Stomach Liposuction - How to lose stomach fat

The question of how to get a flat stomach is one that many people seek to find an answer for. Stubborn fat sitting around the stomach is a common problem. Many people find that exercise and diet alone won’t get rid of this unwelcome bulge, so they turn to stomach liposuction.

Date: 16th December 2021

Last reviewed: 1st February 2024

What is Stomach Liposuction?

Excess fat around the abdomen and belly area is one of the most common cosmetic concerns.

Stubborn fat sitting around the stomach is a common problem. Many people find that exercise and diet alone won’t get rid of this unwelcome bulge, so they consider abdominal Liposuction.

Stomach Liposuction is a surgical cosmetic procedure in which a qualified surgeon will remove these stubborn pockets of abdominal fat using a special suction tool, leaving the stomach looking flatter, more contoured and more in proportion with other parts of the body. Stomach fat removal can be used to remove fatty deposits on the upper and lower parts of the abdomen, either individually or as part of the same treatment. Belly fat removal is also a great way to rid the body of a so-called ‘muffin top’ - a roll of fat which is visible over the waistband of tight trousers.

Stomach liposuction can sometimes be confused with a Tummy Tuck, otherwise known as an Abdominoplasty, but these are very different procedures. Abdominal Liposuction removes excess fat, while a Tummy Tuck is concerned with removing excess skin, and may involve Liposuction within the procedure.

Stomach fat removal is not a cure for stretch marks, including those which have developed on the stomach during pregnancy.

Stomach Liposuction is just one of a number of different types of Liposuction that targets specific body areas, such as the arms and legs, chin, calf and ankle, knee and back.

What treatments can be combined with this form of liposuction?

Cosmetic Surgery

Liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical procedure to remove unwanted pockets of fat on the body and face.

Tummy fat removal can be combined with other treatments, including Liposuction on other parts of the body, such as the thighs, buttocks, hips and waist.

Stomach Liposuction can be combined with a Fat Transfer procedure, which involves fat being removed from one part of the body using Liposuction and transferred to another, for example to the lips, breasts or buttocks, to increase volume.

Sometimes following Liposuction in the abdomen area, loose skin may be left behind. To combat this, the surgeon can combine Stomach Lipo with Abdominoplasty, or Tummy Tuck, resulting in a flatter, tighter stomach. Excess sagging skin after stomach liposuction is often caused by pregnancy or ageing as the skin isn’t able to return to it’s original position as easily.

Stomach fat removal can also be incorporated into Mummy Makeover surgery. This is a number of procedures combined into one surgery involving the breast, abdomen, waist, hips and thighs designed to restore a woman’s body to its original contours and appearance prior to pregnancy and childbirth. The procedures typically involved are a breast augmentation and breast lift, a Tummy Tuck and Liposuction on various areas of the body, including tummy fat removal if desired.

Cellulaze is a sophisticated laser treatment designed to treat cellulite, and is routinely combined with Liposuction to treat the concerns of cellulite and excess fat together in the same procedure.

Men who come to the Cadogan Clinic for belly fat removal often choose to combine this treatment with male breast reduction surgery (gynaecomastia) for an enhanced result.

If you would like to have another treatment alongside your stomach Liposuction, book an appointment with one of our expert surgeons to discuss which options are open to you.

How much does stomach liposuction cost?

Stomach liposuction costs upwards of £3,950 at the Cadogan Clinic. If you are having other areas of liposuction at the same time as your stomach lipo, then you can expect to pay more.

Two areas of liposuction costs £6,000 and three areas of liposuction costs £6,900.

The cost of stomach lipo includes up to two 30 minute – 60 minute consultations with a leading specialist plastic surgeon at our award-winning premises in Chelsea, your procedure carried out at London’s leading specialist cosmetic surgery centre of excellence, 24/7 on call nurse assistance, a dedicated patient co-ordinator, as a personal point of contact through your journey with Cadogan, a pre-operative medical assessment to ensure you are fit for surgery and a comprehensive post-operative aftercare courtesy of our specialist cosmetic nurses.

All quoted costs online are guide prices only, and subject to confirmation following your in person consultation. Costs are also dependent on whether you have your liposuction under local or general anaesthetic.

Stomach liposuction cost in the UK is not subject to VAT as it is a medical procedure.

Stomach liposuction cost is rarely available on the NHS for cosmetic purposes.

Why do we get stomach fat?

There are two main types of fat: visceral and subcutaneous. Visceral fat sits below the muscle and surrounds the other organs in the abdomen. High levels of this particular type of fat can increase the risk of conditions such as heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. Subcutaneous fat can be ‘pinched up’ and sits directly under the skin. This is the type of fat which can be removed with Liposuction. Visceral fat cannot be removed with Liposuction, and can be reduced through lifestyle changes

Poor Diet
A poor diet often includes high quantities of sugar and fat and lacks sufficient amounts of protein and fibre. Eating foods which are rich in fibre, such as whole grains, fruit, beans, nuts and seeds, can help to prevent stomach fat from forming. Alcohol consumption is also known to cause stomach fat. Many alcoholic drinks are high in sugar and calories.

Lack of exercise
Physical inactivity is a major contributor to the formation of stomach fat. The NHS recommends that we do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity a week. Ideally this should be spread evenly over four or five days. But even if you are doing the recommended amount of exercise, if you have an otherwise sedentary lifestyle, this can still cause stomach fat to form. For example, you may sit at a computer all day for work or spend a lot of time sitting in front of the TV in the evening.

Menopause
During the menopause, it is normal for women to start gaining fat around their abdomen rather than in other areas due to the drop in oestrogen. Due to the hormonal fluctuations, this can be hard to combat with diet and exercise alone.

Genetics
There is also evidence that genetics may play a part in the appearance of stomach fat. Your genetics will often dictate how fat is distributed around your body, and some people are predisposed to gaining more fat around their belly than in other areas of the body.

What else can I do to reduce fat in these areas?

When it comes to how to lose stomach fat, the answer is simple - making fundamental lifestyle changes can help to get rid of stomach fat and prevent it developing. Improving your diet and increasing your exercise levels should always be your first step in reducing fat around your belly

Although there are a number of supplements and medications available to assist in weight loss and reducing fat in the stomach area, it is important to understand how these work and to speak with your doctor first to make sure they are suitable for you.

Unfortunately, not all belly fat removal can be easily achieved through exercise, a healthy diet and lifestyle changes alone. Despite making all the changes listed above, you may find that some stubborn stomach fat remains. Stomach lipo is the most effective method for removing fat which is not responding to a healthy diet, exercise and positive lifestyle changes. Contact Cadogan Clinic to book an appointment with one of our expert surgeons to discuss how we can help get rid of unwelcome stomach fat.

What are Stomach Liposuction Recovery times?

Stomach Liposuction recovery times are typically between 6 – 8 weeks, in line with most standard liposuction surgeries. You can learn more about liposuction side effects here.

Treatments mentioned in this article

Body Surgery

Extended Tummy Tuck

An Extended Tummy Tuck goes beyond the standard Tummy Tuck to remove fat from the abdominal region and the flanks.

Body Surgery

360 Liposuction

360 Liposuction is a surgical body contouring procedure that uses Liposuction to remove excess fat from the circumference of the torso.

Body Surgery

Liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical procedure to remove unwanted pockets of fat on the body and face.

Body Surgery

Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)