of hospitalization because the recovery phase is longer.

Cryliposuction: an alternative to liposuction for small belly bulges
A non-invasive and non-surgical method of body contouring, cryolipolysis is ideal for treating a "small belly." Cryoliposuction is suitable for slim patients with a small bulge who do not wish to undergo surgery. In a single session, it is possible to reshape the area using cold, eliminating approximately 30 to 40% of the fat cells. Results are not immediately visible; it takes about 6 to 8 weeks, and the final result is visible after 3 to 6 months. 

A message from Dr. Stéphane SMARRITO

Article written by the Dr. Stéphane Smarrito specialist in abdominal liposuction